Top best R Lawyers in Washington | 7747 available

Emilie Fairbanks represents landlords and tenants in DC courts and administrative hearings. She represents clients in evictions, housing conditions court cases, wrongful eviction claims, and tenant petitions. Ms. Fairbanks also helps small and individual DC landlords with lease drafting and DC licensing. Working with you and your real estate agent she can even help you decide whether to purchase a tenant occupied building or house.

Elliott C. Lichtman is a well-respected attorney with decades of experience in immigration law. His practice is wide-ranging covering employment-based and family-sponsored immigration as well as other discrete areas of immigration law. He strives to provide high-quality and personal service to each of his clients who include individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, and large corporations.. As a leading expert in business immigration, Mr. Lichtman has published extensively on issues related to H-1B and L-1 visas, labor certifications, and other topics. He has also taught and presented on immigration law in many contexts. Additionally, Mr. Lichtman has served in leadership positions in the American Immigration Lawyers Association ("AILA") including the Chair, Co-Chair, or Member of the following bodies: Administrative Regulations and Policy Committee, Committee on H-1 Visas, Task Force on Consular Review, Business Immigration, Liaison Committee with the U.S. Department of Labor, and Liaison Committee with INS. He was also a Member of the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the D.C. Bar.. Education. Harvard Law School, LL.B., 1964Yale University, B.A., magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, 1961Bar Admissions. District of ColumbiaMississippi (inactive)Supreme Court of the United StatesNumerous federal courtsPrior Professional Experience. Private practice of law, 1968 to the presentLawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law, Jackson, Mississippi, Staff attorney, 1967-68National Labor Relations Board, Appellate Court Branch, 1964-67Teaching. Jointly presented annual six week DC bar immigration law course, 1991-2002Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, Adjunct Professor, 1974-76Selected Publications. “Understanding the H-1B Visa,” Lexis Practice Note, Lexis Nexis (co-authored with Lilah Rosenblum in 2016)AILA’s Guide to PERM Labor Certification, Associate Editor, American Immigration Lawyers Association (2011)The David Stanton Manual on Labor Certification, Associate Editor, American Immigration Lawyers Association (4th Ed. 2008 and 3rd Ed. 2005)"United States Immigration Law—Visa Requirements for Foreign Investors and Business Personnel," with J. Kranyak, Manual of Foreign Investment in the United States, Third Ed., Thomson/West (2004) and Supplement (2006 & 2007) with L. Rosenblum"Myths and Realities of H-1Bs" with A. Chehrazi, D. Grunblatt, R.Oh, M. Patrick, B. Chesam, N. Dornbaum, C. Lenz-Calvo, 2004-05 Immigration & Nationality Handbook, Vo. 2, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Elizabeth “Liz” Carlson has experience in both humanitarian and business immigration matters. She focuses her practice on asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief, waivers of inadmissibility, immigration consequences of criminal convictions, family based immigration, and naturalization. Liz represents clients facing deportation from the United States before the U.S. immigration courts and assists individuals seeking appellate review before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal courts. Her advocacy skills are particularly suited to representing foreign nationals who seek lawful permanent residency based on their qualifications which benefit the national interest of the United States. She also assists individuals of extraordinary ability in applying for permanent status in the United States.. Liz’s breadth of knowledge in her particular expertise and her steady resolve are especially helpful to clients with complex matters, including those facing immigration consequences of criminal convictions and those who have suffered persecution in their home countries. Her sensitivity toward clients seeking asylum, especially those from the LGBT community, empowers them to work closely with her to achieve their goals of obtaining protection and permanent status in the United States.

