Melissa Rhea
About Melissa Rhea
Melissa Rhea is a lawyer based in Washington, DC and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2006. Melissa Rhea is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Washington, District of Columbia
- Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Current Firm: Law Office of Melissa Rhea
Education: American University Washington College of Law, J.D., graduated 1982 and Washington University in St. Louis, AB, graduated 1979
Location: Washington, DC
Nearby Lawyers
Evan Pritchard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Evan, who practices law in Alexandria, Virginia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Evan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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.
Michael J. Goecke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Michael J., who practices law in Bethesda, Maryland, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Travis Harrison focuses his practice on counseling individuals and families with regard to their wealth management and estate planning needs. He advises clients on the preparation of wills, trust agreements, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives and prenuptial agreements. He provides legal counsel in connection with probating estates, analyzing estate and gift taxation matters, advising fiduciaries in connection with the administration and investment of estate and trust assets, an...
Lauri E. Cleary is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Insurance and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Lauri E., who practices law in Bethesda, Maryland, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lauri E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic ...
Daniel L. Nash is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment and Sports Law. Daniel L., 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 Daniel L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
An incisive thinker and passionate client advocate, Monica Garcia Harms chairs Stein Sperling’s family law practice group, where she has practiced for more than fifteen years. Monica maintains a very robust and diverse family law practice, focusing her work not only on divorce, but on complex and often emotionally fraught matters such as custody, support, domestic violence, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, alimony, property distribution, grandparent visitation, contempt/enforcement act...
Jim Hundley has over 30 years of experience litigating complex criminal and civil cases. He regularly represents individuals and corporations before Virginia’s state and federal courts. He has defended clients involved in a broad range of criminal matters including bank fraud, bid rigging, bribery, embezzlement, tax evasion, and computer fraud. On the civil side, Mr. Hundley has successfully handled cases involving a wide variety of issues including breach of contract, tortious interfer...
Jordan M. Halle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Jordan M., 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 Jordan M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Bruce L. Richardson focuses his practice on electric energy law. He advises independent power producers (IPPs), merchant transmission developers, electric power marketers, energy asset managers and private equity firms in the energy sector. While Bruce routinely appears before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on regulatory matters and in administrative litigation, he represents energy sector clients on a wide range of regulatory, electric reliability, transactional and project ...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer