Top Business Lawyers Near Me in Washington Area

Working at the intersection of commerce and technology, A.J. Zottola focuses his practice on the exploitation of intellectual property, intangible, and technology assets in business and strategic relationships. Mr. Zottola’s skills enable him to handle all types of issues, negotiations, and agreements involving:. His extensive experience also helps clients resolve and craft settlement arrangements for misappropriation and infringement matters and for disputes involving commercial and licensing agreements. In addition, he regularly counsels clients on intellectual property, e-commerce and privacy issues, and prosecutes and manages U.S. and foreign trademark and copyright portfolios.  His in-depth knowledge helps clients achieve practical and creative solutions to procure, exploit, manage and protect their intangible and proprietary assets.  Whether resolving employer/employee intellectual property ownership issues, assessing new technology developments, or acquiring technology assets through mergers and acquisitions, Mr. Zottola assists a variety of companies and funding sources in maximizing asset value, identifying new opportunities for business expansion and generation, and preventing the unwanted loss or infringement of proprietary rights.. Mr. Zottola regularly represents U.S. and foreign enterprises, from Fortune 500 companies and small start-ups to trade and professional associations. Industries include software, e-commerce, information technology, electronics, media and entertainment, medical products, toys and other consumer products, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, telecommunications and other newer technologies.. Having worked exclusively in the technology space since the beginning of the Internet age in the 1990s, Mr. Zottola has extensive experience in the areas of:. Mr. Zottola has represented:. Mr. Zottola’s recent dispute resolution experience includes representing:

When you speak with me for the first time, I will explain to you the various fee arrangements available for your particular problem.  Sometimes I charge an hourly rate that is negotiable depending on a number of factors including your ability to pay.  Some matters can be handled for an agreed-upon-amount called a “flat fee.”  Other cases permit me to work on your case without you paying for my fees until you win or settle your case.  That is a “contingency fee.”  Some cases will require an up-front payment and there are many payment options:  Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, PayPal.

Washington D.C. e-discovery attorney with in-depth experience in a broad range of litigation and investigation matters with a firm commitment to protecting corporate client rights. Focused on developing optimal solutions to factual, regulatory, and legal challenges to maximize client success.

The Glazer Law Firm PLLC represents many businesses in the San Antonio, Texas and Metro Washington, DC areas, much like an outside general counsel, providing advice and counsel in forming and structuring companies, drafting and reviewing contracts, leases, advising companies on transactional matters, and handling other general business concerns. Discover the value and confidence of a relationship with an experienced business lawyer. Every business should know a lawyer, but not every lawyer knows business.

Steven H. Schram ("Steve") is Co-President of Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram and serves as the firm's managing principal.  Steve's broad range of seasoned experience in finance and accounting sets him apart from other attorneys in his field.  His decorated educational background includes studies in finance and accounting at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a corporate and tax oriented legal education at Georgetown University Law Center.  Steve gained real-world experience in these arenas as an audit staff member with Ernst & Young, CPAs during a five-year engagement as COO, CFO and general counsel to Washington, DC’s largest furniture retailer.  This experience, coupled with over 26 years in private law practice, makes Steve uniquely qualified as the “go to” business and transactional attorney for entrepreneurs and small to middle market businesses in the Washington, DC area.. Steve’s practice covers the areas of business, commercial transactions, corporate, real estate and tax.  He has extensive experience in negotiating, structuring and documenting a broad range of complex transactions, including:. -       Business/entity formations (including the development of capital and governance structures for corporations, joint ventures, partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts). -       Mergers, sales and acquisitions of business entities and business assets. -       Acquisitions, sales, leasing and financing of real estate assets. -       Secured and unsecured financing transactions. Closely allied to these skills, and of great benefit to his clients, is Steve’s depth in other areas affecting business entities, including:. -       Structuring and negotiating a broad range of business contracts. -       Executive employment contracts and executive compensation arrangements. -       Service agreements. -       Licenses for intellectual property. -       Healthcare contracts and ventures. -       Management agreements. -       Factoring agreements. -       Retail private label finance agreements. Because of Steve’s broad business and transactional experience, entrepreneurs and business entities frequently turn to him to serve as their general and special counsel.  For organizations who either have chosen not to devote resources to in-house counsel or seek an outside resource to complement their in-house counsel capability, Steve serves as an integral, trustworthy part of their team.. Steve represents clients in a variety of industries, including: real estate ownership; development and management; real estate brokerage; hotel ownership and development; retail; automobile dealerships; catering facilities; financial services; sports management; credit card processing; healthcare; professional and other services; public relations; premium finance; internet services; among others.. As a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney and with multiple appearances in peer group listings such as “Super Lawyers” (Law and Politics) and Biltmore Who’s Who, Steve has been recognized as an attorney of the highest level of competence and the highest level of integrity and ethics.

Richard W. Chang is a junior partner at the law firm of Wasserman, Mancini & Chang, an "AV" rated firm that was founded in 1946 and is one of the oldest immigration law firms in the country.  Richard W. Chang received his Juris Doctorate (JD) and his International Law Certificate at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) with a Bachelors degree in History - East Asian Concentration.  Richard W. Chang is a former board member of the Asian American Action Fund (AAA-Fund), one of the country’s leading APA political action committees.  Richard is also a partner in his entertainment consulting business, K2 Productions, which provids DJ services for the DC Metro Area.  Richard W. Chang is also a contributing author for the Taiwan-AIT article in "The Visa Processing Guide" published by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).  Richard W. Chang has been the co-host of the Immigration Law program on World Today Comcast Cable Channel 678 in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1997.  Richard W. Chang’s article titled, “Proper Invalidation Of A Labor Certification By DHS, DOL Or DOS” was published on August 7, 2008 by .  Richard pursues his amateur photography hobby in his spare time.  You can find his work at .

My practice areas include employment and labor law, litigation, administrative law, real estate and corporate law. His primary focus is advising employers on how to manage all types of legal issues that arise in a competitive business environment. These issues include protecting proprietary information and trade secrets, managing corporate structures, strategies for managing the employment relationship and the termination of those relationships, drafting operating agreements, and amending governing documents and budgets.I also have extensive litigation expertise that includes employment matters, contracts, the Freedom of Information Act, constitutional challenges to governmental check off programs, domain name disputes, and challenges to federal rulemaking by governmental agencies. He has litigated matters in federal and state court and federal and state agencies and has acted as lead counsel in both jury and non-jury trials.I represent nationwide commodity boards in a diverse array of legal issues including reviewing and drafting contracts, promotion and marketing plans, joint venture agreements and employment issues.

LPJ Legal counsel small business owners, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. We integrate into the team by serving as outside general counsel to achieve their business goals. LPJ legal represents students and parents in special education law, counseling on 504 and IEP plans. I ensure students’ rights in disciplinary hearings, custody, student rights, and privacy.

Lane H. Blumenfeld is the managing attorney of VIRTUAL In-House Counsel, PLLC, a solo practice he founded to address client's growing demand for their outside counsel to respond to business challenges in an "in-house way."  Having been a client himself, including as chief counsel for a public IT company with global operations, he understands what those on the inside seek from their attorneys on the outside:  practical, business-oriented solutions, provided quickly and priced reasonably.  Drawing upon his in-house experience in the technology and communications industries, he helps emerging growth companies solve their commerical, corporate, and technology law problems.  In addition, he serves as a virtual general counsel for clients without or between chief legal officers.  Moreover, his VIRTUAL approach, by avoiding big law firm overhead and charging by project, not time, eliminates hourly billing's inherent inefficiency and unpredictability.

