David J. Charles

Douglas J. Sanderson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Real Estate Law. Douglas J., who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Douglas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William F. Gould is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. William F., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Goutam “Gooch” Patnaik is a partner of Desmarais LLP, where his practice focuses on representing innovators in their most challenging intellectual property and commercial matters, with a particular emphasis on patent and trademark disputes. He has particularly deep experience with Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and litigation in key patent venues such as the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Texas, the District of Delaware...

Jennifer S. Joffe is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Jennifer S., who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

D. Kirk Morgan II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. D. Kirk, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which D. Kirk is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nigel L. Wilkinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Nigel L., who practices law in Reston, Virginia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nigel L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Deborah B. Baum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Deborah B., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Deborah B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brandon H. Elledge is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Brandon H., who practices law in Tysons, Virginia, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brandon H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristin Draper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Kristin, who practices law in Potomac, Maryland, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kristin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Making strategic decisions for the future can be challenging during a family crisis like divorce. Jonathan Dana, a compassionate and straightforward divorce attorney with more than 35 years of experience, helps clients navigate these difficult times to make educated, informed and optimal decisions for their circumstances. “I present clients with options, letting them know that my role is to guide, rather than tell them what to do,” says Jonathan. “It’s important that t...