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Anna Potapova Ernest
also known as Anna Ernest
Virtual Consultation Available
About Anna
Biography
Anna Ernest, the proud owner of Ernest Law Group PLC, is a highly sought-after and recognized advocate. Ms. Ernest is regarded as a determined, assertive, innovative, and client-dedicated attorney.
Ms. Ernest is among a select few attorneys in the country practicing in the area of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), a method used by so many who are unable to conceive on their own, and which includes contractual agreements for an egg donor, sperm donor, embryo donor, and/or gestational carrier or surrogate. Ms. Ernest is privileged to support diverse families, whether they're individuals, heterosexual pairs, or same-sex partners. A fast-changing area of law, Ms. Ernest counsels couples and individuals on the legal issues involved in utilizing ART before drafting a contract that meets their specific and unique needs.
She also has over 10 years of experience in complex Immigration Law, Personal Injury Law, and federal and state civil litigation.
For her substantial accomplishments, Ms. Ernest has been consistently voted by her peers as a “Super Lawyer,” named “Virginia’s Legal Elite,” recognized as a “Top Lawyer” by Coastal Virginia Magazine, selected to the list of “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers, received a “Superb Rating” from , amongst many other distinctions. Ms. Ernest has also been interviewed numerous times by television and print media, including NBC, The Virginia Lawyers Weekly and The News Channel 3, regarding her publicized cases and in search of her professional opinion on legal issues affecting cases both nationally and in Virginia. Ms. Ernest often presents in front of her peers on various topics of her legal expertise.
Courtroom and award success aside, Ms. Ernest values the relationships she builds with her clients and remains a caring and honest legal advocate, striving to address each client’s concerns and goals within their unique situation.
Compassionate attorney representing Clients in the area of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) law, which includes egg donor, sperm donor, embryo donor, and/or gestational carrier or surrogate agreements. Call 757-289-2499
Experienced and compassionate, Call 757-289-2499
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Family
80%
Immigration
20%
Fees and Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 12 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Ernest Law Group, PLC
(757) 289-2499
Fax
(757) 277-0265
Fax
4560 South Blvd, Suite 300, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452
ernestlawgroup.net/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Anna online.
Anna Potapova Ernest's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
56 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (56)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Immigration (15)
Lawsuits & Disputes (6)
Child Custody (5)
Divorce & Separation (5)
Family (4)
Criminal Defense (3)
Appeals (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (2)
Adoption (1)
Alimony (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Business (1)
Child Support (1)
Construction & Development (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Debt Collection (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Litigation (1)
Uncontested Divorce (1)
Violent Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Professionalism (26)
Recommendation (23)
Case Results (20)
Communication Style (13)
Practice Area Knowledge (13)
Advocacy (12)
General Knowledge (12)
Responsiveness (12)
Character & Conduct (10)
Trustworthiness (9)
Staff & Support (8)
Cost of Services (6)
Compassion (5)
Free Consultations (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 51 - 55 of 56 reviews
Posted by Roy | February 24, 2014 | Contracts & Agreements
Excellent Lawyer for contract disputes!!!
I had a contract issue with a construction firm and Mrs. Ernest was able to settle the matter in a month! I was so thankful since this was just in time for the holidays! She would call me any time she had an update. Even if it was Sunday night or Saturday afternoon. I hope I never need a lawyer a...
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2014 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Excellent work!
When I went to her office, she was very easy to talk to. She listened to what I had to say about my ticket. She immediately started looking up information about my case. She worked fast and she was very thorough. She kept me updated daily on my case. We went to court and my case was dismissed! I am...
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Divorce & Separation advice session
My call was a mere 8 minutes/ filled with information I could've Googled with the exception of how and where to file a claim. I felt a little bit rushed. Very transactional.
Anna Ernest
Replied last February 24, 2017Dear Client, I am glad that my advice helped you figure out how and where to file your claim, and I am sorry you felt a little bit rushed. I relayed your comment to Avvo, and I was informed that they now offer longer, 30-minute, sessions. Should you require any legal assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (757) 289-2499. -Anna-
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Immigration advice session
The lawyer had absolutely no clue about any of the questions I asked. If I'm being given information already available on the Internet then why will I call? She doesnt know what is O1 visa & is unaware of the new rule passed regarding Employment Authorization Document & I had to explain all...
Anna Ernest
Replied last February 24, 2017Dear Client, Immigration law is something that I am very passionate about and I always try to do my best to find a solution for every Client. Although I do not recall speaking with anyone about O1 visas recently, I appreciate your feedback. I would be happy to talk more about your case with you, so we can find a solution of your legal problem. Please reach out to me directly at 757-289-2499 at any time. Thank you. -Anna-
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Employment & Labor advice session
I received only information if i talked for free. Lawyer asked me to read my documents which took at least 12 min. Then she indicate times was up. In worst shape I started with. Your ad is very misleading not good results.
