7 minute read
THE JC LAW GROUP, LLC
Attorney Jessica Charles founded the firm in 2013 to help families with new practices, technology, and a new way of lawyering.
Article by Alyson Turner Photography By Ro Moreno
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Attorney Jessica Charles is personable and approachable with a drive to help families navigate the legal system. We took some time to speak with her about her career in law, about her firm and about the services she offers. What inspired you to go into law? Way back in the 90s, I was a graduate student of Philosophy & Social Policy at American University and I was trying to make a decision to pursue my doctorate degree or go into the law. While reflecting upon this decision, it hit me that I primarily wanted to inform the public of their rights and help them achieve just resolutions. I came to the decision that practicing law would allow me to allow people to see tangible results in the short term. Although the study of philosophy does inspire and influence beliefs, I knew the law would be more practical in helping someone’s day to day life so after receiving my M.A. I continued at American for law school. It gives me great satisfaction to assist those that have not been able to find the help they needed, and I was able to get them some relief. Fortunately, I was still able to teach some philosophy courses at Prince George’s Community College for about 14 years, so I am happy to have gotten experience in both of my areas of study.
When did you open the practice? Why did you choose to practice in this area?
I opened my office in Upper Marlboro in 2013 I live in the area and felt like this was a good location. It is in the middle of everything, right off the beltway. It’s also in a good physical location, on Apollo drive, just a short distance to the courthouse in Prince George’s County with easy access to other courts as well.
I wanted to start a law firm, with new practices, new technology and a new way of lawyering. I started this journey by participating in various trainings and utilizing new resources to focus on enhancing the practice. The law is going to be very different in the next few years, so I wanted to make sure that I was well up to speed with the innovations in the legal tech world and how that could help potential
clients. I primarily handle family cases, which can be challenging for many reasons. My goal and the whole purpose of building this firm is to show that there is a way to move forward and you will not be stuck forever, but sometimes you need help whether it is a lawyer or another professional. Once you take that first step, and then that next step, it gets easier to regain the sense of lost control or even freedom.
That was how it was when I first started the firm, I took one step, and then another. You just keep going and going, and you hit new benchmarks. The work we do at the firm is to help you feel empowered even though you may be going through one of the most harrowing and exhausting experiences of your life.
How long have you worked in the field?
I have been working in law for almost 20 years. I graduated law school in 2001, a few months before 9/11. I was very frozen in time for a while, a native New Yorker with family and friends in the area, it remains a difficult time to reflect upon. With respect to working, after 9/11 happened, there was a hiring freeze of sorts, so I ended up temping at a lot. I was
fortunate to have a long-term assignment, and then I started working in the DC government, and eventually I worked as a federal government contractor for several years.
My goal had always been to go into the government or international relations work [which is why] it is interesting that I ended up doing primarily family law instead. I was not satisfied with my position and felt I was meant do more. The challenge to make a company, build something, and open a firm was intriguing to me. In hindsight it was crazy because I had no background running a business at the time, but in late 2012 I began working on building my firm.
What services do you offer?
The practice primarily handles Family Law cases; we do handle other matters on occasion, but the majority of our matters are
family law related. The practice handles divorces, custody and child support matters, and fathers’ rights cases.
I try to help the client that has been blindsided and doesn’t know where to go from there. It can be a very devastating situation for families, and we see that now especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of our most successful cases involve “Pre-Divorce Planning” - meaning we have discussions a year to a year and a half in advance to discuss what is going to happen when this occurs. If it goes well it can create a situation that is not as combative and result in an equitable settlement instead of a lengthy and costly trial.
I am working on offering family mediation services as well, and hope to start handling those matters in the near future.
What makes The JC Law Group, LLC stand out?
I believe I am always thinking outside of the box. Since I work primarily with families, there is no cookie-cutter solution. What may work for one family could be totally different for another. I work to guide a client through the process so that they see a clear resolution on the other side.
Can you share with us the advice that you might give to clients looking for legal counsel?
I try to always remember that people want to be heard. When you schedule a consultation, you get an hour with me, and whether they hire me or not a potential client will always have the time to “tell me their story” and leave with guidance and some active steps they can take immediately.
I try to help the client realize that there is a solution and that all hope is not lost so that they are “empowered-in control of the future” as our mission statement says. I want the client or potential client to feel that they have control of their future and they are not trapped despite what may be going on in the moment. I want to always be proud of my work and I want my clients to be proud of our process and our progress. I try to embody integrity, and honesty while being strategic with how to help someone proceed along the way.
Something I say to people all the time, when asked, is that you need to feel comfortable with your lawyer. You are going to be dealing with this person for months or, in some cases, years. It is important that you do not just select a lawyer, but a lawyer in which you can develop a rapport with and that you trust.
Contact The JC Law Group, LLC today to for a case evaluation at (240) 561-9224 or visit www.JCLawG.com.
BEYOND THE JOB
I am a first generation American from New York/Northern New Jersey area originally and went to law school in DC. I came here in 1996 and I was fascinated with the area. I am New Yorker through and through, but the DC area has something special, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it, so I decided to stay upon graduation.
My favorite sports teams are New York Teams. In my spare time I still read philosophy books, and keep up with that field. I have presented a few times at various regional academic conferences, which helps me focus on things outside the law. I like live music, even though we don’t have it right now. Before the pandemic, I liked going to outdoor music festivals and traveling. I enjoy going back up to New York & New Jersey regularly to spend time with my family.
The JC Law Group, LLC provides our clients with experience and zealous representation. Our years of experience combined with our legal knowledge ensure our clients feel confident knowing that they have skilled advocates and the very best representation by their side.
Please contact The JC Law Group, LLC today so we can discuss your legal situation with our free initial consultation. Divorce Child Custody Visitation • Child Support
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