Elizabeth Sandza counsels boards of directors of for-profit and non-profit corporations. A former Delaware Deputy Attorney General, she also has extensive experience representing corporate clients in government investigations and in complex business litigation. Betsy has defended her clients in class actions, fraud and RICO cases, antitrust matters and injunctive actions, as well as in high-value disputes with their business partners. She appears regularly in state and federal trial courts and before federal multidistrict panels and international arbitral tribunals, as well as in bankruptcy, liquidation and appellate courts. She chairs Wilson Elser’s Commercial Litigation practice and is co-chair of the firm’s Class Action practice.. Betsy is appreciated for her calm and practical approach to clients' problems, and even their alleged wrongdoing. With a career’s worth of experience defending clients against a wide variety of serious charges under the most complicated circumstances, she has the ability to see the big picture and learn the details, while allowing her clients to focus on their business.. International Involvement Betsy is corporate secretary and general counsel to the board of directors of the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund, a $100 million equity fund created by the U.S. government that invests in small and medium-sized companies in eleven Sub-Saharan countries. In addition, she serves on the Advisory Board of the South Africa Washington Internship Program.. Areas of Focus. International InvolvementBetsy is corporate secretary and general counsel to the board of directors of the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund, a $100 million equity fund created by the U.S. government that invests in small and medium-sized companies in eleven Sub-Saharan countries. In addition, she serves on the Advisory Board of the South Africa Washington Internship Program.. Internal InvestigationsBetsy has assisted clients in designing and implementing compliance and governance programs, conducting internal investigations and preparing comprehensive defense strategies in response to investigations by government regulators, state and federal prosecutors, and civil litigants.. International BusinessBetsy has tried international arbitrations before the London Court of International Arbitration, the American Arbitration Association, and an arbitration panel of the National Construction Council of Tanzania, and she is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She counsels U.S. corporations regarding exposure under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and international banking anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering regulations. She also has served as counsel to U.S. advocates for foreign governments under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). In addition, Betsy advises U.S. companies doing business in Africa on U.S. regulations applicable to foreign trade and transacting business abroad.. Insurance-ReinsuranceFor 20 years, Betsy has represented excess insurers in bad faith and major complex insurance coverage cases involving liabilities for mass product failures, toxic torts, environmental cleanup and asbestos injuries. In addition, she has represented reinsurers and cedents in reinsurance arbitrations before industry tribunals. Betsy frequently counsels insurance companies on market conduct and regulatory compliance, and she has defended insurance companies in investigations by state insurance regulators and attorneys general. She was commissioned to write the current insurance code for the country of Uganda.

Elizabeth Lewis has always had a passion for environmental conservation, and has been fortunate to channel that passion into a career in environmental law and policy. Elizabeth graduated summa cum laude from Dickinson College in 2010, with a BS with Honors in Biology and a second major in Russian History, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated summa cum laude from American University Washington College of Law in 2015, and was named to the Order of the Coif.. Elizabeth has worked on both domestic and international ocean conservation issues for various NGOs and government agencies, including Oceana, the Environmental Law Institute, and NOAA General Counsel's International Section. In 2016, Elizabeth was honored to be a recipient of a Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. She served her fellowship in the Office of the Assistant Administrator of NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). Elizabeth worked directly with the Assistant Administrator, providing strategic and policy advice on a variety of issues within OAR's portfolio.. In 2017, Elizabeth returned to Meyer Glitzenstein & Eubanks as a Law Fellow, and in 2018, she was named an Associate Attorney. Her practice areas include: Wildlife and Protected Species (e.g., the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, etc.); Environment and Natural Resources (e.g., the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, Public Lands); Animal Law (e.g., the Animal Welfare Act); and Open Government (e.g., the Freedom of Information Act).. Bar Admissions: State of Maryland (2015, inactive status); Eastern District of Wisconsin (2017); District of Columbia (2017); District Court of the District of Columbia (2018)

