Ria M. Williams

Brian E. Hayes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor Law - Management. Brian E., 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 Brian E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Thompson focuses his practice on complex Chapter 11 cases and debtor and creditor rights. He handles business reorganizations and cross-border insolvency matters, and has extensive experience representing debtors, creditors, acquirers, landlords and equity holders, both in and out of court, across a broad range of industries.

Matt Reilly is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Matt’s practice focuses on a wide range of antitrust matters, including antitrust litigation, complex transactions and antitrust counseling and government investigations. Matt is frequently relied upon to obtain regulatory clearance for many of the toughest, high profile deals. Matt is a former assistant director of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Bureau of Competition. In this role, he served for ...

As a trial lawyer for over 30 years, Bruce Blanchard understands the pressure, expense, frustration, and uncertainty that litigation imposes upon a client. In order to achieve a desired outcome in court, Bruce works with his clients to define their priorities and develop a strategy that achieves the clients’ objectives. He brings common sense, an affinity for people, and a commitment to ethics in both his civil and criminal practice. Bruce believes hard work, preparation, and identifica...

Criminal defense lawyer and civil litigator Michael Battle is focused on white collar criminal matters. Having previously served as a prosecutor and judge himself, Michael understands their perspectives and designs compelling arguments that have the best chance of defending his clients and mitigating their exposure to prosecution. After leaving public service for private practice, Michael has counseled numerous clients on cases involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), healthcare fr...

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

Julie Christopher is passionate about helping people navigate challenging transformations in their family landscape. She focuses her legal practice on domestic issues including separation and divorce, complex custody suits, child support and alimony, modifications to existing agreements, property distribution and valuations, contempt and enforcement, and pre- and post-nuptial and separation agreements. Julie is driven to ensure her clients maintain the steadfast belief that she is their advoc...

Mr. Colten was born in New York City and has been a long-time resident of Virginia. After serving as Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Fairfax County for two years, Mr. Colten entered private practice in Northern Virginia. He was a founding member and principal of Surovell, Jackson, Colten & Dugan, P.C. and its predecessor and successor firms, prior to forming Colten | Watson | Vincent Law Group P.C. In 1965, Mr. Colten received his B.S. with a major in sociology from American Universi...

Sanford K. Ain is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Real Estate Law. Sanford K., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 1983. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sanford K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Louis Cohen is a senior counsel in the firm's Litigation/Controversy Department, and a member of the Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Practice Group. He joined the firm in 1967. Mr. Cohen served as Deputy Solicitor General of the United States from 1986-1988, and focuses on US Supreme Court and other appellate litigation and corporations law. Mr. Cohen’s appellate practice has included more than fifty cases on the merits in the US Supreme Court and a large number of cases in the c...