Barbara Straub Williams

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...

Frederick (Rick) Stearns provides his clients with experience on a wide range of issues affecting makers of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements, cosmetics, food, and food ingredients. He is also deeply involved with the regulatory issues surrounding cannabis and hemp-based products, including cannabidiol (CBD) and related cannabinoids. Rick helps manufacturers evaluate the need for marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F...

Scott Nolan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of DUI / DWI Defense. Scott, who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mustafa Ostrander is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Regulatory Law. Mustafa, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mustafa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joel R. Grosberg is co-head of McDermott’s Antitrust Mergers Focus Group and assists clients on civil and criminal antitrust matters, including obtaining merger clearances, counseling and litigation. He has represented clients in obtaining antitrust approvals in numerous challenging transactions, and in other government antitrust investigations before the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and foreign competition authorities. Joel has significant exp...

Carolyn Abbate is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Carolyn, who practices law in Arlington, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carolyn is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Personal injury and medical malpractice victims, and those who have been injured by the federal government, turn to Karl Protil when they need a lawyer who has a 20 year record of winning such cases. Clients depend on Karl when the stakes are high, and when their situations call for a lawyer who is not afraid to take chances when it comes to bringing the much needed emotional and financial closure they deserve. Victims benefit from his unique technical skill-set which includes both deep knowl...

Marina excels in dealing with international and complex family law matters. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) as well as the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and has been consistently named a Washingtonian Top Lawyer since 2015. Always emphasizing the importance of family, Marina is skilled at resolving complex custody and property division cases. Marina serves a wide range of clients, including accomplished career executives, stay-at-home spo...

James N. Czaban is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of FDA Law. James N., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charles C. Speth is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Qui Tam Law. Charles C., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charles C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.