Elizabeth H. Cohen, a partner at Arent Fox, practices in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, as well as other areas of intellectual property and litigation. Her experience includes all aspects of trademark law including, managing large and small domestic and international trademark portfolios for major companies, filings and prosecution, federal court litigation, trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising, domain name and Internet issues, copyright law, marketing advice and agreements, and licensing.. Elizabeth represents clients in trademark infringement and unfair competition suits in federal courts nationwide, as well as in general commercial litigation. She has extensive experience with ex parte and inter partes proceedings before the TTAB and conducting mediations and settlements of disputes. Elizabeth also handles domestic and international trademark prosecution practices, including clearance, prosecution, maintenance and enforcement and strategies. She has worked with clients to establish brand identity and internal intellectual property procedures and style manuals. In addition, Elizabeth has experience with negotiating licensing and merchandising agreements for multiple Fortune 500 companies.. Elizabeth has worked with clients in a variety of industry segments including, for example, entertainment, advertising, automotive, franchising, food and beverage, publishing, trade associations, software, internet, real estate and hotel services.. Before joining Arent Fox, Elizabeth practiced in New York City and Atlanta, where she was extensively involved in trademark, unfair competition, copyright and patent infringement litigation and trademark counseling, licensing and litigation.. An active member of several professional associations, Elizabeth currently holds membership in the following: the International Trademark Association (INTA); the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA); the Bar Association for the District of Columbia; the New York Intellectual Property Law Association (NYIPLA); the International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property (AIPPI); and the American Bar Association.. Elizabeth’s recent publications include:

Edwin "Sandy" Hardy has practiced Bankruptcy law in eastern North Carolina for 31 years. He was born and raised here. He has successfully filed thousands of bankruptcies. He is a former state legislator in the North Carolina House of Representatives where he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He has served on the North Carolina Courts Commission, the NC Governor's Crime Commission and the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture. He is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He graduated from East Carolina University and Wake Forest University School of Law. He also served for eight years on the Board of Trustees of Beaufort Regional Health Systems which operated Beaufort County Medical Center amongst other healthcare businesses. He served as Chairman of the Board for over three years. He is a federally designated Debt Relief Agent helping people obtain relief from their debt problems and to protect property through the U.S. Code and State and Federal consumer protection and bankruptcy laws.

Edward is a skilled litigator who focuses his practice on white collar criminal defense and business litigation. He has significant trial and appellate experience and regularly appears in federal courts in Pennsylvania and Washington, DC.. As a member of the White Collar Compliance & Defense Practice, Edward has taken leading and assisting roles in representing individuals and organizations under investigation for or charged with white collar offenses, and in responding to criminal and civil enforcement matters.. He also represents companies and professionals during internal investigations, before government agencies, and in federal courts for matters involving health care, securities, tax, banking, and investment advisor fraud as well as RICO issues.

Edward Glynn offers his clients decades of experience in advising leading consumer products and services, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements, advertising and marketing companies on federal and state regulatory matters, government investigations and litigation. He provides strategic business counseling involving consumer protection, antitrust and trade regulation issues.. As a former senior official in the Federal Trade Commission, Ed's practice includes advising clients facing federal and state regulatory investigations, including FTC investigations; representation in connection with mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures reviewed by the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice; and reviewing advertising campaigns for compliance with regulatory requirements. He also actively represents clients in proceedings before the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. Ed is rated AV “Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell and was named as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” for Advertising Law.. He previously served for over 14 years in various positions with the FTC. He was a central player in the Commission’s merger review process and led the FTC’s regulatory oversight of transnational mergers and acquisitions for almost 10 years. During his time with the FTC, he was also the assistant director (international antitrust) and associate director (international) of the Bureau of Competition. Additionally, Ed served as a trial attorney where he led several of the most significant investigations undertaken by the FTC and represented the Commission extensively in litigation in the United States District Courts and Courts of Appeals. Ed also served as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the Committee on Competition Policy of O.E.C.D. and Chair of the Working Group on Competition and Intellectual Property.. More recently, Ed was a partner in the advertising and marketing, antitrust and regulatory practices of an international full-service law firm where his practice focused on advertising, antitrust and trade regulation issues.

