Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010 
I am one of three founding partners of Cooper Ginsberg Gray, PLLC, which I helped launch in November 2004. Our firm's mission is, and has been, centered on providing compassionate and competent legal representation, advancing the legal profession, and giving back to the Northern Virginia community.
My 30+ year career in family law began in the courtroom, where I spent more than two decades litigating divorce and custody matters. That experience taught me how cases can unfold when they go to trial — and it's part of why my practice today looks different. I now focus on helping clients resolve their matters efficiently and amicably, outside the courtroom. This means drafting Prenuptial and Post-Marital Agreements, educating my clients about relevant laws and their legal options, negotiating settlements, preparing clients for productive mediation sessions, and drafting Marital Settlement Agreements. When a case has settled, I review the resulting Agreements with my clients before they sign – whether the Agreement was drafted by me, the opposing party or his/her lawyer, or the mediator. My goal is to ensure that my client understands every provision — including the boilerplate language that can seem standard on its surface but often carries real, lasting consequences.
I have also developed a genuine interest in drafting retirement orders of all types, including Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for plans covered by ERISA, as well as military and federal retirement orders. This work pairs naturally with my particular interest in cases involving military spouses — having come from a family dedicated to military service, I bring an informed perspective to the jurisdictional issues and division of military retired pay that these cases often involve.
One of my favorite parts of my work as a family law attorney is simply listening. Every case comes with its own story, and taking the time to truly hear my clients — not just the facts of their case, but what matters to them — has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. It is also what allows me to help them reach resolutions that actually fit their lives. Having gone through a divorce myself, I understand firsthand both the financial strain and the emotional toll this process takes on a family. I am deeply conscious of legal fees, and I work to structure each matter in a way that limits unnecessary cost and conflict, so my clients can move forward with as much stability and as little disruption as possible.
Of course, not every case can be resolved outside the courtroom. In the limited situations where litigation becomes necessary, I work closely with the litigators in our firm to ensure a seamless transition, so my clients continue to receive skilled representation without interruption. I also help oversee the associates in our family law group, drawing on more than three decades of experience to help them grow into excellent advocates for their own clients.
Outside of my day-to-day practice, I give back to the legal community by teaching Continuing Legal Education seminars for attorneys and paralegals. I was also honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors for the Fairfax Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the Fairfax Bar Association.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, Phoebe and Slam, volunteering as a foster for dogs in need of safe spaces and watching live music.
If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (703) 934-1480 or complete our initial consultation form. I look forward to meeting with you.
