About Emily Strak

Emily believes every case begins and ends with the people it impacts. A U.S. Navy veteran and experienced trial attorney, she is driven by a commitment to the individuals and families who trust her during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Before joining Smith Law Center, Emily fought for injury victims in the Hampton Roads area and beyond, handling motor vehicle collision, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Earlier in her career, she defended major insurance companies like State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate, giving her an inside look at how claims are handled—and how injured people are often treated.

Today, Emily serves individuals and families across Virginia who have been seriously injured by negligence in hospitals, nursing homes, and on the road. She is licensed to practice law in all Virginia state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.

Outside the courtroom, Emily lives in Virginia Beach with her husband and two teenage sons. She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and watching her sons compete in volleyball and football.

Education

• Regent University School of Law—Virginia Beach, VA • Juris Doctor, with honors
• South University—Savannah, GA • B.S. in Legal Studies, summa cum laude

Affiliations

• James Kent American Inn of Court, Secretary
• Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
• Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association

Publications

"Genetic Standing: The Constitutionality of Familial DNA Searching on Genealogical Research Databases," 2019. Publication link.

Accomplishments

• Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2025
• Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Up & Coming Lawyer, 2024