Donna Byrne

Kendal handles domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, as well as licensing, distribution and franchise matters. What do you focus on? Franchising With over 25 years of experience, I counsel companies expanding through master franchising, area development franchising, international franchising, management contracts, joint venture agreements, licensing agreements and product distribution arrangements throughout the wor...

Christina M. Gattuso is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Financial Services Regulation Law. Christina M., 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 Christina M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Land use and zoning attorney Bill Kominers navigates governmental processes to help companies achieve the best use of their properties in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Bill’s idea of light reading on the weekend is scouring the footnotes of proposed new zoning codes. He is creative in using his exacting knowledge of land use law to shepherd developer and corporate clients through the approval process, crafting zoning solutions akin to selecting the correct rocks to traverse a s...

Sara Mariska is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Sara, who practices law in Reston, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sara is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rebecca Geller is an award-winning attorney, a philanthropist, a trailblazer, and a passionate advocate for equality and human rights. Rebecca is also a devoted wife, mom to three young kids + a dog, and community leader. While working as a corporate lawyer for an AmLaw 100 firm, Rebecca witnessed brilliant women fleeing the profession because big law firm partners showed disregard for attorneys’ lives outside the firm. As the mother of a baby and toddler at the time, Rebecca knew there...

Ricardo Carvajal works with manufacturers and marketers of food and dietary supplements, OTC drugs, and cosmetics on a range of FDA, USDA, and FTC regulatory issues. Mr. Carvajal advises clients ranging from start-ups to multinational companies at all points in the supply chain, including bulk ingredient manufacturers, distributors of packaged goods, and retailers. He counsels clients on the regulatory status of ingredients and finished products, and provides advice on compliance with labelin...

Ashley B. Sawyer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Ashley B., 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 Ashley B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Mark Poerio is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. J. Mark, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Mark is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kimberley Ann Murphy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Kimberley Ann, who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kimberley Ann is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Cathy Burgess leads the firm’s FDA Compliance and Enforcement Team and FDA practice. FDA-regulated entities benefit from Cathy's common-sense advice for achieving business objectives that avoid compliance and enforcement risks. With more than 30 years of extensive experience in the areas of CGMP regulation and product risk management, she provides strategic counseling and works with clients to identify and address potential risks throughout the product life cycle. Cathy advises clients ...