
Memberships and Awards
The Best Lawyers in America
Ohio Super Lawyer, 2004-Present
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated℠ by Martindale-Hubbell®, A.A. Rating
Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Family Law Specialist
Martindale Hubbell A.A. Rating
James R. Kirkland
Founding Partner, Retired
937-223-0697 | jkirkland@kirklandsommers.com
James R. Kirkland is a founding partner of Kirkland & Sommers Co. LPA who is now retired. When he was practicing, he was one of Ohio’s preeminent family law attorneys. James is a pillar of the Dayton family law community and focused his practice exclusively in this area.
James had 50 years of experience and professionalism which made him a valuable resource for both his clients and fellow attorneys throughout Ohio and the country. He has argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on several occasions and was a driving force behind a great deal of current case law. James Kirkland is an ambassador for the profession and advocate for his clients.
Awards and Accomplishments
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Ohio Super Lawyer, 2004-Present
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated℠ by Martindale-Hubbell®, A.A. Rating
- Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Family Law Specialist
- Martindale Hubbell A.A. Rating
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
- President, 1989-1990
- Secretary-Treasurer, 1984-1987
- American Bar Association Family Law Section, Member
- Marital Property Committee, Chairman, 1984-1985
- Trial Practice Sub-Committee, Co-Chair, 1989-1992
- Ohio State Bar Association, 1976-Present
- Past President
Published Articles
- Ohio Domestic Relations. Marital Property Rights
- Ohio Domestic Relations Journal and Advisory Board
Education
J.D.
Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law
B.A.
Ohio Wesleyan
Personal Info
As an OSU alumni, James is passionate about Buckeyes football and has been a season ticket holder for many years. He loves to tailgate with his wife and children at every opportunity. James and his wife reside in the Dayton area.

James R. Kirkland
Founding Partner
937-223-0697 | jkirkland@kirklandsommers.com
James R. Kirkland is a founding partner of Kirkland & Sommers Co. LPA and one of Ohio’s preeminent family law attorneys. James is a pillar of the Dayton family law community and focuses his practice exclusively in this area.
James’ 50 years of experience and professionalism have made him a valuable resource for both his clients and fellow attorneys throughout Ohio and the country. He has argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on several occasions and was a driving force behind a great deal of current case law. James Kirkland is an ambassador for the profession and advocate for his clients.
Awards and Accomplishments
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Ohio Super Lawyer, 2004-Present
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated℠ by Martindale-Hubbell®, A.A. Rating
- Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Family Law Specialist
- Martindale Hubbell A.A. Rating
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
- President, 1989-1990
- Secretary-Treasurer, 1984-1987
- American Bar Association Family Law Section, Member
- Marital Property Committee, Chairman, 1984-1985
- Trial Practice Sub-Committee, Co-Chair, 1989-1992
- Ohio State Bar Association, 1976-Present
- Past President
Published Articles
- Ohio Domestic Relations. Marital Property Rights
- Ohio Domestic Relations Journal and Advisory Board
Education
J.D.
Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law
B.A.
Ohio Wesleyan
Personal Info
As an OSU alumni, James is passionate about Buckeyes football and has been a season ticket holder for many years. He loves to tailgate with his wife and children at every opportunity. James and his wife reside in the Dayton area.
Memberships and Awards
The Best Lawyers in America
Ohio Super Lawyer, 2004-Present
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated℠ by Martindale-Hubbell®, A.A. Rating
Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Family Law Specialist
Martindale Hubbell A.A. Rating



