Carolyn Abbate
Carolyn Abbate
Family Law Division Lead,
Arlington Office
Carolyn M. Abbate serves as the Family Law Division Lead for our Arlington office at The Irving Law Firm. Over the course of her career, she has earned a strong reputation for her adept handling of complex divorce, custody, and support cases throughout Northern Virginia.
An Arlington native, Carolyn brings both local insight and legal precision to her practice. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in 2004, she went on to graduate cum laude from George Mason University School of Law in 2009. While at George Mason, Carolyn demonstrated academic and professional excellence, receiving the prestigious Family Law Book Award from the Virginia State Bar and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Following law school, she served as a law clerk to the Judges of Virginia’s 17th Judicial Circuit in Arlington County from 2009 to 2010, a foundational experience that shaped her deep understanding of family law litigation and courtroom procedure.
Carolyn’s dedication to client service and her reputation for professionalism have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition in The Best Lawyers in America (2024), Virginia Super Lawyers (2023), and multiple listings as a Top Attorney by Arlington Magazine (2019, 2021–2024).
In 2024, Carolyn was elected to the Board of Directors for the Arlington County Bar Association, where she continues to contribute to the legal community. Clients and peers alike commend her for her clarity, responsiveness, and commitment to helping families move forward with dignity and stability.
Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in court, Carolyn brings over 15 years of focused legal experience and unwavering dedication to each case she handles.
- Law School
Juris Doctor, cum laude, George Mason University School of Law, 2009 - College
Bachelor of Arts, University of Virginia, 2004
- Virginia
- Arlington County Bar Association CLE Speaker
– Contempt & Rule to Show Cause in Family Law Cases: To Reprimand or Remediate?
- Virginia State Bar
- Arlington County Bar Association, Director
- Alexandria City Bar Association
What Our Clients Say About Us
Our lawyers will represent you in family, business formation, criminal, personal injury, & estate planning matters.
They Are Top Notch
I arranged for Rachel Goldsher with this firm to handle my brother’s divorce. She and the firm’s staff were very responsive to his needs, and recommended a course of action that was reasonable and cost effective. Their billing was very reasonable, with paralegals and other staff handling much of the routine work and billing accordingly. As a result the overall cost of the divorce was reasonable. Rachel also effectively addressed my brother’s particular needs in the settlement agreement. I highly recommend.
I Highly Recommend
I arranged for Rachel Goldsher with this firm to handle my brother’s divorce. She and the firm’s staff were very responsive to his needs, and recommended a course of action that was reasonable and cost effective. Their billing was very reasonable, with paralegals and other staff handling much of the routine work and billing accordingly. As a result the overall cost of the divorce was reasonable. Rachel also effectively addressed my brother’s particular needs in the settlement agreement. I highly recommend.
I Highly Recommend Them
In a time of turmoil, the Irving Law Firm was there to answer my questions regarding a divorce. They do not try to gouge you and explain ways to make your divorce less stressful and pocket friendly. I highly recommend them.
I’d Definitely Hire Again If NeededRebecca and staff were wonderful handling my case. They seemed mindful of the billed time and I didn’t feel any was excessive. Her attention to detail brought me additional arrearages which a former attorney didn’t notice or enforce on prior filings. I’d definitely hire again if needed.
I Highly Recommend The Irving Law Firm To AnyoneMy experience with ms.Rachel Goldsher was nothing short of outstanding. She handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care. Her proactive approach was exceptional. I highly recommend THE IRVING LAW FIRM to anyone.
Excellent Results In Family & Criminal CasesExcellent results in family and criminal cases. I recommend the Irving law firm you will be satisfied. Thank you so much
Highly Recommend!!
Great support throughout the process and excellent results delivered. Highly recommend!!
We are on a mission at The Irving Law Firm to provide exceptional service and client satisfaction.