Kevin Byrnes is an experienced trial attorney who focuses a significant portion of his practice on the representation of law enforcement officials. Since entering civil practice, Mr. Byrnes has assisted local and federal law enforcement officials in both affirmative and defensive claims.. Mr. Byrnes has effectively handled criminal and civil investigations of law enforcement personnel charged with misconduct, use of excessive force, misuse of property, violations of policy and procedures, matters affecting their ability to testify in court, security clearance and access issues, alleged failures to mention evidence or follow rules and procedures and tort liability issues out of their employment.. He has also represented law enforcement agents who have claims against their employers for age, race, sex and disability discrimination, workmen’s compensation and physical and mental disability issues, conditions related to posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and fitness for duty examinations and to disability and law enforcement retirement issues and benefits.. Mr. Byrnes has represented federal law enforcement agents involved in high profile cases in Agencies as diverse as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Treasury, United States Marshals service, State Department, Department of Agriculture, various Inspector General Officer, Federal Police, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security and General Services Administration.. Mr. Byrnes has worked on responding to numerous internal investigations into allegations against federal, state and local police.

Keisha A. Garner is the founder and managing member of Garner Law PLLC. She is passionate about the practice of law and is aware of the importance of building personal relationships with her clients. She is known for her personal approach to clients, her ability to gain her clients’ trust, and her aggressive, yet strategic approach to protecting their interests.. Ms. Garner began her legal career as an attorney with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Board of Veteran’s Appeals, where she adjudicated appeals for denial of veterans’ benefits. After leaving the federal government, Ms. Garner joined the Washington, DC office of Whiteford, Taylor and Preston, where she served as general counsel to nonprofit associations and litigated and settled hundreds of civil lawsuits. In her current practice, Ms. Garner focuses on family law, estate planning, small business, civil litigation and criminal defense. She is a protective and persistent advocate for her clients and works within the law to assist her clients in resolving their legal issues as economically and efficiently as possible.. Education. Ms. Garner received her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law School, where she was the recipient of the Dean’s Award and served as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Business & Technology Law. She has worked as a law clerk at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and U.S. Department of Justice. Ms. Garner also interned for the Honorable James P. Salmon at the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, Fourth Appellate Circuit.  In addition to interning for the Honorable Judge Salmon, Ms. Garner also worked as a student attorney in the Community Development Clinic at the University of Maryland School of Law.. Community Service. Ms. Garner is an active member of the legal community and uses her extensive legal experience to serve her community by providing volunteer and pro bono services to individuals and organizations through various pro bono organizations in Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Ms. Garner provides assistance to nonprofit organizations through the Baltimore-based Community Law Center.  She also assists pro bono clients with family law, estate planning and small business matters through the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Programs, the Children’s Law Center, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Services, and the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland. In addition to providing pro bono services to her community, Ms. Garner is active in several bar associations, including serving as co-chair of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association’s (JFBBA) Public Relations Committee (2015-present), JFBBA’s Annual Scholarship Banquet Committee (2014-present), and the D.C. Bar Practice Management Services Committee (2015-present).

Jordan D. Howlette established JD Howlette Law, and its civil rights division, Justly Prudent, following a five-year career as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). While at the DOJ, Mr. Howlette successfully litigated dozens of civil tax cases and controversies on behalf of the United States in federal courts around the country, securing millions of dollars in favorable judgments while also advocating for equitable justice. He is intimately familiar with the procedures, strategies, and processes of litigating under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and with resolving multi-faceted disputes involving high-dollar amounts, intricate statutory and regulatory provisions, and diverse parties from different jurisdictions.. Mr. Howlette graduated cum laude from New England Law | Boston in 2016, and he is a proud veteran of the United States Army. In 2019, Mr. Howlette obtained a Master's in Business Administration from American University's Kogod School of Business and subsequently established MyTaxRights—a tax information company dedicated to educating individuals about their federal tax rights and responsibilities. In December 2020, Mr. Howlette co-founded the Center for Advancement of Tax Equity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes free tax education and outreach initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic conditions for individuals from underserved communities.

