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BIG STONE GAP REAL ESTATE, FAMILY LAW & CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM

Experienced Law Firm Serving Wise County & The State Of Virginia

Helping Individuals & Families Since 1982

The Law Office of Kern and Wilkens, PC is a family-owned and operated general practice law firm in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Our three principal attorneys — Lonnie L. Kern (Retired), N. Leslie Wilkens, and Jaxon Wilkens — each brings to bear a unique set of skills, areas of focus, background, and resources. Our esteemed legal team possesses nearly 50 years of relevant and quality combined experience.

For over 30 years, the Law Office of Kern and Wilkens, PC has been a staple in the Wise County community. We provide our clients with representation in legal matters pertaining to real estate law, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, estate planning, and civil litigation. We offer free consultations and encourage you to contact us today to discuss your circumstances and needs.

Meet Our TEAM

​​Lonnie L. Kern
 

Lonnie Kern is currently retired however was a seasoned criminal defense attorney for both adults and minors. Licensed since 1981, he has dedicated more than 35 years to protecting the rights and freedoms of his community members. His tenacity and integrity are evidenced by his certification for representing defendants in capital murder cases. He also is a certified guardian ad litem, which allows him to represent juveniles and mentally-incapacitated adults in court.

Lonnie is a careful planner who always enters a courtroom having done extensive research and with a premeditated strategy. His approach to his client relationships is to serve as a steady hand during difficult times.

Education

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  • Berea College — Undergraduate

  • Union College — M.A. in Education

  • Ohio Northern University – J.D.

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Admissions & Memberships

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  • Virginia State Bar Association — Member, 1981 – Retired

​​Jaxon Wilkens
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Jaxon Wilkens prefers to devote the majority of his time to real estate law and home loan closings. That being said, Jaxon is also skilled in the areas of personal injury, estate planning, family law, and criminal defense. Licensed in 2011, Jaxon has achieved admirable goals in his career thus far, including earning his RESA (formerly known as CRESPA) certification for home loan closures. The Law Office of Kern and Wilkens, PC is one of few law firms in the area that are RESA-certified. Jaxon is also licensed to represent clients in federal court.

Jaxon is a research-oriented attorney who is known for his theoretical approach. He is a designated guardian ad litem. He primarily assists clients with matters relative to deeds, title searches, property sales and loan closures, estate settlements, boundary line disputes, powers of attorney, and personal injury.

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Education

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  • University of Virginia’s College at Wise — B.A. in History

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School — J.D.

Admissions & Memberships

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  • Virginia State Bar Association — Member, 2011 – Present

  • Wise County Bar Association — President, 2012 – 2013

N. Leslie Wilkens
 

Leslie Wilkens is a dedicated and experienced family law attorney. She spends a great deal of time developing relationships with her clients in an effort to foster goal-driven strategies and peaceful resolutions. Leslie handles a wide array of family law cases, including divorce, adoptions, child custody and support, and visitation. She is a certified guardian ad litem, which allows her to represent minors and incapacitated adults in court.

Leslie is a trial strategist known for her ability to understand her clients and deescalate tensions. She truly cares about the wellbeing of her clients and goes out of her way to meet them where they are — both physically and emotionally.

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Education

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  • University of Virginia’s College at Wise — B.S. in Psychology

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School — J.D.

  • Walden University — M.S. in Forensic Psychology

Admissions & Memberships

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  • Virginia State Bar Association — Member, 2010 – Present

Get The Personalized Service You Deserve


The legal team at The Law Office of Kern and Wilkens, PC is staunchly committed to providing the highest level of service possible to our clients. We are a family-owned firm that believes in honesty and integrity in our office and in the courtroom. If you are in need of exceptional legal representation, we are here to serve your needs and advocate for your best interests.

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Call 276- 523-1281  today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney of The Law Office of Kern and Wilkens, PC. We provide legal counsel to people in Big Stone Gap and throughout Wise County and the state of Virginia in the areas of real estate, family law, criminal defense, personal injury, estate planning, and civil litigation.

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