Joseph C. "Joe" Schmelter

Eric Frechtel practices in the area of construction and government contracts. He represents general contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and owners, in both the prosecution and defense of claims on large public and private construction projects. He has significant litigation experience before both state and federal courts, including both bench trials and jury trials, and he has considerable experience in construction arbitration as well. Eric’s practice also includes substantial work ...

Laurie L. Kirkland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Laurie L., who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laurie L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth A. Lalik specializes in litigation of: Discrimination and harassment claims Executive compensation Non-compete/non-solicitation and trade secret claims Wage and hour issues Sales commission issues She has tried multiple significant cases before federal and state court juries, obtaining wins by both judge and jury verdict and handling resulting appeals. She has litigated in many jurisdictions throughout the country. Elizabeth has represented clients in a wide variety of employment-re...

J. Michael Cavanaugh is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Admiralty and Maritime Law and Energy Law. J. Michael, 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 J. Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeffrey A. Kolender chairs the firm’s Estate Planning and Estate & Trust Administration practice groups. He concentrates primarily in those areas and also advises small businesses in tax business planning. A former chairman of the Estates and Trusts Section of the Montgomery County Bar Association, Mr. Kolender has participated as lecturer and co-author of outlines for several continuing legal education seminars regarding estate planning. His topics have included “Advising Cli...

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

Alexandre H. Rene is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Alexandre H., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alexandre H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert K. Kry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Robert K., 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 Robert K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stanley Reed is an attorney who heads Lerch, Early & Brewer's Litigation group in Bethesda, Maryland. His diverse law practice includes the representation of individuals and corporations in complex civil and employment litigation, white-collar criminal defense work, and the representation of lawyers and health care providers in professional responsibility matters. Stan also is noted for his adept handling of politically sensitive cases, grand jury investigations and parallel proceedings. ...

Ilona Ely Grenadier Position: Partner. Founding Partner Background: Born, Baltimore, Maryland, May 18, 1940; admitted to Virginia Bar in 1968. Education: Mount Holyoke College (B.A., 1962); George Washington University (J.D., cum laude, 1967). Order of the Coif. Member: Alexandria, Fairfax , Virginia and American (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations; Virginia State Bar; Virginia Trial Lawyers Association ; American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers ; International Academy of Matrimonial...