Atty. Lynn E. Calkins
Lynn E. Calkins is the practice group leader for Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C.
Commercial Litigation Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About Lynn E. Calkins at a Glance
Lynn E. Calkins is a business and litigation attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Holland & Knight LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association. Educated at American University Washington College of Law (J.D., 1993) and University of Delaware (BA, 1990). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - ERISA (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Lynn E. Calkins
Lynn E. Calkins is the practice group leader for Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C. Litigation Group and serves on the firm's Directors Committee.
Ms. Calkins is a trial lawyer and appellate advocate, concentrating in the defense of claims under the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act brought against real estate developers, hotels, retailers and local governments. In addition to this focus, she has handled numerous business and real estate disputes, zoning appeals, regulatory matters and breach of trust cases.
Ms. Calkins has successfully prosecuted and defended actions in local and federal courts across the country with extensive experience on matters pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, where she clerked for The Honorable Deborah K. Chasanow in 1995 and now serves as a member of the court's Bench-Bar Liaison Committee.
Ms. Calkins' litigation successes include the following representative matters:
- obtained a dismissal with prejudice for a multifamily housing developer of alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act brought by an advocacy group
- successfully defended a county government against claims under the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act
- secured favorable settlements of accessibility claims brought against real estate developers
- obtained summary judgment against claims of fraud and breach of contract related to a complex real estate matter
- obtained dismissal of a large computer corporation from an intellectual property case
- obtained dismissal of a university from a breach of contract matter
- obtained judgment after a trial for a satellite company in a breach of contract matter
- obtained summary judgment for a telecommunications corporation in a breach of contract matter
- obtained a substantial settlement for an Indian tribe in a breach of fiduciary case against the United States
- successfully represented an Indian tribe in an appeal to the Federal Circuit
- secured favorable settlements for a number of airlines
- obtained summary judgment for a real estate developer seeking to void expired restrictive covenants
In 2004, Ms. Calkins was selected for Holland & Knight's Rising Stars program, a dynamic and intensive program in leadership, marketing and management. In 2005, she co-chaired that program. In 2006 and 2007, Ms. Calkins served as the marketing partner for the firm's three offices in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Practice Areas Explained
Lynn E. Calkins's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Lynn E. Calkins handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Business & Corporate Law in Washington
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Lynn E. Calkins is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in District of Columbia →
Civil Litigation in Washington
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Lynn E. Calkins is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose Lynn E. Calkins
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Lynn E. Calkins's practice in the field of business and litigation.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association, Lynn E. Calkins can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business and litigation, Lynn E. Calkins can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means Lynn E. Calkins attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Lynn E. Calkins Handles in Washington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Lynn E. Calkins has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Lynn E. Calkins directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Lynn E. Calkins's Practice Areas & Specializations
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