Alaric R. Smith

David Godofsky is a partner in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Group of Alston & Bird. He is chair of the Retirement and Benefits Committee of the firm, and during his tenure as Leader of the Employee Benefits Group (including ERISA Litigation) the firm was named “Law Firm of the Year” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® for ERISA Litigation in 2016 and Employee Benefits (ERISA) in 2015 and 2017. David is part of the firm's team of litigators which repres...

Michael Whalen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Banking and Finance Law. Michael practices law in Washington, District of Columbia Best Lawyers has recognized Michael Whalen since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael Whalen is held by other lawyers.

Kim, a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated attorney, is one of the founding Partners of the insurance subrogation firm of Rathbone Group, LLC. Recognized as a National Women in Law Honoree, a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 4 years, as an Inside Business One to Watch, and as one of the Top 25 under 35 in Cleveland, she has focused on insurance subrogation throughout her entire legal career. Kim was elected Managing Partner in 2019. Her responsibilities include supporting the firm’s clie...

Christine Keller advises a wide range of clients on all aspects of health and welfare plan design, administration, and funding including compliance with federal tax, ERISA, and other federal and state law requirements, plan and VEBA trust document drafting, participant disclosure, change in election issues, wellness program compliance, and claims and appeals. Her clients include employers, insurers, and service providers of all sizes. She draws on her prior IRS experience to provide practical...

Patrick W. Pearsall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of International Arbitration - Commercial and International Arbitration - Governmental. Patrick W. practices law in Washington, District of Columbia Best Lawyers has recognized Patrick W. Pearsall since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Patrick W. Pearsall i...

Brian R. Sanderson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Health Care, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Brian R. practices law in Fairfax, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Brian R. Sanderson since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brian R. Sander...

The focus of my practice has always been family law and I pride myself in being able to assist clients during one of the most difficult and emotional times in their lives. My goal is to provide you zealous representation, while also guiding you through this challenging time. I handle all family law matters including divorce, property division, support, custody and visitation matters, protective order hearings, and post-divorce modification issues. Regardless of the issues, I make sure that my...

Sean P. Schmergel has been consistently recognized as one the DMVs top divorce and family law attorneys, including by Washingtonian Magazine, Arlington Magazine, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. He began practicing divorce and family law over 22 years ago and has continued to hone his legal practice before the local courts, developing a reputation as a zealous and thoughtful family law advocate. A resident of Northern Virginia for over 36 years, Mr. Schmergel holds a genuine concern for the le...

A former chief of staff at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Kathleen Benway helps clients develop practical strategies for compliance with applicable state, federal, and global consumer protection and privacy laws. Kathleen’s experience makes her uniquely positioned to represent clients before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other government agencies. She has over 12 years of senior-level experience with the FTC, including chief of staff to three directors of the Bu...

Christopher S. Rizek is a Member in Caplin & Drysdale's Washington, D.C., office. He also serves as General Counsel to the firm. In 2014, he was listed in the elite "Leading Lawyer" list for Tax Controversy by The Legal 500 . Services Mr. Rizek represents taxpayers in all types of federal civil and criminal tax controversy matters. He also guides clients through IRS audits, prepares administrative claims and protests of IRS actions, and litigates tax and tax-related cases in U.S. district...