Edgar Ndjatou graduated from American University’s Washington College of Law and since graduating has focused on employment and labor law. He is also a NYC native and a first-generation immigrant from Cameroon. This background is the source of his keen interest in the role that work plays in our societies as well as the effect that employment law has both on employers and employees. Edgar is a Board Member for the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association, Open Arms Housing, Inc., and Posse D.C. He serves as a Steering Committee Member for the District of Columbia Bar’s Labor & Employment Law Section and the National Employment Lawyers Association’s Membership Committee.

Early in Attorney Chavers career, he served as director of civil rights compliance at the National Endowment for the Arts, where he authored and established its civil rights compliance program throughout the United States. Attorney Chavers was one of the first lawyers in the greater Washington, D.C., area to develop an arts and entertainment law practice in DC. This practice is a highly specialized area of the law and is rarely found in law firms. Attorney Chavers is also the founder and first chairman of the Entertainment, Sports, and Art Law Section of the National Bar Association and the Washington Area Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. He was the first general counsel and charter member of the Association of American Cultures. He was also elected and served for many terms on The D.C. Bar's Arts, Entertainment, Media and Sports Law Section. He represents numerous award winning writers, directors and talent of TV, theater, radio and screen. Attorney Chavers has over twenty five years of experience in representing employees in key civil rights cases. Cases like the landmark civil rights suit against Eastman Kodak resulting in a settlement of $21.4 million dollars. Attorney Chavers is a frequent speaker at professional and educational forums, including the National Association of Broadcasters, Women in Film and Video, Congressional Black Caucus of the United States Congress, Public Broadcasting Service, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Georgetown University Law Center, District of Columbia Bar Association, Washington Lawyers for The Arts, The National Bar Association, The College of William and Mary Law School, Temple University School of Law, Howard University School of Law, The University of the District of Columbia school of Law and The American University. Attorney Chavers has been featured in many publications including, the Washington Lawyer magazine, The Legal Times newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Who's Who in the law, Who's Who in the arts, Who's Who among international intellectuals, outstanding young men in America and several others. The Chavers Firm, LLC.'s experience spans many fields from contract negotiations and commercial real estate development to litigation, mergers and acquisitions as well as economic development and corporate governance. Attorney Chavers and the attorneys in The Chavers Firm, LLC. successfully close complex business deals, manage litigation and negotiations at the administrative, trial, and appellate levels in state courts and federal courts. The Chavers Firm, LLC. is a pioneer in the fields of government contracts, business, and arts and entertainment. The Chavers Firm, LLC. has also developed corporate diversity plans designed to assist Fortune 1000 companies in taking a prospective approach to avoid potential civil rights violations. Attorney Chavers and The Chavers Firm, LLC. have been designated with the highest recognition for an attorney by Martindale-Hubbell as a Preeminent A/V rated attorney. The Chavers Firm, LLC. has shown extensive insight, experience, capabilities coupled with its reach and affiliations with law firms and organizations nationally and worldwide.

