Kristen L. Kugel
The focus of my practice has always been family law and I pride myself in being able to assist clients during one of the most difficult and emotional times in their lives. My goal is to provide you zealous representation, while also guiding you through this challenging time. I handle all family law matters including: divorce, property division, support, custody and visitation matters, protective order hearings, and post-divorce modification issues.
Regardless of the issues, I make sure that my clients know all of the options available to them and that they understand how the legal system works to resolve those issues. I take pride in helping my clients think through their options and consider how their decisions will impact them and their families both now and in the future.
Although I believe it is generally in a client’s best interest to resolve issues outside of court where they have more control over the outcome, I realize that some cases must be litigated. I frequently appear before judges in counties throughout Northern Virginia in hearings and at trial, and that experience gives me the confidence and expertise I need to press my clients’ cases in court when that is necessary. My background in oral advocacy programs and my time spent working for two different judges in two different trial courts also provides me with a unique understanding of judges’ perspective from the bench.
I was born and raised in Rochester, New York, but have called Northern Virginia my home since 2009. I believe it is important to give back to my community, and I contribute my time to programs that helped shape me as an attorney. For the past ten years, I have been very involved in the trial advocacy program at my alma mater, George Mason University School of Law. This involves teaching law school students the fundamental skills of trial advocacy. I am very passionate about continuing to provide law students with real world experience while also continuing to hone my own trial skills.
If you would like to speak with me, please call our office at (703) 934-1480 or complete our quick contact form located here. I look forward to meeting you.
Fairfax Family Law Attorney
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Partner, Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC (2021 – present)
- Associate Attorney, Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC (2012 – 2021)
- Legal Intern, The Honorable Judith N. Macaluso, Superior Court of the District of Columbia (2011)
- Legal Intern, The Honorable Jonathan C. Thacher (Ret.), Fairfax County Circuit Court (2010)
EDUCATION
- Juris Doctor Degree, George Mason University School of Law (2012)
- Moot Court Board, Chief Justice
- Moot Court Board Nationals Team
- Curran and Whittington Scholarship in Trial Advocacy, Recipient
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Degree (magna cum laude), State University of New York at Geneseo (2009)
- Phi Beta Kappa
LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Virginia State Bar
- Family Law Section, Board of Governors (2021-present)
- 5th District Disciplinary Committee (2021 – present)
- Fairfax Bar Association
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
- Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University
- Adjunct Professor (2021 – present)
- Trial Advocacy Association, Extramural Teams, Coach (2009 – present)
RECOGNITION
- Recognized in Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine and Virginia Business as one of the DC Metro Area’s top family law attorneys
- Super Lawyers – Rising Stars (2021 – 2022)
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS/PUBLISHED WORKS
- Fairfax Bar Association, Family Law Legislative Update (April 2021 and April 2022)
- Second Saturday Workshop, Presenter (2020 – 2021)
REPORTED CASES
- Bostic v. Schaefer, 760 F.3d 352 (4th 2014) (on brief amicus curiae)
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Virginia (2012)