Brian K. Pearlstein

Michael Huston counsels clients in high-stakes litigation matters, with a particular focus on crafting winning appellate strategies. He is also sought after for his deep knowledge of administrative law. Michael’s representations are informed by his experience in the Office of the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he represented the federal government before the Supreme Court of the United States. As an Assistant to the Solicitor General, Michael argued nin...

Laura Foote Reiff focuses her practice on business immigration laws and regulations affecting U.S. and foreign companies, as well as related employment compliance and legislative issues. Laura advises corporations on a variety of compliance-related issues, particularly related to Form I-9 alien employment verification matters. Laura has been involved in audits and internal investigations and has successfully minimized monetary exposure as well as civil and criminal liabilities on behalf of he...

Brittany McCants is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Brittany, 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 Brittany is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

George Tsai is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. George, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which George is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Johnine P. Barnes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Johnine P., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Johnine P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David W. Bowker is the partner-in-charge of the firm’s Washington DC office and chair of the International Litigation practice. He is a nationally renowned litigator with nearly 25 years’ experience representing corporate clients, nonprofits, museums, universities, individuals, international organizations, governments, and government officials in a wide range of high-stakes commercial and governmental disputes before the US Supreme Court, US Courts of Appeals, US District Courts, ...

Craig de Ridder is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Craig de, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Craig de is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Burgess’ practice focuses on appellate litigation across a broad range of subject matter, including patent litigation, commercial litigation, and regulatory matters. He has argued appeals in most of the United States courts of appeals, including several in the Federal Circuit. He has been to trial several times, joining trial teams to brief dispositive motions or prepare for appeals, and has also practiced before agencies such as the Patent & Trademark Office, International Tra...

Ryan P. O’Quinn Ph.D. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice. Ryan P., 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 Ryan P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Warren Lee Lewis serves as chair of Akerman’s Franchise & Licensing Practice, a highly experienced team that handles U.S. and international franchising, licensing, dealership and trademark counseling, registration and litigation matters for franchisors, licensors, subfranchisors, dealers and other business clients. In the field of franchising, Warren has authored books, studies, articles and regulatory comments, frequently speaks at U.S. and international franchise conferences, and ...