Our Team

Jessica's academic journey began at Otterbein University (Columbus, Ohio). She graduated summa cum laude with a major in Political Science/Government & triple minor in Psychology, Speech Communication, & Legal Studies. 

She continued her academic journey and pursued her passion for law at the HBU, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Durham, North Carolina). She graduated second in her class with highest honors earning a Juris Doctor degree as well as a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, showcasing her training and talent in mediation and negotiation. 

In 2014, Jessica joined The Cooper Law Firm, P.C. (Virginia Beach, Virginia) to establish and lead its successful family law division. Her exceptional legal skills and dedication soon propelled her to become a Partner and later the Senior Vice President of the firm. In March 2023, her partner became a Judge & Jessica seized the opportunity to launch her own firm, Resilience Law Group, PLLC, where she continues to provide top-notch legal counsel and representation in all areas of family law.

Jessica has developed expertise in military family matters & is a strong supporter of service members & their families. Her entire family, including her Husband of 15 years, is military. 

Jessica is also uniquely knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ family matters and has been a trailblazer in this field. In 2015, she was among the first attorneys in Hampton Roads to successfully file and obtain a divorce for a same-sex couple & establish parentage of a child conceived via assisted conception during a same-sex marriage.

Jessica's sustained exceptional legal services have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions, including being named to Virginia Business "Legal Elite" and Super Lawyers "Rising Star" lists. She has been honored with the Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award from the Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association and recognized as one of Inside Business' "Top Forty under 40" professionals. Coastal Virginia Magazine has recognized her as a "Top Lawyer" in the fields of Adoption, Marital, and Family Law, and Virginia Lawyers Weekly has included her among the "Influential Women of Law." 

Jessica has a strong sense of civic duty and is active in her community. Visit the "Reputation & Involvement" page to learn more about her and the staff's engagements. 

Jessica lives in Chesapeake, VA, with her husband, four children, and a rescue dog and cat. She loves wine, travel, exercise, nature, and thrift store shopping. One of her guilty pleasures is watching home improvement shows Sunday morning with coffee (and then making to-do lists for her husband). She dislikes dishonesty,  mosquito bumps, hiccups, and washing dishes. 

Jessica's dedication to her clients, her passion for family law, and her commitment to making a difference in her community make her an exceptional attorney at Resilience Law Group, PLLC. Clients can trust in her expertise, compassion, and unwavering support. She understands well the stress and struggles clients face and is able to educate, advocate, and empower her clients to be resilient throughout the legal process.

See below to learn more about the services Jessica offers and what clients say about her services. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals. 

During his tenure at Legal Aid, Attorney Oliver honed his skills in family law, handling a wide range of cases involving divorce, custody, child abuse and neglect, child support, and spousal support. Notably, in his first year at Legal Aid, Attorney Oliver achieved a significant victory in Moore v. Joe 76 Va.App. 509, 882 S.E.2d 534 (2023), where he served as lead trial counsel. This landmark case, affirmed on appeal, resulted in a pivotal change in Virginia law, establishing a more sensible standard for awarding custody to non-biological third parties over the objection of the child's biological parent(s).

As a trial attorney at heart, Attorney Oliver fearlessly confronts the complexities of family law matters, drawing on his extensive experience in criminal and civil trials. He is well-acquainted with the courtroom and is always prepared to advocate vigorously for his clients' rights. However, Attorney Oliver also values the importance of dialogue and the potential for amicable resolutions. He approaches each case with a balanced perspective, recognizing that settlement negotiations can often yield outcomes that benefit all parties involved.

Attorney Oliver's commitment to achieving favorable results for his clients extends beyond the courtroom. He takes great care in guiding his clients through the legal process, offering compassionate support and strategic counsel every step of the way.

Attorney Oliver resides in Virginia Beach with his wife and daughter. He is deeply rooted in his community and is dedicated to making a positive impact through his legal practice.

Theresa gained invaluable experience in the processing of cases and developed a comprehensive understanding of Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court proceedings.

In 2018, Theresa decided to transition from public service and joined Brian A. Thomasson PLC as the office manager. She joined Resilience Law Group, PLLC in April 2023. Theresa's tenure in the private sector provides her with a deep understanding of the inner workings of a law firm, enabling her to effectively support attorneys and clients alike.

With her combined experience in the public sector and private practice, Theresa possesses a unique ability to explain complex legal procedures to clients in a clear and concise manner. Her expertise in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court proceedings allows her to guide clients through the process with confidence and ease, alleviating any concerns they may have along the way.

Theresa resides in Norfolk with her husband of nearly twenty years, and together they have raised two adult children. A beloved and grumpy old dog completes their happy family. Theresa is an avid reader, indulging in a wide range of fiction genres. She also finds solace in outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and bicycling, which she enjoys alongside her husband. Lately, she has taken up Frisbee Golf, although she modestly admits that a professional career in the sport seems unlikely. On days when she feels inspired, Theresa loves experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. However, her culinary adventures are subject to her daily whims. It is worth noting that Theresa has an aversion to caterpillars, snakes, and Mondays.

Theresa's multifaceted background, legal expertise, and genuine commitment to her clients make her an invaluable asset to Resilience Law Group, PLLC. Clients can rely on her professionalism, thoroughness, and ability to navigate the legal landscape with utmost precision.