Layla J. Asali

Rama Taib-Lopez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Arbitration. Rama, who practices law in Rockville, Maryland, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rama is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carmen Irizarry-Diaz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Carmen, who practices law in McLean, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carmen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bob Symon practices in the areas of construction and government contract law. Clients routinely seek out Bob’s advice to assist in such matters as protesting procurement results, interpreting the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), prosecuting claims under the Contract Disputes Act (CDA) or insuring compliance with ethical obligation to name just a few. Bob has enjoyed considerable success prosecuting and defending bid protests at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Uni...

Robert Luskin is a partner in the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice at Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. He is one of the best known and most highly-regarded litigators in Washington, D.C., concentrating in complex criminal litigation at both the trial court and appellate level. Beginning his career in government service, and having later transitioned into private practice, Mr. Luskin has represented clients in virtually every high-profile ...

Since cofounding Stein Sperling 40 years ago, Millard Bennett has built a robust and varied business law practice, while simultaneously growing and expanding the firm as Managing Partner into one of Montgomery County’s largest and most sought after law firms. In addition to his time tested business acumen, Millard’s intuition, empathy and meticulous attention to his clients’ individual needs has earned him a reputation as a go-to business lawyer. Beyond advising clients on b...

Whitney L. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Whitney L., 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 Whitney L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James P. Durling is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of International Trade and Finance Law. James P., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lars Golumbic serves as the co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice. His ERISA litigation practice includes the defense of “excessive fee” and ESOP class actions brought against plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and service providers. Lars also represents health plan sponsors and health insurers in actions brought under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Additionally, Lars defends plan trustees, fiduciaries, companies and their board members, and service provide...

A former chief of staff at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Kathleen Benway helps clients develop practical strategies for compliance with applicable state, federal, and global consumer protection and privacy laws. Kathleen’s experience makes her uniquely positioned to represent clients before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other government agencies. She has over 12 years of senior-level experience with the FTC, including chief of staff to three directors of the Bu...

Mr. Kovner represents clients in complex government antitrust investigations and litigations. He has cleared hundreds of challenging transactions through the HSR process, expeditiously and most often without the need for any remedies. Named a “National Litigation Star” for antitrust by Benchmark Litigation (2008–2020), Mark is consistently recognized as one of the country’s leading antitrust practitioners by Chambers & Partners USA; The Best Lawyers in America; Was...