Brian K. Pearlstein

Jay R. Nanavati is an accomplished litigator, a former federal tax prosecutor, and a founding partner of Kostelanetz LLP's Washington, D.C., office. He has developed an enviable record of success in persuading the government to terminate investigations of his clients and in defeating the government in court. Mr. Nanavati maintains a nationwide practice, focusing on white-collar criminal defense with an emphasis on tax-related matters. He represents individuals and entities facing investigatio...

Keri McWilliams is a co-leader of the Franchise & Distribution team. She represents start-ups and mid-size companies across numerous industries, including restaurants, retailers, fitness centers, health concepts, and luxury brands, in all aspects of their corporate relationships. Keri is also a member of the Health and Wellness initiative, and the Food, Beverage and Agribusiness team. What do you focus on? Franchising I represent franchise systems ranging from 3 units to more than 1000 un...

Michael R. Sklaire is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Michael R. practices law in McLean, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Michael R. Sklaire since 2023. 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 R. Sklaire is held by other lawyers.

Seth J. Safra is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Seth J. practices law in Washington, District of Columbia Best Lawyers has recognized Seth J. Safra since 2019. 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 Seth J. Safra is held by other lawyers.

Zachary Kitts is a founding partner at K&G Law Group, PLLC, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of qui tam litigation, business torts, employment law, and other complex commercial litigation matters. In his qui tam practice, Zach represents relators (or, as they are sometimes called, "whistleblowers") in litigation under the federal False Claims Act and under state false claims statutes. Zach has prosecuted a wide variety of claims for fraud against federal, state and local go...

Kirk Niemi is an experienced construction industry attorney who focuses his practice on construction litigation, government contracts, surety, and associated contract issues. He represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, sureties and government agencies including highway departments and municipalities. He has extensive experience in complex matters before courts, arbitrators and mediators regarding various construction issues including mechanics' liens, acceleration claims, chang...

Chair of the firm’s Natural Resources Department and the American Indian Law & Policy Group. Represents tribal nations, those doing business with tribes and western water districts. Proven ability to resolve natural resource and water disputes before Congress and the Department of the Interior. Ryan Smith represents tribes, water districts and corporations before Congress, the Department of the Interior and the courts on tribal issues and Western natural resource issues. He has sign...

Ken Lore, head of the Real Estate practice – East Coast, has developed a nationally recognized real estate finance practice based upon his representation of owners, developers, investors and lenders by creating complex equity and debt financing structures. His transactions involve multifamily rental properties, mixed use development, affordable housing, public-private partnerships, office buildings and other commercial projects. Clients do not come to Ken for a cookie-cutter deal or app...

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...

Grayson P. Hanes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Litigation - Real Estate. Grayson P. practices law in Reston, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Grayson P. Hanes since 1989. 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 Grayson P. Hanes is held by ...