VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, November 4, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Robert W. Gillikin II has been recognized for achievement in Social Security Disability Law and Veterans Disability Law.

Mr. Gillikin's career reflects a deep commitment to advocacy in Social Security Disability Law and Veterans Disability Law, fields in which he has established himself as an expert. Since 2023, he has served as attorney and founder of The Law Office of Robert W. Gillikin, II in Virginia Beach, representing clients before administrative law judges and managing the full case lifecycle from intake through appellate litigation. In this capacity, Mr. Gillikin presents evidence, cross-examines vocational experts, and handles federal court appeals in the United States District Court, including for other attorneys and firms. He is also responsible for conducting initial client intake interviews personally, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each case.

Prior to establishing his own practice, Mr. Gillikin was an attorney at Rutter Mills LLP in Norfolk from 2009 to 2023. During this period, he continued to build his reputation in disability law while contributing to the firm's mission of client advocacy. From 2003 to 2009, he began his legal career as an attorney with Robert Peirce & Associates PC in Pittsburgh. A defining moment during this tenure occurred in 2007 when he was sent by his firm to conduct a deposition at the Juniata rail yard in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This experience held personal significance for Mr. Gillikin, as it connected him to his family's long-standing history in the railroad industry — his great-grandfather and grandfather were career railroaders, and his father worked as a clerk on a local short-line railroad in Portsmouth to pay for college. Although Mr. Gillikin is the first in his generation not to work on the railroad himself, he represents hundreds of railroaders in FELA litigation (depositions and lawsuits), including an on-site deposition at the Juniata rail yard, which allowed him to feel part of that legacy for a day. His family's military history also informs his dedication to veterans' disability law; his other grandfather served thirty years in the United States Navy and attained the rank of Master Chief.

Throughout his career, Mr. Gillikin has been actively involved with organizations such as the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Southeastern Virginia Homeless Coalition. He has also contributed to the West Ghent Civic League and served on the Virginia Wesleyan College Alumni Council. His leadership roles include honorary membership in the Hunter S. Andrews Society at WHRO; former Board Officer and Vice-President of the Southeastern Virginia Homeless Coalition; former Board Officer, Vice-President, and Secretary of the Virginia Wesleyan College Alumni Council; and member of the West Ghent Civic League. He also volunteers for the Maury High School marching band where his daughter plays saxophone.

Mr. Gillikin's educational background laid a strong foundation for his professional achievements.
He earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond in 2003 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in business management at Virginia Wesleyan College in Virginia Beach in 2000. His legal credentials include bar admissions in Pennsylvania since 2003, West Virginia since 2005 and Virginia since 2009. Additionally, he is admitted to practice before several federal courts: United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia and United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

Support from family has played an essential role throughout Mr. Gillikin's journey. He attributes much of his success to his wife Courtney, who assists with administrative tasks at his practice and whose background as the daughter of a Pittsburgh coal miner helps keep him grounded.

Civic engagement remains central to Mr. Gillikin's values. In addition to the foregoing, he established a $50,000 scholarship endowment at the University of Richmond School of Law to support future lawyers.

Recognition for Mr. Gillikin's contributions includes the Elite Lawyer Award in 2026, the Lawyers of Distinction honor in 2026, MyLegalWin honor in 2026, and Martindale-Hubbell Award in 2015.

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