Anna Adkins
Associate
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10 Hale Street, 4th Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 345-7250
Practice Areas
- Family Law
Anna Adkins
Associate
Professional Summary
Anna is a persistent litigator focusing her career in cases ranging from complex civil matters to family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic violence, and adoption, among other things. Anna brings a unique perspective to family law issues. Her philosophy is to provide her clients with not only excellent representation, but to also provide them with the tools they will need to successfully move forward with their lives. Anna’s clients range from the simple divorce matters to the most complex matters involving high assets and high conflict. Anna is sensitive to her client’s issues while dedicated to aggressively advocating for their interests.
Anna attended West Virginia State University where she graduated a Regents Bachelor’s Degree focusing in Criminal Justice. Anna graduated from Appalachian School of Law with a juris doctorate degree, a juris masters degree, and a certificate in criminal litigation. Prior to law school, Anna served as Secretary-Clerk in Mingo County Family Court where she gained substantial family law experience. In law school, Anna was secretary of the Student Bar Association, president of the Criminal Law Society, a member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society, and a member of the Appalachian Women in Law Society. She received the Book Award for Family Law Practicum at Appalachian School of Law and also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the 29th Judicial District of Virginia.
Anna joined the law firm of Pence Law Firm in November 2022 with her range of experience and continues to devote her time in the ongoing practice of family law and other complex cases. Anna is admitted to practice in West Virginia and the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of West Virginia.
Outside of work, Anna has been an active volunteer with the City of Logan since 2009. She is a co-organizer and pageant director for the City of Logan Festivals and Events, including southern West Virginia’s largest Fourth of July celebration, the West Virginia Freedom Festival. Anna has also been active with the West Virginia Municipal League during her tenure as a volunteer with the City of Logan and has assisted multiple class IV municipalities implement the West Virginia Municipal Home Rule Program. Anna enjoys attending WVU Mountaineer games, traveling, shopping, exercising, and being a mom.
“I believe what sets me apart is my compassion and empathy towards my clients and the ability to understand what they are going through, in addition to going the extra mile to achieve a client’s goals.”
Q&A
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
My dad’s work as a former sheriff and private investigator sparked my interest in the legal field, along with the desire to have the ability to help others in my community.
What sets you apart in your area of legal expertise?
I believe what sets me apart is my compassion and empathy towards my clients and the ability to understand what they are going through, in addition to going the extra mile to achieve a client’s goals.
Could you describe the journey that brought you where you are today?
I had a very unique and non-traditional path through my education to get here today. I initially started college in 2009 by attending nursing school to become a registered nurse. A few changes of majors, and a few full-time jobs later, including paralegal work, I ended up working as a secretary-clerk in Mingo County Family Court. From there I finally began law school in the fall of 2016. My legal experience ranges over 10 years as a paralegal, judge’s clerk, and now I am 5 years into private practice as an attorney. This gives me a well-rounded background.
What do you consider your most significant achievement?
Right now, I believe that would be managing to practice full time while also being a mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old.
Can you share a case or client experience that had a profound impact on you and/or your career?
In the family law and abuse and neglect areas of practice, I have had several opportunities to help at-risk children and have performed adoptions for children placed in forever homes. There is no better feeling than impacting a child’s life.
If you weren’t an attorney, what alternative career path might you have pursued?
I believe I would explore the area of forensic psychology or return back to nursing, which are other areas that would give me the ability to help others.
What advice would you give to aspiring attorneys who are going through law school right now?
Stay the course and treat it like a job. It’s also important to understand your own reason why you are choosing this profession.
What’s one thing about the legal profession that might surprise people?
It is nothing like what you see on Law and Order or Suits.
Outside of practicing law, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy spending all of my time with my husband and two daughters. Our girls keep us on our toes, it’s their world and we are just living in it. When I have free time outside of parenting and work, you may find me at a WVU football game or a good concert.
What source of inspiration or motivation has been the most significant driving force in your professional career and in your personal life?
To get where I am today, my motivation and my goal was to be able to take care of myself and my future family.