Dree K. Collopy is a partner of Benach Collopy LLP.  As an experienced advocate, Dree devotes her practice to defending and representing individuals in removal proceedings, asylum matters, federal court litigation, VAWA and U visa petitions, waivers of inadmissibility, family and employment-based visa petitions, and complex adjustment of status and naturalization applications.  She develops thorough and creative legal strategies, provides impeccable and compassionate client service, and is steadfast in fighting for her clients’ rights.  Dree’s genuine passion and dedication to her work stems from her deep respect and appreciation for those who dare to dream the American dream.. In 2014, Dree was awarded one of the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s highest honors, the Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award for her outstanding contributions made in the field of immigration and nationality law.. Dree has authored several articles and frequently lectures on cutting edge immigration issues.  A recognized asylum expert, Dree serves as Chair of the AILA National Asylum and Refugee Liaison Committee and is the author of the forthcoming edition of AILA’s Asylum Primer, the “go-to” manual for practical, interpretive guidance on the entire asylum process.  In her capacity as Chair of the AILA National Asylum and Refugee Liaison Committee, Dree builds relationships and works cooperatively with government officials to maintain the integrity of our immigration system, ensure that our laws are implemented with accuracy and fairness, and secure justice and equality for non-citizens.. Dree is deeply committed to the pro bono representation of indigent clients and securing their access to counsel. She mentors pro bono attorneys, develops case materials and strategies for the representation of detained women and children refugees, and serves on working groups developing nation-wide policy advocacy and litigation strategies on behalf of refugees.  Dree also co-directs the Immigration Litigation Clinic at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, where she is a member of the adjunct faculty and supervises law students representing indigent clients in removal proceedings before the U.S. Immigration Courts.. Dree joined Benach Collopy from the litigation practice of Maggio + Kattar, where she was a Senior Attorney.  She earned her J.D. and Certificate in Law and Public Policy at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish at Grinnell College.  Dree is fluent in Spanish.

Doug Jacobson has 20 years of experience representing awide range of companies on international trade-related issues. He serves as principal outside international trade counsel to a number of U.S.and non U.S.-based multinational companies that produce medical, electronic,industrial, defense, consumer and aerospace products. His experience includes:. Export Controls and Sanctions. Customs and Imports. Other Trade Matters

Divorcing clients appreciate the combination of strength and compassion Katherine brings to her cases, especially when domestic abuse or child custody issues are involved. As a former trial attorney with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Katherine has extensive experience in the courtroom. She ensures clients understand the court process and focuses them on achieving realistic results.. Accessible and approachable, Katherine is known for moving quickly. Whether it is securing a temporary restraining order, preparing for Civil Protection Order trial in 10 days, or working with clients to formulate a Marital Settlement Agreement, Katherine acts decisively on behalf of her clients. They feel she is advocating for their best interests, working first to settle, but not hesitating to go to court if settlement isn’t possible.. The conflict of divorce can narrow an individual’s perspective. Katherine is adept at helping clients see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel” so they can move forward with their lives. At the end of the process, she wants clients to feel settled and empowered, that together they accomplished the best that was possible.

Disability rights advocate and litigator.

Dirk D. Haire practices in the areas of construction law and government contracts, with a focus on federal construction law.Dirk’s federal construction practice includes bid protests and claims litigation involving issues such as constructive changes, delays, accelerations, defective work, differing site conditions, default terminations, past performance evaluations, defective specifications, the Administrative Procedures Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Anti-Kickback Act, the Buy American Act, the Civil False Claims Act, the Miller Act, the Prompt Payment Act, and the Truth In Negotiations Act.  He also regularly counsels federal contractors on issues such as teaming arrangements, small business and set-aside strategy and compliance (8(a) contracting, ANC, NAC, HUBZone, SDVOSB), FAR Business Ethics and Conduct Codes and compliance, DCAA audits and investigations, cost allowability and the Cost Accounting Standards, lobbying restrictions and disclosures, project labor agreements, Davis-Bacon Act compliance, subcontracting plans, best value procurement strategy, and debriefings.  Dirk handles federal protests and litigation in the Boards of Contract Appeals, Court of Federal Claims, General Accountability Office, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and various U.S. District Courts.Dirk’s private and institutional construction law practice involves representing contractors and owners in a variety of transactional, project administration, labor relations, and litigation matters.  He has handled numerous contract negotiations and litigation involving airports, cruise ship terminals, piers, power plants, bridges, highways, hotels, office buildings, condominiums, and schools.  Dirk is regularly involved with a variety of private and quasi-private project delivery and contracting methods, including design-build, construction management, EPC, firm fixed price, cost-plus, PPP, and various hybrids thereof.In the industry, Dirk serves on the Executive Board of AGC of America and the Board of Directors of Maryland AGC.  He also currently serves as chair of both the AGC of America FAR Committee and Service and Supply Council.  Chambers USA has ranked Dirk as a leading lawyer in construction law the past three years, most recently describing him in their 2009 Guide as “an excellent communicator with exceptional business understanding.”