If you need a compassionate attorney who knows how judges think, you came to the right place.. Before joining Bosson Legal Group, Mr. Welkener clerked for the Senior Judges on the DC Court of Appeals. He dealt with a wide variety of civil and criminal cases, including a $60 million tax suit, consumer protection claims, various forms of employment litigation, and numerous misdemeanor and felony cases. He then clerked for Chief Judge Stucky on the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, working on criminal appeals in the American military justice system, including constitutional, statutory, and trial procedure issues. Most recently, Mr. Welkener clerked for Judge McFadden on the US District Court for the District of Columbia. There, he managed a busy motions practice and drafted over twenty-five legal decisions on numerous issues under DC and federal law.. Mr. Welkener also has significant experience in nonprofit issues. His Master’s degree from Texas A&M focused on nonprofit management, and he has served as both a board member and legal clinic co-director for Christian Legal Aid of D.C.. Now at Bosson Legal Group, Mr. Welkener focuses on securing justice for clients in civil and criminal litigation. With his years of experience advising judges, clients are in very good hands.

I work with small businesses, especially those that make or sell food, for their various legal needs, including complying with complex or technical regulations. I also litigate cases at the appellate and trial levels.

I primarily represent clients involved in government investigations. I have defended some of the largest corporations in the country in criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions, as well as in parallel administrative, regulatory and civil litigation. My experience includes antitrust, securities, foreign corrupt practices, banking law, hedge funds, export controls and contractor corruption. I also have significant experience counseling individuals and corporations involved in congressional investigations.. I also represent individuals in government investigations.. In a relatively recent case, I successfully defended a telecommunications executive and business owner accused of fraud in a lengthy trial, during which my client was acquitted of all charges.  In addition to government investigations, I often represent individuals and companies in complex commercial litigation and disputes involving First Amendment issues such as defamation and invasion of privacy.. I maintain a strong interest in and commitment to representing non-profit organizations and providing legal services pro bono.

I practice in the area of general real estate law that includes the financing, acquisition, disposition, development, and leasing of real estate assets throughout the United States. I also counsel clients regarding real property taxation and zoning approval. I have experience in representing individuals and public and private companies in single and multiple property transactions, including office, retail and multi-family real estate projects. Additionally, I actively litigate real estate and general business law matters.

I counsel small business owners, start-ups, and entrepreneurs on a variety of legal issues. Our mission is to partner with clients as part of their team to help them achieve the business of their dreams and plans with timely and strategic advice.

