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)
- Young Lawyers Section
- 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)