Dionna Maria Lewis, Esq. is a Founding Partner of the District Legal Group, PLLC. As a Trial Attorney, she manages a docket of nationwide and local cases, in all areas of labor & employment law, contract litigation, and risk mitigation for small businesses. Dionna represents clients as first- and second-chair in trial, administrative hearings, and mediation, before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Dionna also serves as Of Counsel to the Fay Law Group, a boutique litigation firm based in Washington, DC.. Dionna has extensive experience working with boutique, mid-sized, and large firm clients. Dionna is formerly Senior Counsel at Alan Lescht and Associates, Senior Associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC, and a Senior Associate at the Fay Law Group PLLC. Prior to founding the District Legal Group, she managed an active litigation docket of nationwide and local cases, in all areas of labor & employment law, civil litigation, and civil rights claims. Dionna litigates before state courts, federal courts, and administrative agencies, including D.C. Superior Court, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Circuit Court for Montgomery County, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of Special Counsel, Merit Systems Protection Board, and D.C. Office of Human Rights, in matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Whistleblower Protection Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Equal Pay Act, and state claims involving employment discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, breach of employment agreement, breach of contract, wrongful termination, and civil torts.. Additionally, Dionna has served as a Commissioner on the D.C. Board of Elections (BOE) and serves as a Board Member of the DC Office of Employee Appeals.

Dick Janis is one of Washington’s most well-known and highly regarded white collar criminal defense lawyers, as well as an experienced civil litigator. Over the course of his career, Mr. Janis has been involved in a wide range of criminal matters, representing both companies and individuals throughout the United States; he has also had a number of client matters in England, as well as in Italy, Switzerland, France, Taiwan, Australia, and Canada. Mr. Janis is currently representing two senior executives of BP with respect to investigations being conducted by the Department of Justice, as well as with respect to the multidistrict litigation, regarding the Deepwater Horizon incident. Following his graduation from Harvard Law School, Mr. Janis served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. For 32 years, he managed Janis, Schuelke & Wechsler, one of Washington’s premier white collar criminal law firms.. Among the more notable cases, Mr. Janis has represented:. Membership and Activities. Admitted to practice in Washington, D.C.; also admitted in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States.. Master, Edward Bennett Williams Inn of Court. Senior Counsel, the College of Master Advocates and Barristers. Vice Chair, White Collar Crime Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Fellow, American Bar Foundation. Member, ABA’s Presidential Task Force on the Attorney-Client Privilege. Past Chair, Hearing Committee, Washington D.C. Bar’s Board of Professional Responsibility. Past Chair, Committee on Grievances of the U.S. District Court, District of Columbia. Honors and Awards. Who’s Who Legal: The International Who’s Who of Business Crime Defence Lawyers, 2013. The Best Lawyers in America, 1993-2014. Super Lawyers, 2007-2014. Publications. “Ensuring Employee Rights in Internal Investigations,” ABA Human Rights Journal, Volume 36, Number 2, Spring 2009.. “DOJ’s Latest Gambit,” The National Law Journal, September 29, 2008.. “The McNulty Memorandum: Much Ado About Nothing.” The Washington Lawyer, February 2007. “Deputizing Company Counsel as Agents of the Federal Government: How Our Adversary System of Justice is Being Destroyed,” The Washington Lawyer, March 2005. (Updated and Republished by The Cato Institute in 2008.)

Diane Shapiro Richer is a principal in Ober|Kaler's Real Estate and Finance Groups and brings thirty years of experience in real estate financings and other real estate transactions. She represents real estate investment trusts (REITs), private developers, construction and permanent lenders, retailers, non-profits, and others in a wide range of real estate matters.. Diane counsels banks and other lending institutions, as well as borrowers, in construction and permanent lending and loan workouts; negotiates and drafts contracts for the acquisition, development, leasing and financing of commercial office buildings, shopping centers, office parks and planned communities; and represents developers and tenants in leasing and acquisition matters.

Deuteronomy 15 - The year for cancelling debts.  The Bible provides for one's debts to be forgiven after seven years and American bankruptcy law acknowledges this long established principle.  I have devoted my life to this biblical principle and serving others.

Destiny is the founder and lead attorney at Solid Ground Law (SGL), a holistic and client- centered criminal defense and family law firm based in Washington, D.C. SGL was built on the belief that justice begins with understanding. Destiny and her team are dedicated to amplifying the voices of individuals impacted by the criminal and family legal systems, crafting tailored solutions for each client’s unique circumstances, and providing a clear path forward.. Destiny’s journey to founding Solid Ground Law is rooted in a lifelong commitment to advocacy and social justice. Her career began in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she worked as an Assistant Public Defender, representing hundreds of clients—both children and adults—accused of crimes. This early experience cemented her dedication to standing beside individuals in their most vulnerable moments.. Prior to founding SGL, she served as Policy Counsel at DC Justice Lab where she spearheaded community-led policy campaigns to reform D.C.’s criminal legal system. She worked alongside directly impacted individuals, amplifying their voices and encouraging advocacy for meaningful, systemic change. Her work at DC Justice Lab focused on creating safer, more equitable communities through solutions that extend beyond traditional reliance on police and prisons.. Destiny also served as the Co-Executive Director of the Second Look Project, a legal services organization dedicated to combating extreme sentences through litigation. There, Destiny played a pivotal role in defending and preserving IRAA, securing the release of 15 men through pro bono work, and mentoring the next generation of legal advocates. Destiny’s work as a second look advocate is featured in FAMM’s award-winning documentary, District of Second Chances.. Destiny also shares her expertise by teaching at American University and coaching award-winning mock trial teams. Her team recently won the Estrella Mock Trial Advocacy Competition in Puerto Rico.

Desiree Charpentier works for Healthcare Legal Solutions (“HLS”) which is a collections firm that recovers problematic third party payer medical claims for hospitals and health systems. She manages the appeals process for case management and denial management departments.  She works on health care institutional problematic medical claims from governmental, state, federal, insurance and institutional payers. She represents institutional clients, not private individuals.

Denis C. Mitchell is an experienced trial attorney and focuses his practice on representing individuals and families who have suffered life-altering injuries or who have lost love ones. He has obtained numerous multi-million dollar recoveries for his clients and has tried cases before multiple state and federal courts in the region.  Mr. Mitchell's fellow plaintiffs’ lawyers recognized him as D.C.’s Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2014.  He has also been recognized by Best Lawyers®, SuperLawyers®, Washingtonian Magazine®, and Bethesda Magazine® as a leading practitioner in medical negligence and/or personal injury since 2011.. Mr. Mitchell has held leadership positions in several organizations, including President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Chair of the D.C. Bar Tort Law Section. He has written for quarterly publications and made presentations on important civil cases handed down by state and federal courts in the District of Columbia.  His also served for more than a decade as an Adjunct Professor in Trial Advocacy at the Georgetown University Law Center.. Mr. Mitchell became fluent in Spanish after spending a year teaching and studying in the Economics Department at the University of Navarre in Pamplona, Spain.

Dedicated to working with employees who have been wrongly treated by their employers, I have won substantial victories in various courts and administrative processes to vindicate the rights of my clients.  I work exclusively with employees to ensure that employers are held accountable for their wrongful action.. Every case is different. Understanding how the law applies to your work-related situation requires in-depth understanding and research.

Deborah K. Marcuse is a Partner at Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP.  She focuses her practice on representing plaintiffs in employment matters and has litigated discrimination and wage and hour individual cases and class actions in federal and state courts around the country.