I am an experienced attorney currently licensed to practice before the United States 4th Circuit, Eastern District of Virginia, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and the Superior Court of Washington DC. With over 12 years of experience in contract negotiations and transactional law, and having built a successful referral based practice from the ground up, I am an attorney with extensive trial experience in criminal law in both state and federal court, extensive trial and negotiation experience in juvenile and domestic relations courts, and many years advising C-suite executives, government contractors, and commercial developers.. I have direct in-depth experience in commercial property transactions and contract negotiations against corporations as large as Amazon Services LLC, for government contractos, retail stores, inventors, farms, and start-ups.. As a transactional attorney, I utilize my listening skills and writing skills to advise CEOs, CFO’s, Boards of Directors, grass roots organizations, and lobbying groups. I identify conflict inflection points, negotiate mergers and acquisitions, draft purchase agreements, articles of incorporation, operating agreements, leases, business plans and investor pro formas. I advise on monetization, security, raising capital, cash burn rates, and implementation. I am often engaged in mitigating risk or identifying liabilities in unsettled areas of law or emerging areas of law by providing comparative analysis of trends and precedent in similar or adjacent areas of law, commercial norms, other permitted activity, and, occasionally by historical analogy. In coordinating legal teams on complex cases and projects with various federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as various administrative rule making bodies, I have become adept at leading teams in litigation, factual investigations, strategic decision making, and risk identification and management, and have developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the importance of community and legislative relations.. I often utilize my background in neuropsychology, behavioral science, and game theory to effectively organize wide varieties of data derived from diverse sources such as human intelligence, signal and communication intelligence, open-source intelligence, discoverable materials, FOIA’s, and expert opinion, to craft effective litigation strategies and provide leverage in negotiations. I am adept at client communication and case analysis, with a specialty in engaging in, and monetizing, emerging and unsettled areas of law, technology, and commerce.. My work with real estate developers, government contractors, inventors, and start-ups has exposed me to multi-million-dollar commercial property transactions, IP protection, zero trust architecture, digital twinning, cloning, quantum computing, neural networks, and other emerging areas of technology such as artificial intelligence. I have direct experience in large GPU assemblies and their various capabilities. I understand and stay current in the latest continuing legal education for machine learning, supervised classification and regression models, unsupervised clustering and association models, reinforcement training, and can competently advise as to use, misuse, malfunctions, hallucinations, risks of biases, unintended consequences, as well as identifying threats to security resulting from implementation, or lack there-of, for businesses. These skillsets allow me to identifying use-case risks, opportunities, threats, and weaknesses while promulgating effective strategies for monetization and liability mitigation for a wide range of economic activities.. For example, in 2014-2015, I assisted in writing the probable cause language of Initiative 71 which legalized cannabis cultivation, posession, and gifting of cannabis in the nation's capitol. In 2022, as outside counsel for Everyday Investors Real Estate Development, I advised the CEO on litigation strategies, assembled and managed litigation teams, provided advice in adopting long-term strategic goals, and otherwise performed services such as risk identification and liability avoidance. I negotiated several multi-million-dollar purchase agreements and commercial real-estate development contracts. I drafted requests for proposals for social equity and certified minority businesses, created SoPs that streamlined management responsibilities and staff training, and drafted non-disclosure agreements and releases to reduce future litigation risks. As an advisor to the governance board, I supported equity and inclusion initiatives with the creation of an apprenticeship program for children from Wards 6, 7, and 8 that provided a career development workshop for children in DC looking to work in real estate, resisential and commercial development.. During this time, I also provided counsel for Generational Equity Movement (GEM), an alliance dedicated to creating generational wealth and opportunity for underserved and underrepresented communities. We successfully formed a large coalition that included grassroots organizations and national organizations like the NAACP and successfully lobbied the DC Council to change emergency legislation in August and November of 2022 to include provisions that created opportunities for diversity and inclusion.. In 2023, as General Counsel for DC’s Own LLC, a security company based in Washington DC, I drafted security plans and standard operating procedures (SoPs) to protect against terrorist attacks, ram-raids, armed incursions, active shooters events, blackmail, kidnappings, theft, burglary, and inside jobs. DC’s Own LLC was retained to consult on 7 security contracts in 2023 and returned receivables that resulted in successful contract awards for each client. In 2024, I was further retained by the entities who were successfully awarded contracts to advise as to appropriate execution and implementation, draft operating agreements, develop business plans, assist in series A and B fundraising, and to provide future compliance review.. As lead counsel for several high-profile complex federal RICO, gang, firearm, and narcotic distribution cases, in some instances encompassing over 30 defendants and hundreds of indictments, I have spent countless hours in discovery, examining lab reports, forensic evidence, and witness statements and am well versed in resolving cases with interagency involvement and intense public scrutiny. Over the course of time, I achieved working knowledge of the operational methodology of national and international gangs, and the activity of other non-state actors in the trafficking of narcotics, weapons, and humans, and developed an expertise in cryptocurrencies, various forms crypto-mining, and blockchain, identity management, tumblers, hard and digital wallets, Web 3.0, Web 2.0, end-to-end encryption, and how each may be used to facilitate crime.. I received my Juris Doctor in 2010 from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington D.C., where I enjoyed applying principles of game theory to complex divorce litigation practices in directed research. While in law school, I worked nights as an educator for children with disabilities, afternoons and evenings as a paralegal, and later as an associate attorney for Schmergel & Mersberger PLC. In 2006 and 2007, I had the honor of interning as a law clerk for the Honorable Chief Judge Dennis Smith of the Fairfax County Circuit Court.. From January 2005 to September 2008, I created, directed, and staffed a free tutoring and athletics program for underprivileged children in the District of Columbia at the 6th Presbyterian Learning Center using $30,000 received in a twice renewed grant from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnership Program. In 2002, I interned as a Legislative Correspondent for Robert Brady of Pennsylvania's 1st District and also worked as an investigative and beat reporter/photographer for Connection Newspapers, where I wrote and photographed multiple cover stories the summer of 2003.. As an undergraduate at Georgetown University, I studied writing, psychology, finance and accounting and had the honor of being named a Folger Shakespeare Library Lannan Fellow in 2002 and 2003. A true son of Washington DC, I attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC and I hold the motto of my Alma Mater, “men for others”, near and dear to my heart.. I am a driven, innovative, and determined self-starter whose diversity of clientele and breadth of practice and experiences continue to drive my passion for helping people and companies achieve outstanding outcomes. My familiarity with employment law, contracting, the FAR and the federal procurement process, fiscal law, and with child and youth programs have uniquely prepared me to assist government contractors in achieving awards while maintaining the highest Ethics and Standards of Conduct. I have the experience necessary to reach across departments, combat siloing, achieve consensus and move projects forward.. Whether achieving a goal alone or completing a team project, whether in leadership or in support, in each case and in every day, I bring my creativity, curiosity, and compassion to the practice of law in service of my clients.

