Q&A with Virginia Beach Trial Attorney Alyssa Miller

September 3, 2025

From Courtroom Battles to Military Service, Attorney Alyssa Miller Brings Steady Leadership to Every Case.

Q: You’ve spent over a decade as a Navy JAG officer and continue to serve as a reservist. What is it about military service that keeps calling you back?


A: To me, military service has always been about community.  My service as a Navy JAG officer brought so many military members and families into my life- people who come from every corner of America but who are united in the desire to serve and the commitment to being there for each other.  Although I am no longer on active duty, I still feel drawn to that community and want to use my background and expertise to support the members and families who continue to give so much of themselves to their country. 


Q: From prosecuting federal crimes to defending service members in court-martial—how has working on both sides shaped your approach to civilian cases?


A: Working on both sides of the aisle has given me the ability to value a case, to see both sides of any issue, and to know how to work with the various players in the system, from the prosecutor to the clerk of court to the probation office.  Ultimately, working on both sides gave me the self-awareness to know that, while I am the sum of my experiences, I am at my best working with individual clients and fighting for justice for the person in front of me. 


Q: When a client comes to you facing a divorce, custody fight, or family breakdown, what’s the first thing you want them to know?


A: When someone first comes to me, I want them to have a sense of long-term perspective that will allow us to form a specific strategy for their individual case.  I work with clients to understand their goals, whether that be drafting a settlement agreement that will preserve room for an amicable co-parenting relationship or preparing a contested trial strategy that will give a voice to someone who has been abused or wronged.  We are always prepared for a fight but ready to use every tool in our toolkits

Q:  You’ve handled cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and Title IX complaints—how do you balance empathy with strength in those high-stakes situations?


A: High-stake situations, especially those involving sex crimes, require a fundamental ability to understand the emotions and perspective of all people involved, in addition to understanding concepts like rules of evidence and procedure.  You have to be able to understand the other side’s perspective and motives in order to effectively negotiate or question that other party.  I believe that empathy and strength are not opposite concepts, but two skills that co-exist at the same time in every case.  


Q: Legal cases can feel overwhelming—especially when families or reputations are at stake. What’s your strategy for helping clients stay grounded through it all?


A: I always make sure that my clients have a support system and a safety plan, whether that be extended family members, counselors, medical professionals, or some other outlet.  My background as a military member serves me particularly well here, as I am well-versed in the resources available to military members.  I often speak with my clients who are in a moment of crisis to guide them to the person or resource who is best-suited to be their support system in that situation.  


Q: You’ve worked inside K-12 schools and college and university systems on Title IX and student conduct cases. What’s the biggest mistake students or families make when facing a school investigation?


A: The biggest mistake students or families make when facing a school investigation is not reaching out to an attorney soon enough.  We can have great impact on student conduct cases, but are best-situated to do so when we are involved from the beginning and can collaborate on any statements given or evidence provided or received.  Too often, families think they can just make a situation go away and involve us too late, minimizing the impact we can have. 


Q: What’s one thing people often misunderstand about the legal system—especially in family law—and what would you tell them if you could?


A: I think people often feel powerless because of how overwhelming the legal system is, and that is particularly true in family law where the stakes are so high and people are at some of the lowest moments in their lives.  I would tell them that there are unique solutions to even the most complicated matters and that it is always worth the fight to build the life you and your family deserve.