Ernst J. Walch

Barri Hilton Payne In 2011, Barri became a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and a Certified Family Financial Mediator. She was born in High Point, North Carolina and grew up in Davidson County. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she majored in Religious studies and Sociology. Barri is a 1999 graduate of University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill. After twelve years as a partner in a local law firm, Barri opened her own solo family law and m...

Jim Clancy is the president of Branscomb | PC. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation. He also handles selected matters defending the firm’s clients in personal injury lawsuits. His experience includes million dollar verdicts for his clients and numerous significant settlements and dismissals. Jim’s greatest professional satisfaction is serving as a trusted advisor. A West Point graduate, Jim is a former Armored Cavalry Captain. He served with the 1st Cavalry Divisi...

Stephanie Avakian is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Securities Regulation. Stephanie, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephanie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Todd D. Wachtel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Todd D., who practices law in Somerville, New Jersey, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Todd D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott E. Andress is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Gaming Law. Scott E., who practices law in Jackson, Mississippi, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A graduate of Harvard and Yale, and a multiple-time Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for employment law, Joshua R. Goodbaum represents individuals in litigation and negotiation, with particular emphases in employment, civil rights, and appeals. He has represented clients in every level of our justice system, from local trial courts to the Supreme Court of the United States, in matters ranging from constitutional law to contract disputes. Josh’s experience in Connecticut emp...

Gerald Serlin, a founding partner of Benedon & Serlin LLP, is a distinguished appellate attorney with nearly four decades of experience. As the current managing partner of B&S, one of Southern California’s premier appellate boutique law firms, Gerald’s practice spans a wide range of substantive areas, such as employment, contracts, civil rights, torts, arbitration, and anti-SLAPP. Gerald actively contributes to a number of professional organizations, including the Los Ange...

Mark L. Venardi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Mark L., who practices law in Walnut Creek, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jordan Plitt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Jordan, who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jordan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dick is managing partner of the firm, a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and chairman of the firm’s Business Department. Dick’s practice focuses principally on healthcare, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, contract negotiation, general corporate matters, financings, regulatory matters, and antitrust advice. Dick represents a wide range of corporations, limited liability companies and other entities, including start-up companies and healthcare providers, ...