Guy Milhalter is an attorney with experience in advising, advocating, and negotiating on behalf of small businesses and entrepreneurs in a variety of business sectors.. Guy has frequently drafted and negotiated agreements for clients, advised on entity selection and formation, and assisted with all aspects of business transactions, business litigation, dispute resolution, and investigations.. Guy began his legal career at a boutique business litigation law firm in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked for several years, representing small businesses, construction companies, individual consumers and homeowners. During that time, he gained significant trial, litigation and negotiation experience, regularly arguing motion hearings in state and federal courts and winning a jury trial and a bench trial. Guy has also previously worked as a legal fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he assisted in drafting legislation, staffed congressional hearings and helped with committee investigations. In addition, he worked on political campaigns as a volunteer attorney and a policy fellow during two election cycles.. In addition, Guy, a native of Israel, is fluent in Hebrew and is deeply familiar with both the American legal and business environment and the Israeli business climate and culture. He is an active member of two organizations that promote business between the US and Israel: conexx - the America Israel Business Connector and the Maryland Israel Business Center. Guy is a natural connector of people - he is passionate about helping others by making business introductions and facilitating connections that help people advance their interests and businesses.. Guy volunteers regularly with the DC Bar Small Business Legal Clinic, where he provides pro bono assistance to small businesses and individuals interested in opening a business in Washington, DC.

Founder of Limelight Law, Bryn Owen focuses his practice on business and non-profit formation, business law, contract review, drafting and negotiating. Bryn also helps clients obtain and protect intellectual property rights in the areas of trademark and copyright law. Whether it’s filing an application, running a clearance search, responding to an Office Action, or enforcing clients’ rights against third parties, he has it covered.. Bryn has a history of working with businesses to achieve their business & legal goals. Before establishing Limelight Law, he worked with a variety of in-house legal departments at national technology & health care companies. While working in the legal departments, he developed a skillset that is uniquely catered to the business legal needs of companies. Bryn has spent a great deal of time negotiating and drafting a wide variety of contracts such as employment, bonus, non-disclosure, affiliation, licensing, & SaaS agreements to name a few.. Prior to enrolling in law school, Bryn worked for The Pokémon Company in their licensing division. He also worked for Beanstalk, an international licensing agency. Working in these positions gave him insights into the business world and the value of utilizing intellectual property effectively for modern businesses.. Outside of helping clients meet their legal needs, Bryn enjoys playing Stonewall Sports, staying civically engaged, spending time with family, and traveling.

