Richard H. Howard-Smith

G. Christopher Wright is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. G. Christopher, who practices law in Alexandria, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which G. Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Ms. Garrett is a graduate of George Mason University and received her Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law, in White Plains, New York. She is admitted to practice law in Virginia and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.Ms. Garrett is an active member of the Fairfax County Bar Association (where she is a member of the Family Law Section and on the Judicial Screening Committee), the Arlington County Bar Association, the Alexandria Bar Association, th...

Melinda focuses on providing holistic multi-generational income and wealth transfer tax planning advice and estate and trust services to high net worth individuals, families, and business owners. She also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries on probate and estate and trust administration, and serves as a technical expert working closely with the firm’s Litigation group on estate and trust litigation matters. Melinda brings a unique and diverse perspective from her work in private law p...

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

Stephanie C. Smith is a Shareholder in the law firm of Midgett Preti Olansen. Her practice areas include estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business matters. Additionally, Ms. Smith serves as a Commissioner of Accounts for Virginia Beach Circuit Court. In her role as Commissioner of Accounts, Ms. Smith supervises fiduciaries and audits accountings and other filings by administrators and executors of estates, trustees of trusts, guardians and conservators for minor children ...

Stephen C. Huff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Stephen C., who practices law in Roanoke, Virginia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Deborah D. Cochran has over 34 years of experience assisting individuals, families and business owners with all of their estate planning needs. Her practice includes designing custom estate plans for each client, as well as tax planning and trust and estate administration. Debby’s personable approach quickly puts her clients at ease and comfortable to discuss their family situation, helping them focus on what is most important to them. Debby then works with her clients to design the app...

For more than 15 years, Leigh has been helping families and individuals navigate matters that include divorce, custody, visitation, spousal support, child support, property division and protective orders. She represents clients throughout Northern Virginia in all aspects of domestic relations litigation. While litigation is a fundamental aspect of her practice, the majority of her cases settle outside of court. It is Leigh’s goal to help clients reach an agreement in the most efficient ...

Brian Lubkeman has practiced in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for over 20 years, concentrating on complex real estate transactions (both developed and raw-land transactions, from acquisition through disposition); real estate development matters; commercial lending transactions (for borrowers and lenders); and commercial leasing (both landlord and tenant representations, for public and private companies, across all property types, including retail, commercial, industrial and specialty...