Atty. Tracy Leigh Ford

Atty. Tracy Leigh Ford

Tracy Ford graduated magna cum laude from the South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French, 2005), and from Columbia University School of Law in 2008. While in law school, Ms.

Bethesda Bethesda 18 yrs experience 18 year
Call (301) 761-4669 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Tracy Leigh Ford at a glance

Tracy Leigh Ford is an Associate based in Bethesda, Maryland, practicing at Pels Law. They have 18+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2008. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, family law, business, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Florida (2008) and Virginia (2016). Educated at Columbia University School of Law (J.D., 2008) and University of South Carolina (B.A. Political, 2005). Serands clients in Bethesda, MD and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Tracy Ford graduated magna cum laude from the South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French, 2005), and from Columbia University School of Law in 2008
  • While in law school, Ms. Ford spent a summer in Nairobi, Kenya, working on women’s human rights issues
  • She discovered her passion for litigation while participating in an externship at the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, and worked with juveniles accused of crimes during an internship at the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office in West Palm Beach, Florida
  • After law school, Ms. Ford returned to Florida and started her career at the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office
  • In her nearly eight years of practice in Florida, Ms. Ford gained extensive first-chair jury trial experience, conducted and defended depositions, and worked with social workers, law enforcement, and prosecutors to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients
  • In 2017, Ms. Ford relocated to Northern Virginia, where she continued litigating criminal cases on behalf of indigent clients at the Office of the Public Defender in Alexandria, Virginia
  • After leaving the Public Defender’s Office for private practice, Ms. Ford continues to represent indigent defendants facing criminal charges through the court-appointed attorney program in Alexandria
  • Through over 11 years of practice, Ms. Ford has vigorously defended her clients inside and outside the courtroom by leading complex criminal defense investigations, working closely with forensic experts and medical personnel, and skillfully negotiating on behalf of her clients
  • She has properly defended cases ranging from misdemeanor shoplifting to homicide, while maintaining a client-centered focus with an emphasis on zealous advocacy
  • In her free time she enjoys hiking and live music
  • Ms. Ford is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (VACDL), the Alexandria Bar Association, and the Fairfax Bar Association
  • Ms. Ford is admitted to practice in Virginia and Florida

Practice Areas Explained

Tracy Leigh Ford's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Tracy Leigh Ford handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Tracy Leigh Ford is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Maryland →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Tracy Leigh Ford is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Maryland →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Tracy Leigh Ford is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Maryland →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Tracy Leigh Ford is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Maryland →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Maryland

Practicing law in Maryland. Legal matters in Maryland are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Bethesda are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Maryland state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Maryland brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Maryland courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Maryland attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Bethesda or all attorneys in Maryland.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Tracy Leigh Ford

Where is Tracy Leigh Ford's law office located?
Tracy Leigh Ford's law practice is located in Bethesda, Maryland. The firm is Pels Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Tracy Leigh Ford handle?
Tracy Leigh Ford focuses on criminal defense, family law, business, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Maryland.
How long has Tracy Leigh Ford practiced law?
Tracy Leigh Ford has 18+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2008.
Where did Tracy Leigh Ford go to law school?
Tracy Leigh Ford earned their education at (J.D., 2008); (B.A. Political, 2005).
How can I contact Tracy Leigh Ford for a consultation?
You can contact Tracy Leigh Ford directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D.
Columbia University School of Law
- 2008
B.A. Political
University of South Carolina
- 2005

Bar Admissions

Florida
Admitted: 2008
Virginia
Admitted: 2016

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