Carly M. Anderson

My interest in a legal career began with my internship with Cooper Ginsberg Gray when I was home from James Madison University for summer and winter breaks. After college, I enrolled in law school at Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law where I had a focus in criminal law and enjoyed participating in moot court competitions. My internship with a Georgia county District Attorney’s office gave me the opportunity to be in court often and litigate my first jury trial.

My professional legal career began through a fellowship at Legal Services of Northern Virginia, where I was fortunate to represent veterans in a variety of matters, including housing, veterans’ benefits, and consumer and family law issues. As a spouse of an Army veteran, I understand the unique challenges military members face, especially those involving family. I was inclined to pursue family law because I wanted to support my clients with their most personal matters during a difficult and emotional time in their lives. Before returning to Cooper Ginsberg Gray as an associate attorney, I served LSNV as a Family Law Staff Attorney, representing victims of domestic violence in matters of divorce, custody, visitation, child and spousal support and family abuse protective orders.

I believe a good family law attorney is compassionate, a good listener, and someone who can present creative solutions. In my practice, I strive to encompass all of these values. I aim to provide practical and thorough advice to help our clients feel comfortable and well-informed about their options. In my experience, I find family legal decisions are best made by the parties involved because they are more likely to follow through with those decisions. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, I will be a strong advocate for my clients in court.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Associate Attorney, Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC (2017 – present)
  • Staff Attorney, Legal Services of Northern Virginia (2016 – 2017)
  • Veterans Legal Fellow, Legal Services of Northern Virginia (2015 – 2016)
  • Intern, Houston County District Attorney’s Office, Macon, Georgia (2012 – 2015)

EDUCATION

  • Juris Doctor Degree, Mercer University School of Law (2015)
    • Mercer Advocacy Council, Moot Court Tryout Editor (2014 – 2015)
    • ABA National Moot Court Competition (2015)
    • Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Competition (2014)
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree, James Madison University (2010) 

LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • Fairfax Courthouse Self Help Resource Center Committee (2023-present)
  • Fairfax Bar Association
    • Young Lawyers Section
      • President-Elect (2020 – 2021); President (2021 – 2022); Immediate Past-President/FBA Board Liaison (2022-2023)
    • Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judicial Screening Committee (2020)
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Virginia Bar Association Domestic Relations Section Council
    • Young Lawyers Division Representative (February 2023 – present)

RECOGNITION

  • Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch® (2024)
  • Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2020 – 2024)
  • Virginia Business Magazine, Legal Elite – Young Lawyer (2020 – 2023)
  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia, Bronze Member of the Rule 6.1 Society for Pro Bono Hours (2019)
  • Legal Aid Society New Attorney with a Fast Start Award (2016)
  • Legal Aid Society Greatest Achievement in Family Law Award (2016) 

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS/PUBLISHED WORKS

  • Fairfax Bar Association, Family Law Legislative Update (April 2023)
  • Fairfax Bar Association, Family Law Legislative Update (April 2022)
  • Fairfax Bar Association Journal, “Update From the Young Lawyers Section” (Feb/Mar/Apr 2022)
  • Fairfax Bar Association, Trial Advocacy in Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court CLE (2022)
  • Fairfax Bar Association, Family Law Legislative Update (April 2021)
  • Second Saturday Workshop, Presenter (2020 – 2021)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia: Attorney of the Day, Volunteer
  • Court Appointed Counsel in Child Dependency Cases

BAR ADMISSIONS 

Virginia (2015)

Carly M. Anderson

Attorney

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