David Shaffer
About David Shaffer
David Shaffer is a lawyer based in Washington, DC and has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America since 2025. David Shaffer is recognized in the following practice area:
- Washington, District of Columbia
- Energy Law
Current Firm: Dentons U.S. LLP
Education: American University, J.D., graduated 1996
Location: Washington, DC
Nearby Lawyers
James M. Maynor, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. James M., who practices law in McLean, Virginia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Glenn M. Cooper is the chair and senior member of the firm’s Litigation and Family Law practices. He frequently appears before federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels, and before arbitration panels and professional disciplinary boards. The majority of his practice is devoted to complex business, financial, commercial and domestic litigation involving significant business issues. A number of Mr. Cooper’s cases have helped shape the current state of the law i...
Tanja H. Castro co-founded CastroHaase PLLC in 2012. She is included in the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 editions of Washington, DC & Baltimore’s Best Lawyers. Her practice is focused in the areas of commercial real estate valuation and taxation issues, including property tax assessment appeals. She advises clients on minimizing their real estate tax obligations. Ms. Castro is experienced in reviewing, analyzing and obtaining reductions in the assessments of all types of commercial pro...
Elizabeth Drake is a principal in the firm’s Plan Sponsor group. Her practice covers Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and tax requirements applicable to retirement plans and non-qualified arrangements, health and welfare benefits and fringe benefit programs. In recent years, Elizabeth’s practice has focused on counseling and advocacy work on behalf of large plan sponsors on complex and sensitive matters primarily involving their defined benefit pension...
Meredith Senter has specialized in communications law since 1980. His current practice focuses on complex or novel matters before the Federal Communications Commission, particularly mergers and acquisitions and other investment transactions. Meredith frequently works with other law firms representing private equity and investment management firms in structuring acquisitions and investments to comply with the FCC’s ownership and attribution requirements. Meredith understands clients&rsqu...
Dara Levy helps pharmaceutical and medical device companies on a wide range of issues relating to product communications, marketing, and import/export. Dara assists clients with products in all stages of development to design engaging communications compliant with FDA legal and regulatory requirements. In the pre-marketing stage, Dara works with companies to strategically communicate with investors, potential marketing partners, and the scientific community, as well as implement effective dis...
Laurie A. Amell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Laurie A., 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 Laurie A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jacqueline Colclough is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jacqueline, 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 Jacqueline is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Leon Fresco is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Leon, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Leon is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kara M. Ariail is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kara M., who practices law in Tysons, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kara M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
Common-Law Marriage in Indiana: Are You Legally Protected?
by Laurie Villanueva
Understanding cohabitation rights and common-law marriage recognition in Indiana.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.