Vanessa Rochelle Dozier

Vanessa Rochelle Dozier

also known as Vanessa Rochelle McKinley

4.9
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 9 years

Family Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Family, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense

1250 Connecticut Ave NW, STE 700, Washington, DC

About Vanessa

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 50%

Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence, Protective Orders

50%
Personal Injury 40%

Slip and Falls, Negligence, Automobile Accidents, Assault, Battery, Wrongful Death

40%
Criminal Defense 10%

Assault and Battery, Theft, Robbery

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-350 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 9 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2016

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ornsby Dozier, LLP

1250 Connecticut Ave NW, STE 700, Washington, DC, 20036

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Vanessa Rochelle Dozier's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

74 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (74) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 74 reviews

Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

A strong litigator

I had an excellent experience working with this attorney during a protective hearing case. There are lawyers who know how to complete paperwork, and then there are lawyers who know how to argue effectively at trial....Ms. Dozier knows how to argue at trial! She was highly professional, well-organized..., and a strong litigator who clearly knew the law and how to advocate with confidence. She came prepared, communicated clearly, and handled the case with precision. I felt well represented throughout the process and would absolutely hire her again. Highly recommend.

Posted by Crystal | December 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Powerhouse

A true professional! Who goes above and beyond to support her clients. She deserves nothing less than a 5-star rating. Thank you for bring me peace.

Posted by anonymous | October 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — The Protector of Father's Rights

Ms. Vanessa Dozier changed the course of my son's life—and my granddaughter’s. He went from having no visitation rights and an outrageous child support burden to sharing meaningful overnight custody nearly 40% of the time. That’s not just a legal win—it’s a restoration of fatherhood, fairness, and fa...mily. Ms. Dozier offered competitive rates without compromising the quality of her representation. She was strategic, responsive, and deeply committed to justice. But more than that, she understood something that too many overlook: it takes more than a mother to raise a child—it takes a village, and it takes a father. Her advocacy gave my son the chance to be the present, loving parent he always wanted to be. If you're looking for someone who will fight for fathers with integrity and heart, Ms. Dozier is that champion. Thank you Ms. Vanessa!

Posted by Tanya | September 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Worth every penny!

My ex husband was a gross narcissist who would do anything he could to make my life horrible. He kept bragging that he had the "best lawyer in the country". Apparently...Vanessa was better. She was very thorough in her strategy and worked hard to make sure I got great results! I can't thank her enoug...h for making sure my children are with me and well and my property is property is secure. I would HIGHLY recommend this attorney.

Posted by TONY | September 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

She was exactly what my daughter and l needed!

I can't tell you how amazing attorney Vanessa Dozier is. There aren't enough words. I thought she wasn't going to remember everything we told her because we hired her a week before our court date but when l tell you she went in the court room and faught for us. She did just that. Do not let her ...humbleness fool you. When she was before the judge she was our warrior. I thank GOD for her. We did win. If you found her you're lucky. Don't miss the sign. She's the one. Thanks attorney Vanessa Dozier!

See All Client Reviews

Vanessa Rochelle Dozier's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Vanessa
Alicia Raquel Lucero headshot
Alicia Lucero

Child custody lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Dozier is a zealous advocate for her clients. I witnessed this firsthand as opposing counsel. She was diligent, professional, and well prepared for court, Her legal pleadings showed attention to detail, and a very strategic approach towards promoting her client's position. I would highly endorse this attorney!"

Stuart Thomas Welch headshot
Stuart Welch

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vanessa is a go-to lawyer to anyone who needs legal advice. She truly cares about every one of her clients, and will stick with them during their time of need. I fully endorse this lawyer."

Andrea Danielle Smith headshot
Andrea Smith

Family lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"In my experience with Vanessa, she has been a knowledgable, professional, and overall great attorney!"

Sahmra A. Stevenson headshot
Sahmra Stevenson

Family lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jaunita Amelia Sabra Flessas headshot
Jaunita Flessas

Family lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vanessa is a zealous advocate for her clients and works hard on their behalf. I highly recommend her."

Claudine Eleanor Harrison headshot
Claudine Harrison

Family lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vanessa Dozier is a brilliant attorney. She is a skilled and fierce advocate for her clients. I am proud to have her as a colleague."

Ross Wesley Albers headshot
Ross Albers

Family lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A strong advocate for her clients."

Jonnese Shantee Crandol headshot
Jonnese Crandol

Family lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Friend

"Ms. McKinnley exemplifies professionalism at all times, and she is a great advocate for her clients!"

Ariel Vontreese Dixon headshot
Ariel Dixon

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Atty. McKinley shows great care in managing the affairs of her clients. She is both skilled and knowledgeable in the area of bankruptcy law."

Sondra Spaulding Boddie headshot
Sondra Boddie

Litigation lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"In the time that I have known Vanessa, she has demonstrated the utmost in professionalism and dedication to her work. She cares about the work that she does and achieving what is best for those that she is trying to help."

View All Endorsements
Michael Gene DeHaven headshot
Michael DeHaven

Family lawyer

Gregory R. Singleton headshot
Gregory Singleton

Domestic violence lawyer

Angela Holliday Hansen headshot
Angela Hansen

Family lawyer

Heidi Kohler Hotz headshot
Heidi Hotz

Family lawyer

Radha Ramanathan headshot
Radha Ramanathan

Family lawyer

Colleen Kirby headshot
Colleen Kirby

Criminal defense lawyer

Sahmra A. Stevenson headshot
Sahmra Stevenson

Child custody lawyer

Alicia Raquel Lucero headshot
Alicia Lucero

Child custody lawyer

Michael S Barrett headshot
Michael Barrett

Family lawyer

Jaunita Amelia Sabra Flessas headshot
Jaunita Flessas

Immigration lawyer

Frank Morris II headshot
Frank Morris

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Claudine Eleanor Harrison headshot
Claudine Harrison

Immigration lawyer

David B. Mintz headshot
David Mintz

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Andrea Danielle Smith headshot
Andrea Smith

Unknown lawyer

David Raymond Mahood headshot
David Mahood

Family lawyer

Hughie Duvall Hunt headshot
Hughie Hunt

Family lawyer

Jessica Tereasa Ornsby headshot
Jessica Ornsby

Family lawyer

Stuart Thomas Welch headshot
Stuart Welch

Domestic violence lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2021

2021 Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2021

Top 10 Best for 2021, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2019

Top 40 Under 40, The National Black Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Attorney at Law, Law Office of Vanessa R. McKinley, LLC

Associations

2019 - Present

National Bar Association, Bankruptcy Law Section

Chairwoman of Hospitality and Event Planning Committee

2018 - Present

Howard County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Present

Prince George's County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Present

Bankruptcy Bar Association for the District of Maryland

Member

2016 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution