Top best E Lawyers in Washington | 8797 available

Experienced employment lawyer and litigator in Washington, DC.

Evan Phelps is a principal at OFW Law. He advises companies on compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) law and regulations, with focus on matters related to medical devices and biologics as well as those affecting Clinical Investigators. This includes Assistance in the preparation of Premarket Approval Applications (PMAs), Premarket Notifications (510(k)s), and Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) Applications; Advice, training, and assistance with matters concerning the Quality System Regulation (QSR) and the Medical Device Reporting (MDR) Regulation; Assistance with responding to and resolving issues relating to: FDA establishment inspections, Forms FDA-483 (Inspectional Observations), Warning Letters, Recalls, Injunctions, Import/Export of FDA-regulated products, and Product labeling. Evan also assists in Clinical Investigators and IRBs with compliance, enforcement, and training issues. He advises companies on the impact of FDA law on business transactions and agreements; development of specially tailored plans to bring medical devices to market based upon client needs and goals; and assists in filing or responding to trade complaints.

Ethan S. Burger, Esq., is a Washington-based international legal consultant, attorney, and academic. He is an Adjunct Professor at Washington College of Law (American University).His areas of specialty include: Transnational Financial Crime and Corruption, Cybersecurity Law and Investigations, Corporate Governance, Russian Country Conditions (Organized Crime and Human Rights), and Legal Ethics / Professional Responsibility. He has spent one-third of his career working abroad (Australia, France, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom).  See His global outlook is reflected in his approach to problem-solving. His experience spans numerous industries: consumer goods, construction, energy, financial institutions, hotels, insurance, and technology. He has considerable experience dealing with governmental officials and conducting internal investigations. In the past, he has uncovered critical evidence and developed innovative solutions that have saved corporate clients tens of millions of dollars.He is a seasoned analyst of complex and sensitive situations involving waste, fraud, and abuse in both the private and public sectors. He is also a skilled negotiator, interviewer and trained mediator. He has negotiated the settlement of disputes with insurers and business / litigation counterparts. He has served as an expert witness on transnational financial crime, corruption, country conditions (Russian and Belarus) matters.. He is outstanding at identifying issues in clients’ contracts, practices, and procedures that need to be clarified or refined. In addition, he excels at identifying weaknesses in the opposition's position.He monitors cybersecurity and matters related to corruption, particularly as related to Russia. He identifies potential problems with regulatory compliance issues, both on a broad-scale as well as for specific clients.

Eric J. Conn is a founding partner of Conn Maciel Carey and Chair of the firm’s national OSHA • Workplace Safety Practice Group. His practice focuses exclusively on issues involving occupational safety and health law.. Mr. Conn develops safety and health regulatory strategies for his clients across all industries with a particular emphasis in:. Advising and representing clients in relation to inspections, investigations and enforcement actions involving the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and state and local regulators.. Managing the full range of litigation against OSHA, including appeals of citations, negotiations of settlements geared to minimize the impact of enforcement actions on wrongful death and personal injury civil cases, and trials before the OSH Review Commission.. Representing employers during U.S. Attorney criminal investigations and prosecutions of alleged OSH Act criminal violations.. Advising employers’ other attorneys in civil cases stemming from workplace accidents about the overlapping OSHA regulatory issues.. Counseling clients through catastrophic industrial, construction, and manufacturing workplace accidents, including explosions and chemical releases.. Developing and auditing safety programs and policies.. Providing workplace safety training and compliance counseling for employers.. Prior to founding Conn Maciel Carey, Mr. Conn was Head of an OSHA practice group that was honored as the “Occupational Health & Safety Law Firm of the Year” by Corporate INTL Magazine in its 2014 Global Awards. In 2013 and 2014, he was named a "Rising Star" by Washington, DC Super Lawyers, and was selected for inclusion in the Washington Post's Top Rated Lawyers list in Washington, DC.. Mr. Conn is a prolific writer on all topics OSHA related. He edited a popular OSHA law blog at another firm and authored the chapter "OSHA Inspections" in the Occupational Safety and Health Law Handbook, 2nd ed. (Government Institutes, 2008), and the chapter "Defending Clients Against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Increasingly Severe Enforcement Practices" in Complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Act: Leading Lawyers on Navigating OSHA Investigations and Developing Successful Compliance Strategies (Aspatore, Inside the Minds, 2012).. Mr. Conn is also a popular speaker on OSHA and related legal issues, and is often quoted as a leader in the field. He created the OSHA Defense Report Group on LinkedIn and can be found on twitter as @OSHA_Guy.. Mr. Conn lives in the Washington, DC area with his wife and baby boy.

