Alan S. Kaden

Richard E. Lear practices primarily in the litigation area emphasizing insolvency, Chapter 11, and creditors’ rights and bankruptcy issues. For 25 years, Mr. Lear has served as counsel for institutional lenders, franchisors, leasing companies and landlords in connection with individual and business Chapter 11 cases and in workouts. He has also counseled clients regarding the effect of bankruptcy and insolvency on proposed bond refundings, conventional loan refinancings and other transac...

John B. Watkins is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. John B., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Amanda Gilbert represents clients in all aspects of family law, including separation, divorce, child custody, adoption, and assisted reproductive technology. She combines her legal knowledge and experience with a solution-oriented approach to address complex family matters. Known for her empathy, patience, calm demeanor, and common-sense perspective, Amanda provides both strategic guidance and compassionate support during challenging family transitions. A trained mediator and Collaborative pr...

Matt Hjortsberg is skilled at assisting clients in managing complex problems from “black swan events” to complex legal issues and multi-party negotiations. He has extensive experience representing commercial contractors, subcontractors, design professionals and owners in disputes, including construction delay, impact and defect claims. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, Matt brings the same core skills to each matter to help clients mitigate and manage risk. An unusually qui...

Marcus Owens represents a broad range of nonprofit organizations, including private foundations, charities, lobbying/political organizations and trade associations. The context has ranged from tax planning, the process of formation and application for exemption, through IRS and state attorney general investigations, including complex audits by IRS Exempt Organizations Financial Investigative Units. Marcus’ focus includes executive compensation, excess benefit and self-dealing excise tax...

Elizabeth A. Lalik specializes in litigation of: Discrimination and harassment claims Executive compensation Non-compete/non-solicitation and trade secret claims Wage and hour issues Sales commission issues She has tried multiple significant cases before federal and state court juries, obtaining wins by both judge and jury verdict and handling resulting appeals. She has litigated in many jurisdictions throughout the country. Elizabeth has represented clients in a wide variety of employment-re...

Dylan Trache is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Dylan, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2012. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dylan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Katherine D. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Katherine D., who practices law in Reston, Virginia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katherine D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher J. Reynolds is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Christopher J., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric Core, an attorney with Lerch, Early & Brewer, co-chairs the firm's Estate Planning & Probate group. Widely respected for his extensive knowledge of estate and tax law, Eric has been helping people with estate plans and trust and estate administration for more than 30 years. Eric works closely with personal representatives and trustees on all aspects of estate and trust administration to ensure they fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. Eric also has an extensive background in...