Matthew D. "Matt" Lerner

Goutam “Gooch” Patnaik is a partner of Desmarais LLP, where his practice focuses on representing innovators in their most challenging intellectual property and commercial matters, with a particular emphasis on patent and trademark disputes. He has particularly deep experience with Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and litigation in key patent venues such as the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Texas, the District of Delaware...

Ken Silverberg is an experienced tax attorney and former CPA-partner at Arthur Andersen & Co. He focuses on tax controversies, including tax audits, appeals and litigation against the IRS and state departments of taxation. He also represents numerous nonprofit organizations and NGOs in the health care, education and trade association sectors. What do you focus on? Tax Controversy Practice I help clients resolve their IRS and state tax problems as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Mos...

Yvette Gatling is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Yvette, who practices law in Tysons, Virginia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Yvette is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Norman Armstrong, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Antitrust Law and Litigation - Antitrust. Norman, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Norman is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kristen Kugel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Kristen, who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. 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.

Fred Goldberg is co-head of the firm’s Tax Group and global co-chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. Mr. Goldberg first joined Skadden in 1986, following two years as chief counsel of the Internal Revenue Service. From 1989 until 1992, Mr. Goldberg served as commissioner of the IRS, and during 1992 he served as assistant secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy. He returned to Skadden in December 1992. Working with his Tax Department colleagues in Skadden’s Washington, Ne...

Clients depend on Mike's congressional and administration experience, serving as health policy counsel to the Senate Committee on Finance and in several roles in the Department of Health and Human Services, for representation on both legislative and regulatory matters. His direct work with policymakers enables him to meet the legislative and regulatory needs of his clients. Michael served as health policy counsel to Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance,...

John J. Heitmann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Communications Law. John J., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher R. Wall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of International Trade and Finance Law. Christopher R., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.