Community

At Jennifer Porter Law, we believe in the power of community and take pride in giving back to the places we call home. As a women-led firm deeply rooted in Northern Virginia, we understand that strong communities are built through connection, support, and shared growth. Whether it’s offering legal guidance, supporting local businesses, or engaging with schools, we strive to create meaningful relationships that help our neighbors thrive. Our commitment goes beyond the courtroom—we are dedicated to being active participants in the success of our community.

Proud Supporters of Annandale High School Athletics
We are honored to support the athletic program at Annandale High School, where sports provide students with invaluable opportunities to build teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills. By investing in programs that uplift young athletes, we aim to empower the next generation to reach their full potential both on and off the field. At Jennifer Porter Law, we believe that fostering growth and success in our youth strengthens the entire community, and we are proud to play a role in their journey.

In December, legal professionals from across the country gathered in Hartford, Connecticut, for an inspiring and productive event. Over several days, attorneys addressed the challenges of law firm ownership while building meaningful connections with peers.

The event featured impactful presentations on key topics like budgeting, hiring, marketing, SEO, and KPIs. Highlights included expert insights on SEO strategies and actionable hiring advice, as well as innovative marketing techniques involving unique tools like ElevenLabs.

Networking opportunities extended beyond the sessions, with participants enjoying steak dinners, cocktails, and a family-style meal at a French restaurant. A standout moment was the hands-on experience at the New Haven Pizza School, where attendees learned to craft authentic “apizza” and took their creations home.

Our founder and attorney, Jennifer Porter, actively participated in the event, contributing valuable insights and learning alongside peers. This gathering left participants inspired, motivated, and armed with strategies to strengthen their practices. It was a memorable experience, and we look forward to future opportunities to connect and grow.

Attorney Stephanie Himel-Nelson’s commitment to supporting military families has left a lasting impact through her work with Blue Star Families, an organization she helped found in 2009 during a challenging recession. Stephanie and a small group of military spouses recognized the struggles of families amidst back-to-back deployments, PTSD, and inadequate support systems during a prolonged period of war. Driven by a passion for change, they started the nonprofit with no budget or salaries, leveraging social media and grassroots efforts to fill critical gaps in military family support. Their pioneering efforts led to the creation of the first military family lifestyle survey outside the Department of Defense, shedding light on the challenges faced by these often-overlooked families and sparking national conversations about solutions.

Recently, Stephanie and Jennifer attended Blue Star Families’ 15th-anniversary celebration, an event that highlighted the organization’s incredible growth and impact. From its early days of fast problem-solving to a nationally recognized nonprofit, Blue Star Families continues to serve military families in meaningful ways. Reflecting on the evening, Stephanie noted the significance of early partnerships and relationships, including a $25 million gift announcement from Craig Newmark of Craigslist, who has been a supporter since 2011. While Stephanie eventually transitioned back to her legal career, her role in shaping Blue Star Families is a testament to her dedication to community and service—qualities she brings to her work as an attorney today.

Our annual Trunk or Treat event for 2024 was a spooky success, filled with laughter, creativity, and a strong sense of community! Since 2015, our founder, Attorney Jennifer Porter, has nurtured this Halloween tradition, originally starting with a neighborhood Halloween Parade and Community Gathering. 🎃👻 Although Jennifer has since passed the organizational reins to the next generation of neighborhood parents, she remains an enthusiastic participant, especially in the Trunk or Treat portion.

This year’s gathering brought together families, friends, and neighbors of all ages. Jennifer’s festively decorated vehicle, loaded with treats, was a highlight among the creatively themed cars that made the event so special. Families arrived in an array of costumes, and the evening was filled with candy, laughter, and Halloween spirit. 🧡

Bringing people together each October is a tradition that means a lot to Jennifer, embodying her dedication to fostering a strong, supportive neighborhood. This year’s success is a testament to that ongoing commitment, and we’re grateful to everyone who participated and made Trunk or Treat 2024 a memorable event!

Our estate planning attorney, Stephanie Himel-Nelson, recently attended an engaging Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council (HREPC) meeting in Virginia Beach that touched on one of the most personal and sensitive areas of estate planning: preparing for end-of-life wishes. Presented by Aejaz A. Dar, a partner at Yates Campbell LLP, the presentation, titled “The Client in Winter: Estate Planning Considerations for the Last Few Miles Before the Big Sleep,” drew inspiration from Robert Frost’s poem, reminding attendees of the delicate balance required in helping clients plan for this stage of life. The meeting emphasized the importance of supporting clients’ peace of mind, knowing that their plans reflect their values and wishes for those they care about most.

Stephanie came away from the evening with fresh perspectives, feeling inspired to continue her work in helping clients prepare for each stage of life, from protecting their families to planning for a meaningful legacy. Events like these reinforce our firm’s dedication to providing compassionate, comprehensive support for each client’s unique needs.

In October 2024, our attorneys Jennifer Porter and Stephanie Himel-Nelson attended the Northern Virginia Estate Planning Council (NVEPC) event at Maggiano’s Tysons in McLean, VA. The event brought together a diverse group of professionals, including attorneys, financial advisors, and industry leaders, to discuss key topics and developments in estate planning and law.

As advocates for continued professional growth, both Jennifer and Stephanie welcomed the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the field. The discussions covered emerging strategies, best practices, and the latest industry trends impacting estate planning law. Events like these are invaluable for staying on top of changes in legal and financial landscapes, especially in areas as nuanced and impactful as estate planning.