Built from experience
In 2022, Alex was fourteen years into a successful legal career—and a mother of three—when she was diagnosed with a neurological condition that would require brain surgery. As she faced the biggest “what if” of her life, she realized she and her husband didn’t have an estate plan in place—despite her years of experience in family and estate law.
That moment changed everything.
She saw firsthand how overwhelming this process can be, even for a lawyer. And she knew two things right away: 1) If it’s this hard for her to get her legal life in order, it’s even harder for everyone else and 2) waiting on the “right time” to do something about it was not an option.
So she opened Acorn Law, a small local firm with a big goal of serving people better by centering the client experience.
Our Team
Alex Meeks
Alex has over eighteen years experience in estate planning, estate adminstration, and family law. She practiced law in Brooklyn, New York City for many years before relocating “home” to Maryland in 2019.
Based in Columbia, Alex lives with her husband, two teenage daughters, and one hockey-obsessed son, which means early morning carpools and a perpetually full calendar. Her mother also lives nearby, and Alex is navigating the realities of the sandwich generation firsthand as her family helps her mom downsize and plan for the next chapter.
Alex is deeply involved in her community and serves on the boards of the Columbia Housing Center as Chair, Maryland Leadership Workshops, the Howard County Estate Planning Council, and the Howard County Women’s Bar Association.
Founder and Principal Attorney
Raylynn Best-James
Raylynn’s experience and perspective make her a tremendous asset to the Acorn Law team. She began her legal career clerking for the Honorable Charles J. Peters in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City before practicing at respected firms in Prince George’s and Howard Counties.
Raylynn is known for her strategic, straightforward approach and her commitment to helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions during major life transitions. In 2022, she was named to The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, recognizing her as one of the most influential Black attorneys in the country.
Of Counsel
Client Care CoordinatorLauren Barnes
Lauren is Acorn Law’s Client Care Coordinator and has been with the firm since 2023. A former teacher and mom of three, Lauren brings patience, warmth, and a natural ability to connect with people to every interaction.
Lauren is often the first person clients speak with when they reach out to the firm, and she plays a key role in guiding families through our process. Clients frequently comment on how supported and at ease they feel after speaking with her.
Outside of work, you might catch Lauren performing in local theater productions. We are so proud of her for pursuing her creative passions and bringing that same confidence and care to her work with us.