James M. Hoffman

Stuart Sears is an experienced trial attorney whose practice focuses on criminal and white collar defense. Before joining Schertler & Onorato LLP, Mr. Sears was a partner at a law firm in Alexandria, Virginia, where he represented individuals in a wide array of federal and state criminal proceedings. Mr. Sears's broad defense experience includes representing individuals charged with health care fraud, false claims, money laundering, mail and wire fraud, illegal structuring, and mortgage f...

Stephanie Holland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Stephanie, 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 Stephanie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John McBride’s effectiveness as a land use attorney is built upon his accumulated experience; established reputation among staff and elected officials throughout localities in Northern Virginia; and an ability to build consensus through factual, detailed presentation of information. Prior to attending law school, John worked as a City Planner, a land acquisition and right-of-way agent, and a real estate leasing agent for local governments in Northern Virginia. This decade of experience ...

Sean P. Schmergel has been consistently recognized as one the DMVs top divorce and family law attorneys, including by Washingtonian Magazine, Arlington Magazine, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. He began practicing divorce and family law over 22 years ago and has continued to hone his legal practice before the local courts, developing a reputation as a zealous and thoughtful family law advocate. A resident of Northern Virginia for over 36 years, Mr. Schmergel holds a genuine concern for the le...

Petr's practice focuses on investment treaty arbitration, international commercial arbitration and public international law. Petr's legal knowledge and mastery of technical and financial issues makes him a vital resource for clients in today's complex international arbitrations. Petr has been recognized as one of the "Most Highly Regarded Individuals" in Arbitration by Who's Who Legal – Future Leaders 2018 and 2019. A partner in the Firm's International Arbitration Group based in Washin...

Steven Robins is a land use attorney at Lerch, Early & Brewer in Bethesda, Maryland who represents prominent national and regional developers, contractors, lenders and commercial property owners and has been involved in many high-visibility projects in Montgomery County. Steve advises clients on complex zoning map and text amendments, optional method of development applications, master plan amendments, comprehensive land use planning and zoning analyses, special exception and variance app...

Stephanie S. Lim represents independent power producers, power marketers, trade associations, and others in a wide variety of regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), courts of appeal and state public utility commissions. She counsels clients on the structure of electricity markets and the design of capacity markets. Stephanie also represents private equity clients and power producers on transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions. Read full bio...

Victoria Lauterbach is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law. Victoria, 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 Victoria is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lauri E. Cleary is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Insurance and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Lauri E., who practices law in Bethesda, Maryland, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lauri E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic ...

Maury Baskin focuses his Washington, DC-based practice on national labor policy, challenging excessive government regulation on behalf of small and large businesses, while advising employers in compliance issues. He has extensive experience in dealing with labor relations and union pressure tactics, employment discrimination and wage and hour law. He has represented a variety of industry sectors, advising clients involved in construction, government contracting, higher education, telecommunic...