Jessica L. "Jess" Ellsworth

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 ...

Spencer F. Walters is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Spencer F., 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 Spencer F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Virginia C. Haizlip is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Elder Law, Family Law, Family Law Mediation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Virginia C., who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Virginia C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Devon Hill counsels clients on the regulatory issues involved in the global marketing of new foods, cosmetics, packaging, and related products and compliance issues that arise for products already on the market. He has over two decades of experience assisting clients that make food, cosmetics, and materials that contact food. He primarily assists clients with regulatory compliance and safety and policy issues in the United States and most countries around the world. Food and drug packaging cl...

Steve Levey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law. Steve, who practices law in Potomac, Maryland, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steve is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew B. Swartz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Matthew B., who practices law in Tysons, Virginia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian's practice focuses on the construction and engineering industry, federal government contracts and surety law. Brian represents owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, engineers, design professionals and sureties in all phases of public and private projects from contract inception through alternative dispute resolution and litigation. Brian advises regional, national and international clients on complex legal issues, including contract performance and administration, risk assess...

Sondra Douglas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Sondra, who practices law in Rockville, Maryland, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sondra is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul B. Hudson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Communications Law. Paul B., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Louis Mazawey brings decades of experience as an authority on the tax aspects of employee benefits in all forms to his work at Groom. As counsel to major insurance companies and a variety of plan sponsors—including corporate employers, trade associations, and public retirement systems—Lou has worked closely with qualified plans, 403(b) and 457 plans, IRAs, employee stock ownership plans, executive compensation, retiree medical benefits, plan terminations, mergers and spinoffs, the...