Howard Shelanski

Barak Cohen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Barak, 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 Barak is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Josephine Torrente’s practice focuses on bringing promising new drug and biological therapies through the FDA approval process. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Josephine provides essential regulatory insight and strategic perspective into the pursuit of aggressive objectives. Josephine advises biotech and pharmaceutical senior executives and development teams on strategic direction at critical moments in drug development, from preclinical and Phase 1 matters to co...

Michael A. Branca is Co-Managing Partner of Peckar & Abramson’s Washington, D.C. office and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. He focuses his practice on construction and government contract law. Mike routinely represents general and prime contractors, construction managers, and other members of the construction and government contract industries. Given his depth of experience, he is able to provide an impressive range of services to his clients, including the review an...

Chair of the Firm’s Employment, Labor, and Benefits Practice, Amy blends a direct and practical approach to HR challenges and conflicts by partnering with business organizations to create sustainable policies that prevent, address, and resolve workplace challenges, including multi-state compliance, hybrid and remote work, and fostering inclusive environments. Amy represents employers of all sizes in a variety of industries in the following areas of employment law: Counseling and complia...

Gifford R. Hampshire is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Land Use and Zoning. Gifford R., who practices law in Manassas, Virginia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gifford R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carmine R. Zarlenga is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Advertising Law. Carmine R., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carmine R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sam Spiritos’ clients recognize him as a sophisticated transactional attorney, trusted business advisor and an effective negotiator who truly understands their business needs. Over the course of his thirty-plus year career of successful deal-making, Sam has developed not only a masterful legal ability, but also strong relationships with many key players in the real estate markets in DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia and throughout the country. He draws upon this experience (which includes...

William Zapf is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law. William, 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 William is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Neil Eggleston is a litigation partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Neil has a distinguished record of public service, and has held a number of senior government roles. He was White House Counsel to President Obama from 2014 to 2017, and advised the president on all legal and constitutional issues across a broad spectrum of domestic and foreign policy matters. Neil’s practice focuses on enforcement defense including at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)...

The resolution of family law issues impacts a person’s life, frequently affecting long term financial well-being and parental rights. It is important, therefore, to attain the best possible outcome. Robin B. Taub, a principal and founding member of Paradiso, Taub, Sinay, Owel, and Kostecka, P.C., has built her legal reputation upon this principle. She focuses her practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia on negotiation, mediation and collaboration. She believes these alternative...