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

LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS

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

RECOGNITION

• Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2020 – 2023)
• Virginia Business Magazine, Legal Elite – Young Lawyer (2020 – 2022)
• 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

BAR ADMISSIONS

Virginia (2015)