Dr. Athina Balta is the Principal Member of the Firm. Dr. Balta is a member of the New York and District of Columbia Bar and has a PhD in Public Administration and Policy with a focus on Space, Science and Technology from George Washington University, a Law Degree from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, an LLM in Litigation and Dispute Resolution from George Washington University, a Bachelors Degree in International Affairs and a Masters Degree in International Law and Policy from American University in Washington DC. Her culturally, academically and professionally diverse background (having been born and raised in Greece, lived in the United States, England and France); proficiency in several languages; and experiences in working on behalf of several government and private entities, in the U.S. and Europe, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the World Bank, ING and Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as a valuable and powerful network of connections she has built through these years give her the knowledge and qualifications to work on a broad spectrum of private and government legal and policy matters in both the United States and Europe.  The firm provides general counsel services to a wide variety of businesses, including immigration legal advice and litigation, as well as advice for legal and policy matters in the aerospace and defence arena.  Dr. Balta is also an adjunct professor at George Washington University Law School teaching trial advocacy.

Cecilia is the owner and founder of Cecilia R. Jones & Associates, where she practices business (including employment and intellectual property matters) and estate planning law, with an emphasis on exit strategies for entrepreneurs and business owners. She handles corporate formations and structuring, breach of contract disputes, Wills and Trusts, probate, and commercial litigation.. Cecilia has made frequent appearances on MCTV to speak about estate planning, and has been a sought-after guest speaker on the subject of exit strategies, and succession planning for business owners, including the annual Women Business Owners IAAM Conference, and the WSSC Game Changer's Women's Business Conference.

Andrew Heidarpour is a member of the DC Bar, and founding attorney of Heidarpour Law Firm, PLLC. Mr. Heidarpour practices many areas of law, including  personal injury cases, bankruptcy, debt collection, health care law, contract law, U.S. immigration, class action, and telemarketer abuse. While in law school, Mr. Heidarpour interned at multiple law firms, focusing on contract and Healthcare Law. Mr. Heidarpour also conducted over 150  pro bono hours at the Employment Compensation Appeals Board, in the U.S. Department of Labor, located in Washington, D.C., under the supervision and direction of then acting Chief Judge, where he evaluated and studied the validity and viability of claims submitted for Appeal.. Mr. Heidarpour, has worked with a network of highly experienced attorneys, to bring about the highest quality legal work to each client, every day.. Mr. Heidarpour holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Legal Studies, from the University of Central Oklahoma, as well as a Juris Doctorate degree, from Arizona Summit Law School.. Jurisdictions Licensed:. United States District and Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia. District of Columbia

After graduating at the top of my class from Penn State, I attended Yale Law School. I was then selected from among other Yale Law graduates for a Liman Fellowship, which funded my work in the Supreme Court and Appellate Program at the MacArthur Justice Center. I left MacArthur in 2023 to found Bernicker Law.. In my transactional and advisory practice, I have assisted startups, small businesses, and nonprofits with a range of matters, including incorporation, mergers & acquisitions, trademark clearance & registration, and data privacy. I have also advised individuals, including professional athletes in the United States and England, on immigration, estate planning, and tax matters.. As a litigator, I have tried criminal cases, represented tort and housing discrimination plaintiffs, and handled civil and criminal appeals in state and federal courts across the country.. I am licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia and to represent people before federal agencies, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, and Sixth Circuits, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. I am also qualified to advise clients on English law.. In addition to practicing law, I run a startup that is creating a collaborative legal writing platform for lawyers. I previously developed custom software tools for other legal services providers, including a tool that uses AI to summarize judicial opinions and another tool that partially automated the process of reviewing medical records in a high-profile class action lawsuit.

After a decade in corporate practice, I hung a shingle to provide tailored legal services to businesses and individuals facing complex international legal issues. I have particular experience in commercial contract negotiation and dispute resolution, M&A transactions, joint ventures, business restructuring, and international family and probate issues.. My experience includes living for 12 years in Japan as a student and legal professional, in-house positions at Japanese and American companies, and practicing as a corporate lawyer in the Washington and Tokyo offices of one of the world's largest law firms. In these roles, I helped facilitate business deals in countries around the world, including Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Myanmar, Oman, Panama, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, and Thailand.