LaRuby May

LaRuby May is an inspirational lawyer who has been fighting for underserved populations for over 25 years. LaRuby has a wide range of experience representing clients in matters from workers compensation to complex litigation. She is committed to making sure that her clients receive outstanding representation.

Currently, LaRuby represents clients injured by PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 3M earplugs and talcum powder. Her focus is on identifying and supporting plaintiffs from a grassroots level, including those who are often disproportionately impacted.

She has focused considerable time and energy to hold general contractors accountable for providing safe working environments for their workers. Her certification as a state-certified general contractor also gives her a unique perspective in her representation of families’ wrongful death suits. When LaRuby is not in Florida, she is busy managing her own firm, May Lightfoot, PLLC. in Washington D.C.

LaRuby has been instrumental in arguing before the D.C. Council on a number of bills having a broad impact on not only the D.C. area but also society as a whole, including the bill to decriminalize prostitution, create equity between public and private workers compensation systems. LaRuby has also helped draft pieces of legislation meant to remove race and gender discrimination in the calculation of damages in wrongful death and catastrophic injuries cases.

Prior to practicing law, LaRuby served as the Councilmember representing Ward 8 in The District of Columbia. Additionally, she has served the community working to improve the quality of life for underserved District Residents as the Chairman of the DC Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Chairman of United Medical Center Board of Commissioners, and the only public hospital in DC and as the Committee Co-Chair of ReOpen DC.

LaRuby is a frequent speaker at conferences on topics ranging from mass torts, diversity, trauma, leadership and professional development.

Year Joined the Firm
2020

Present Position with the Firm
Of-Counsel

Areas of Practice
Mass Torts

Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
Florida

Education
University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School of Law, J.D., 2006
George Washington University, M.A., 2000
Eckerd College, B.A., 1997

Memberships & Associations
District of Columbia Bar Association
State of Florida Bar Association
American Association for Justice
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity

Professional Leadership
United Medical Center Not-for-Profit, Board of Directors, Chair
Eckerd College National Advisory Committee
Women’s Bar Association, Women in Politics Committee, Co-Chair
Mayor Muriel Bowser Transition Committee, Co-chair Economic Development & Jobs
State of Florida Certified General Contractor