Editor’s Note: MSJDN asked its members to help us spotlight employers going above and beyond for military spouse attorneys. Each employer in this series was nominated for the 2017 MSJDN Members’ Choice Award by members who told us in their own words about the awesomeness of their employers. MSJDN is thrilled to tell these stories as a way of expressing our gratitude for employers supporting military spouses as they build careers in the legal profession.
The MSJDN Members’ Choice Award recipient will be announced at MSJDN’s Annual Reception in Washington, D.C. on May 10th.
By Faith Foote
Military spouse attorneys often struggle to make inroads with local, small boutique firms when finalizing a Permanent Change of Station, often due to their outsider status. Bucking the trend is Virginia Beach-based Ernest Law Group, PLC, a general practice firm that handles civil litigation and takes on the additional role of reaching out and supporting military spouse attorneys.
“The Ernest Law Group, PLC offers flexible scheduling, doesn’t have unattainable billing requirements, and understands the unique lifestyle of military families,” said Amy Holland, MSJDN member and one of the firm’s three attorneys. In addition to Holland, the firm employs another military spouse who is a former JAG attorney.
Founding attorney of The Ernest Law Group, Anna Ernest, is married to a military veteran herself. Holland previously worked with Ms. Ernest in a different firm, where she admired Ms. Ernest’s generosity and mentorship towards military spouse attorneys. “Ms. Ernest encouraged our previous employer to hire a military spouse attorney who was new to the area, had only recently become licensed under Virginia’s reciprocity rules and had no previous experience working in Virginia. She helped to mentor the new attorney and introduce her to the local legal community.”
The firm is proud to offer legal services to the active duty, reserve, and retired military community surrounding Virginia Beach in the legal areas of family law, immigration, bankruptcy, personal injury, and other civil litigation.
“The Ernest Law Group PLC is not only friendly to military spouses, but it is an overall wonderful place to work. Unlike much of the legal field, it is a firm where collaboration and encouragement is valued. While we provide excellent service to our clients, we are also friends and assist one another in our cases and in personal matters,” said Holland.
Military families are grateful for employers like The Ernest Law Group that provide meaningful opportunities for military spouses to maintain their careers. MSJDN is pleased to recognize the well-deserved nomination of The Ernest Law Group for the 2017 Members’ Choice Award!
Find out the recipient of the MSJDN Members’ Choice Award at the 2017 Annual Reception in Washington, D.C. on May 10th. Tickets and information available here.