BACKGROUND
Mingkwan Emme Collins was raised in Thailand and Southern California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice, as well as a Master of Education from East Tennessee State University. In 2010, she was admitted to the Virginia State Bar after successfully completing the Virginia Law Reader Program.
Since then, Mingkwan has practiced law in Southwest Virginia, a region she proudly calls home. Her practice focuses on workers’ compensation and occupational disease, including pneumoconiosis (commonly known as black lung). She has dedicated her career to advocating for injured workers and disabled claimants.
Mingkwan has established a strong record of success in evidentiary hearings and settlement mediation. A number of her cases have been published by the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Southwest Virginia Workers’ Compensation Bar and is actively involved in the Virginia Workers’ Compensation American Inn of Court, where she currently serves on the Executive Committee and previously on the mentorship program. Additionally, she is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and serves on its Board of Governors.
Since 2016, Mingkwan has also served as a hearing officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Complementing her legal career, she has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2002, bringing a valuable and compassionate perspective to her work with clients.
Mingkwan is fluent in both English and Thai. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, writing, and advocating for human rights.
Teaching Engagements
Legal Ethics, Discovery, and Social Media – VAWCC Educational Conference – October 2023
Virginia Workers’ Compensation American Inn of Court – SWVA Bar – April 2024
Navigating the Complexities of Employer’s Applications for Hearing – VAWCC Education Conference – October 2024
Multi-Jurisdictional Issues – 2026 Advanced Workers’ Compensation Retreat