Anna Ernest
Replied last February 24, 2017Dear Client, Thank you for your feedback. I relayed your comments to Avvo Adviser Services, and I was informed that they are now offering longer, 30-minute sessions, so Clients like you do not feel rushed. If in the future you ever need legal advice, please feel free to reach out to me directly at 757-289-2499. I would be happy to help you in any way I can. -Anna-
Anna Potapova Ernest's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Anna for years and greatly admire her energy, dedication and creativity in a courtroom. Clients are fortunate to have her working passionately for them. I highly endorse her."
"Anna is a very well-rounded professional who is a pleasure to work with and treats her clients with respect. She will work hard for you and I would recommend her anytime!"
"Smart, aggressive, responsive. Ms. Ernest is a great lawyer who makes her clients the top priority."
"Attorney Ernest is a strong advocate for her clients. She has a no-nonsense approach and gets the job done efficiently, delivering results."
"Anna works very hard for her clients. She has an excellent reputation in the community and gets consistently good results for her clients. She is experienced in family law matters and I look forward to working with her again in the future."
"Anna one of the hardest-working attorneys I know who loves a challenging case and relentlessly advocates for her clients. Her passion for civil litigation and employment law is reflected by the positive outcomes she obtains for her clients. I highly recommend Anna for civil litigation, employment, personal injury, immigration, or any family law related matter."
"I have known Anna since 2010 and know she is a diligent, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney. I endorse her."
"Anna is an exceptional attorney, who is very well respected within the legal community. I endorse this lawyer."
"Anna is a great attorney. Will fight for her clients. She is well rounded and can speak Russian fluently. Highly recommend."
"Attorney Ernest is wise and compassionate toward her clients."
"Anna's commitment to excellence is what makes her stand out among her peers, and the passion she has for her clients and the law makes her an invaluable asset. When Anna represents a client, she considers every possibility and covers every last detail, leaving no stone unturned. A true professional, Anna is a fantastic attorney and a class act."
"Ms. Ernest is a knowledgable, compassionate, and hard-working attorney. She knows the law, and most importantly knows how to apply the law to each individual case. Ms. Ernest is motivated to help others, and takes a good care of her clients. I would definitely recommend Ms. Ernest to a friend or a family member."
"Mrs. Ernest is an attorney that goes the extra mile for her clients. Her work ethic and motivation are apparent in the courtroom and in all areas of her practice."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Ernest. She zealously represents her clients and is always courteous and professional. I have enjoyed working across the aisle from her."
"Anna shows great determination in representing her clients. Her knowledge and drive is a great attribute that gives her the ability to meet her client's needs."
"Anna is quite successful as a trial attorney. I attribute this to her diligence, competence, ability and work ethic. She is also honest and quite pleasant."
"Anna is a great attorney. She works hard for her clients and maintains professionalism."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Ernest to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"Anna is a great, hardworking attorney, one who works closely with her clients in order to best meet their respective needs. The results she gets for her clients are a testament to her strong work ethic. I endorse this lawyer."
"This attorney strives to always represent clients the best way possible. I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2025
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star 2018, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Business Elite 2017, Virginia Business Magazine
2016
Virginia's Legal Elite - Young Lawyer, Virginia Business Magazine
2016
10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
2016
Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2016
Top 10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates
2016
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2015
Clients' Choice Award - Divorce and Separation, AVVO
2015
Clients' Choice Award - Immigration, AVVO
2014
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Owner, Ernest Law Group, PLC
2013 - 2017
Attorney, The Law Office of Cynthia T. Griffin, LLC
2012 - 2012
Legal Intern, Virginia Beach Office Of The Commonwealth's Attorney
2011 - 2013
Judicial Intern, Virginia Court Of Appeals
2006 - 2010
Personal Banker, Bank Of America, N.A.
Associations
2023 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of VirginiaAdmitted to Practice
Sample of Legal Cases
Sprained Ankle Slip and Fall
$34,000 Settlement
Deportation/Removal
Deportation Proceedings Dismissed
Immigration under Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Permanent Residency Awarded
Contested Divorce
Settlement to full satisfaction of Client
Education
2013
Regent University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Russian State University of Commerce
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
A Conversation on Immigration
Immigration
2019
21st Annual Bench Bar Conference
Form I-864: Your Client May Have to Pay Alimony Forever
2016
RBO
10 Things To Do After Car Accident
2015
James Kent Chapter of The American Inn of Court
Ethical Implications of Dealing With Non-U.S. Citizens
Publications
2015
Virginia Lawyers Weekly
Homeowner can sue agents under Brokers’ Act
Languages
Russian
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What happens when your case gets transferred to a different office due to change of address?
23 Aug 2019
Q&A
How can I expedite a divorce in Virginia?
18 Jul 2015
Q&A
Can I sue my soon to be ex-husband for withholding our joint tax return money from me?
12 Mar 2015