Experience

  • Lifetime legal career in Criminal, Child and Family relations cases
  • Lead litigator in jury and non-jury trials
  • Appellate argument before Virginia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
  • Criminal Justice Adjunct Professor


Education

  • JD, The George Washington University Law School
  • BS, with distinction, Indiana University Kelley School of Business


Service

  • Disciplinary Committee, 4-I District, Virginia State Bar Association, 2015-current
  • Judicial Selection Committee, Arlington County Bar Association, 2017-2019, 2022-current
  • Board of Directors, Arlington County Bar Association, 2013-2015, 2019-2023
  • Liaison, Arlington County Children & Youth Committee, 2013-2015
  • Commissioner, Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth, 2010-2011
  • Guardian ad litem for at-risk children
  • GMU Law School Costello National Trial Advocacy Competition Judge
  • American University Capitol City Challenge Mock Trial Competition Judge
10.0Dusty Sparrow Reed Dusty Sparrow ReedReviewsout of 5 reviews


The Real Me

In the legal community, I'm known as a “pit bull”. That’s because I’m fearless, tenacious and not one to back down when (I think) I’m right. As one should be when in battle.

But don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I’ve been through a difficult marriage (apparently my ex has too). I’ve been through a contentious separation. I’ve filed for divorce. I’ve worried I would grow old and lonely. I’ve worried about supporting my children on limited income. I’ve worried - a lot - about what effect divorce will have on my kids. And I’ve worried about how God will judge my choices.

I know what it’s like. As a Christian. As a woman. As a parent. As someone with little financial means. And as someone who felt like I wasn’t in a position of power.

Flash forward to today. While I don’t take credit for my successes - because I cannot achieve anything outside the support and will of God - I will report that I am happily remarried to an amazing man. I have never once been without the means to support my kids. And most importantly, my kids are well-adjusted, no drama and totally normal (as normal can be) - because I have a great co-parenting relationship with my ex-husband.

You can’t be all pit bull and achieve that kind of balance in a difficult family situation. BUT, it does take the willingness to be a pit bull when its called for, plus the ability to see another’s point of view, and a desire to put the kids before self, before anger, before the need to be right. And a lot of prayers.

And I bring that same attitude and approach to my law practice. How I have conducted my life is a good indicator that my clients can trust me with theirs. I do what I do because I care about helping people emerge successfully from difficult situations. I genuinely believe this is my calling, and if I can help you, I’m here to serve.

Winning in an unwinnable situation…

5.0 stars

I recently went through a hellacious custody dispute in Loudoun County with my ex-wife that included false CPS allegations by my ex-wife and significant levels parental alienation, witness tampering / destruction of evidence, as well as an opposing counselor who repeatedly broke the law and would stop at nothing — in an effort to protect his client (throughout discovery and during trial). The end result, Dusty was able to quadruple the…

Brandon
April 5, 2019

She is fantastic!!

5.0 stars

I’ve been fighting custody ever since my child was born 14 years ago. I’ve tried many times to get shared physical custody of my child but being in Maryland and my child in Virginia the odds were always stacked against me. I recently moved to Virginia and was interviewing attorneys and Dusty was the one I selected. She is absolutely great!! She listened to all of my concerns and all the detail I provided her. She did due diligence on…

Giuseppe
March 21, 2019

Having the right attorney made a big difference

5.0 stars

Dusty is smart and experienced, and that shows in her confidence. She helped me make decisions every step of the way. I didn’t always listen to her because I was nervous but she never said, “I told you so.” She was patient and kind and explained things until I understood. The day of mediation was intense but having a no-nonsense attorney representing me made it so much better than expected. She understands that divorces…

Jolene
December 12, 2018

Highly Recommended – Principled, Trustworthy Representation

5.0 stars

From a former client’s perspective, it is a genuine honor for me to endorse Dusty Sparrow Reed — an adept and resourceful litigator, strategic negotiator, and dedicated child advocate.
Navigating the court system is a potentially daunting task on most levels, but for a parent…

Lisa
August 10, 2016

I did not even have to go to court!

5.0 stars

Dusty is my ex-wife. That is correct. I fully trusted my ex-wife to represent me and she executed perfectly in the case. Dusty assisted me in resolving an issue and I did not even have to appear in court once. She is a hard working Attorney who will go above and beyond to ensure that the needs of her clients are met. I highly recommend Dusty and would call on her again should I ever need an Attorney.

Jonathon
April 13, 2016

Reckless Driving

5.0 stars

Dusty was great! She was very thorough with my case and very informative. I was very unaware of what to expect as this was my first offense and she was able to walk me through the entire process smoothly. I would recommend her to anyone, she is a phenomenal lawyer and really knows her stuff. Very passionate about her work!

Ryan
July 17, 2015

Responsive

5.0 stars

Dusty was responsive to all my legal inquiries and requests, responding back in a timely manner and was prepared for any developments surrounding my case. She was passionate and driven throughout all court proceedings and maintained professionalism at all times.

John
July 15, 2015

Thanks for your generous help!

5.0 stars

Dusty volunteered her time to assist the Red Cedar Community on a matter related to the Loudoun County Public School system and its Board. She helped in the editing and construction of a letter we drafted for submission to members of the Board and advised us on procedures. She was responsive, interested, and very helpful Thank you for your help!

John | Red Cedar Board of Directors
July 8, 2015

Experienced Lawyer. Fierce Advocate.

Family Law Attorney

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