Mikhael D. "Mike" Charnoff

Louis Mazawey brings decades of experience as an authority on the tax aspects of employee benefits in all forms to his work at Groom. As counsel to major insurance companies and a variety of plan sponsors—including corporate employers, trade associations, and public retirement systems—Lou has worked closely with qualified plans, 403(b) and 457 plans, IRAs, employee stock ownership plans, executive compensation, retiree medical benefits, plan terminations, mergers and spinoffs, the...

Jacki Thompson represents management in a wide range of employment matters, with particular expertise in labor relations in the airline and healthcare industries. Jacki guides clients through all facets of labor law. As a member of the firm's Airline Group, she assists both airlines and airline carrier service providers in grievance resolution matters, including grievance arbitrations and mediation. She has also successfully defended multiple AIR21 cases for her airline clients. In addition, ...

Christy Tinnes is involved in all aspects of health and welfare plans, including the Affordable Care Act, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She represents large employers designing health plans as well as insurers designing new products. She frequently advises both employers and service providers on the legal requirements for wellness programs, including HIPAA, ADA, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. She also has significant experience working...

Michael Kreps is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Michael, 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 Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don Sperling’s extensive experience handling issues related to businesses, from start-ups to fully matured companies, enables him to evaluate clients’ legal and business concerns and opportunities from multiple angles. He adeptly guides them through short- and long-term considerations for their businesses, whether in the context of a potential merger or acquisition, key hire, a real estate transaction, an employment issue, a business strategic planning consideration or a litigatio...

Howard L. Nelson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Howard L., 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 Howard L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ian Paul Fisher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Native American Law. Ian Paul, 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 Ian Paul is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Callahan Hale is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. John Callahan, who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John Callahan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

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...