Melissa L. Laurenza

Christopher Wilkinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Christopher, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Philip Baker-Shenk is a partner in our firm's Indian Law Practice Group and our Entertainment Law Practice Group. He provides legal and policy representation to dozens of Native American Indian Tribal governments as well as Tribal organizations and companies doing business with Indian Tribes. Mr. Baker-Shenk began working on behalf of Indian Tribes in our Nation's capital in 1976. For half a decade, he served as staff in the U.S. Senate, including two years as Majority General Counsel to Indi...

Jean Galloway Ball is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law. Jean Galloway, who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jean Galloway is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America © in the fields of commercial litigation and intellectual property, Susan Metcalfe is a veteran trial attorney who knows what it takes to get the job done for her clients both inside and outside the courtroom. With over eighteen years’ experience as a trial attorney, Susan has significant, substantive experience with an extremely broad array of litigation, including: Intellectual property (trade secrets, trademark, noncompetition agr...

David Schertler is widely recognized as one of the top white–collar criminal defense attorneys in the Washington area and nationwide. He founded Schertler & Onorato, LLP, in 1996 and has built the firm’s reputation as a premier litigation boutique through his broad experience with criminal and civil investigative and trial matters and the results that he has achieved for his clients. Mr. Schertler is known for his skilled and tenacious representation of individuals and entitie...

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.

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

Samuel W. Beavers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Samuel W., 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 Samuel W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Whether helping her clients negotiate to draft commercial leases or working collaboratively to resolve complex family law issues, Leslye Fenton brings a uniquely powerful combination of sensitivity and tenacity to her work. As an attorney and trained mediator, Leslye believes in listening carefully to her clients to identify what drives their interests. This key, she says, unlocks the paths toward resolution, successful negotiation and, hopefully, beneficial outcomes. Her practice includes Fa...

Douglas W. Ell enjoys solving difficult problems relating to employee benefits. His creative redesign of one benefit program saved a client over $20 million each year and was recently approved by the IRS. He drafted the first 401(k) plan in professional sports. Mr. Ell has represented a number of nationally recognized corporations, unions and multiemployer plans. He has litigated nationally with great success and persuaded Congress to make important changes in employee benefits laws. He has s...