Carolyn M. Grimes

Carolyn M. Grimes is a Partner at Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC, where she focuses her practice on family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and prenuptial agreements. Practicing for over three decades, she represents clients throughout Northern Virginia and has argued before the Virginia Court of Appeals. Her work is defined by a commitment to resolving complex family matters with both professionalism and compassion.

Carolyn earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University, followed by her Juris Doctor degree from the George Mason University School of Law. Ms. Grimes also obtained a Graduate Law Certificate in Employee Benefits Law from Georgetown University Law Center, enhancing her expertise in cases involving retirement and benefit-related issues. Her academic achievements serve as the foundation for her exceptional understanding of family and financial law.

Throughout her distinguished career, Carolyn has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as a Best Lawyer in America (2014–2025), Super Lawyers Top 100 in Virginia (2017–2022), and AV Preeminent Rating (2001–2022) from Martindale-Hubbell. She has been listed among the Top Lawyers by Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and Washingtonian Magazine, affirming her reputation for legal excellence.

In addition to litigation, Carolyn M. Grimes is trained in collaborative law and serves as a mediator, helping families reach amicable resolutions outside of court. A Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, she is also deeply active in pro bono work through Legal Services of Northern Virginia, where she has served as President and earned multiple awards for her contributions. Her dedication, skill, and integrity make her one of Virginia’s most respected family law attorneys.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Friedman, Grimes, Meinken & Leischner PLLC
• President of the Board of Directors, Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV)
• Past President, Alexandria Bar Association
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, Trial Lawyer Honorary Society
• Member, Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• George Mason University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Johns Hopkins University
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges