January 2021 - Kaufman & Canoles is pleased to announce that Ellis H. Pretlow and Laura Dickson Rixey have been elected Members at the firm.
Ms. Pretlow practices in the firm’s Norfolk office and is a member of the firm’s Estate, Trust & Wealth Transfer practice group. Her practice focuses on trust and estate matters and transfer and fiduciary taxation. Her estate planning work includes thinking through the complex intersection of family succession to implement thoughtful and efficient estate plans for her clients. Her estate planning work often intersects with tax planning, which is a crucial part of the operation of a holistic and well-rounded estate plan, both during life and after death. In addition to the planning component of trusts and estates, Ms. Pretlow also assists clients and their families in the probate and administration of estates and the administration, modification, and termination of trusts.
Ms. Pretlow earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia and her J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Ms. Rixey practices in the firm’s Virginia Beach office and is a member of the firm’s Commercial, Data Privacy and Security, Health Care, Senior Housing and Care Team, and Mergers, Acquisitions and Strategic Alliances practice groups. As part of her health care law practice, Ms. Rixey regularly advises physicians, practices, hospitals, and long-term care providers on commercial, contractual, and regulatory matters. She also frequently assists healthcare covered entities and business associates in analyzing potential breaches of protected health information and HIPPA reporting requirements. Her commercial law practice includes advising clients on corporate law, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Ms. Rixey also has experience in structuring and negotiating commercial real estate transactions, including joint ventures and preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments.
Ms. Rixey earned her B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with highest honors, and her J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
The contents of this publication are intended for general information only and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on specific facts and circumstances. Copyright 2026.