Employees should be evaluated solely based on their work, but that ideal is not always a reality. Too many women, employees of color, whistleblowers, and workers across many other protected classes have been forced to endure discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in the workplace. I can’t change that reality, but I can help you do something about it.. I became a plaintiff’s employment lawyer to advocate for justice on behalf of employees. Like most workers, I, too, have experienced challenges in the workplace, and I understand too well how those challenges can impact a person’s health and well-being. It is incredibly difficult to find the strength to stand up for your employment rights, but no employee should have to suffer in silence. I want to help give you a voice, and I know how to navigate the intricacies involved in our country’s employment laws.. I have achieved successful outcomes for employees in both litigation and non-litigation matters involving discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, whistleblowing, and other employment-related claims. Among the highlights of my professional experience, in 2018, I served on a trial team that won an over $1.3 million verdict for our client on her age discrimination claim against American University.. I am proud to achieve favorable results for many of my clients, but I cannot guarantee you any certain results. Each case is unique. What I can guarantee is that I will be fully transparent with you, that I will approach your employment issue with compassion, and that I will zealously advocate for your rights, leaving no stone unturned.. Before founding District Employment Law, I worked as a plaintiff’s employment lawyer at Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC for over six years.. I graduated with honors from the George Washington University Law School. During law school, I represented clients in employment matters as a student attorney in GW’s Public Justice Advocacy Clinic. I also served as an Articles Editor for the Federal Communications Law Journal. Prior to law school, I graduated summa cum laude from Clemson University with a B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Legal Studies.

Emily C. Lagan handles wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, premises liability, and products liability cases. Alongside other firm members, she is committed to helping clients secure the results they need. Prior to joining the firm, Emily graduated magna cum laude from the University of Richmond and cum laude from Wake Forest University School of Law.. At Wake Forest, she was a legal writing teaching assistant and active member of the Moot Court Board, serving as its Chief Justice. While on the Moot Court Board, Emily competed in two interscholastic competitions, including the National Moot Court Competition, where her team placed second in its region and earned a top-ten score for its legal brief among law schools nationwide. In her third year of law school, Emily participated in the Wake Forest Litigation Externship Clinic, where she assisted the Department of Social Services in obtaining child support awards and the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office in prosecuting criminal cases. She is also a member of the Order of the Barristers, a national honorary organization that recognizes achievements in written and oral advocacy.. Emily is licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She is currently serving as a co-chair of the New Lawyers Division of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, a co-chair of the Social Media Committee of the Women’s Bar Association, and is a member of the Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council of the District of Columbia Bar Foundation.

Emily Baker is a family law attorney based in Northern Virginia who primarily serves clients in Fairfax County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Loudoun County and Washington, D.C. With a focus on separation and divorce, including complex and high-net-worth family law matters, Emily believes in the importance of listening carefully to her clients as they develop their goals.. “I value being able to really be there for someone during what’s often one of the most difficult experiences in their life, helping them problem solve and guiding them toward a better future,” she says.. Depending on the unique circumstances of each case, Emily assists her clients through negotiation, mediation and/or litigation. As a proponent of Collaborative Divorce and a trained mediator, she advocates for a process grounded in mutual respect. Her approach is deeply collaborative, seeking her clients’ input to achieve realistic solutions. However, she also says, “I will fight to the end for someone being wronged and that has a basis in the law for what they’re seeking.”. From the initial meeting to the conclusion of their case, Emily is a zealous advocate for her clients. Understanding the emotional and uncertain journey of divorce, she works closely with each client to maintain focus on what truly matters. She brings empathy, attention to detail and creative strategies to work towards securing the best possible outcomes.. Emily earned her law degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Va. Following her education, she clerked for one year for the Honorable Robert J. Smith of Fairfax County Circuit Court and clerked for a second year for the Honorable Bruce D. White, Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Both these experiences helped hone her advocacy skills.. Today, Emily is proud to be part of a sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional family law firm that provides clients with exceptional resources to resolve challenging family issues. She also serves as a board member on the Fairfax County Bar Association Board and is the volunteer coordinator for the Fairfax Law Foundation’s Annual 5k.. Emily lives in Arlington, Va., with her husband and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors and traveling.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Developers live & die on their deals and can't afford time delays or cost overruns. I assess zoning risks and help them avoid, minimize, or fix the problems.. I have practiced law in DC for 20+ years, virtually all of that time focused on helping people resolve a variety of land use issues.. My day-to-day practice is dedicated exclusively to helping property developers and homeowners address zoning issues before the DC Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) and Zoning Commission, and other District agencies.. Many clients come in wanting to know what they can do with a particular property. I explain their options in plain English. Sometimes they have no viable options, but appreciate getting the bad news up-front--before committing significant time and money to a loser deal.. More often, they do have viable options, and we help them navigate the zoning process with as little friction as possible. For matter-of-right projects, we review for zoning compliance and advise on how to get the maximum development rights they are entitled to.. After two decades in the trenches of the District’s zoning apparatus, I know how “the sausage is made.” I understand the legal process, but I also have built up a rapport with everyone from humble receptionists to powerful decision makers.. This experience has given me valuable insight, which often helps me discover creative solutions that less-experienced attorneys will almost certainly overlook.

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.