Attorney Profiles

David has followed in the footsteps of his much admired father, the former state Senator, J. Russell Kirby, to become one of the most respected and well-liked attorneys in North Carolina. Over the last 25 years he has handled cases ranging from product liability to catastrophic personal injury to work-place safety and security. With his then partner, John Edwards, he secured the largest jury verdict ever awarded in a personal injury case in North Carolina. He is a frequent lecturer on motor vehicle negligence and damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

David has been repeatedly recognized for his outstanding trial work. He is a member of The Inner Circle of Advocates, an organization of the 100 top plaintiff's lawyers from around the country, he is listed in Best Lawyers in America, and in 1996 was named Lawyer of the Year by the national publication Lawyers Weekly USA.

David has strong ties to the community. He speaks to high school students yearly about the Constitution and Bill of Rights and how they are upheld through the practice of law, and he has coached local youth basketball and baseball teams. He currently is an active member of Edenton Street Methodist Church where he taught the 8th grade Sunday School class for 15 years. He is on the Board of Directors of the Wade Edwards Foundation, and he is a past president and former board member of the children's advocacy group, Wake Up For Children. In the past he has also served on the boards of the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.

In 1997, David won the national Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award for his work representing Valerie Lakey, a 5-year-old Raleigh girl who was eviscerated in a swimming pool accident because of a defective pool drain. The case resulted in a state record personal injury award.

David was also named the Easter Seals UCP Philanthropist of the Year in 2005 for his aid to children with special needs.

David's cases and verdicts have been featured on national television programs such as 20/20, Dateline NBC, CNN, and other television shows.

David is married to Lyn Kirby and has three children: Emily, James and Winston.