David F. Rifkind

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

Ms. Javitt provides strategic FDA regulatory advice for leading medical device, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, biological products, and human cellular, and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps) throughout the product life cycle and has successfully resolved disputes at both the pre- and post-market stage. She also has significant experience advising clinical laboratories on FDA and CLIA requirements for laboratory developed tests. Ms. Javitt’s experience prior to joining Hyman, Phelps & McNa...

Jeffrey Davidson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. Jeffrey, 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 Jeffrey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffrey A. Kolender chairs the firm’s Estate Planning and Estate & Trust Administration practice groups. He concentrates primarily in those areas and also advises small businesses in tax business planning. A former chairman of the Estates and Trusts Section of the Montgomery County Bar Association, Mr. Kolender has participated as lecturer and co-author of outlines for several continuing legal education seminars regarding estate planning. His topics have included “Advising Cli...

Julie Mitchell Newlands represents individuals and their families in cases involving serious injury or wrongful death. She has substantial experience litigating personal injury and medical negligence cases in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Julie is a dedicated advocate for victims of life-altering events related to another’s negligence. She accompanies her clients through the litigation process with diligence and compassion. Julie has obtained six, seven, and eight-fi...

Recognizing that many people meet Heather Mehigan during times of significant personal and family turmoil, her legal insight and sincerity puts them at ease. A tireless advocate for her clients, she assesses the circumstances of each matter and then works collaboratively with all parties to affect the best possible resolution. Heather instills a sense of confidence in her clients, and opposing counsel respect her fair and firm efforts to achieve consensus. Her areas of focus include fiduciary...

Practice Experience Jonathan is a leading global authority on international disputes and investment, as well as complex negotiations and crisis management. As head of Latin American arbitration, he has successfully advised on some of the most critical issues of the era in Latin America and beyond, such as the cultural patrimony of Machu Picchu, the new Ecuador international airport, the Argentine sovereign debt crisis, the development of the Peruvian energy sector and the Panama Canal expansi...

Mark K. Lewis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Oil and Gas Law. Mark K., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joel Swearingen is an associate in the firm’s Project Finance and Public Finance practice group, representing issuers, underwriters, and borrowers on a variety of public finance transactions. He also has substantial experience in the field of tax withholding and information reporting, both internationally and domestically. What do you focus on? My practice includes representing clients on tax matters present in connection with public finance transactions. I also advise clients on the in...

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.