Richard H. Howard-Smith

Cameron S. Matheson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy). Cameron S. practices law in Glen Allen, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Cameron S. Matheson since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Cameron S. Matheson is held by o...

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...

John M. Cooper is one of the founding partners at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers and a veteran of Virginia personal injury law practice. A native of Hampton Roads, Virginia, he was raised in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1988, John returned home to work as a law clerk for a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division. John has a passion for justice and has been blessed to have a l...

Darlene S. Lesser is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Darlene S. practices law in Fairfax, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Darlene S. Lesser since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Darlene S. Lesser is held by other lawyers.

Theresa M. Connolly is the co-managing partner of the Washington, D.C. Metro offices, where her litigation practice focuses on advising and counseling employers in all employment matters and defending employers in all aspects of workplace litigation including complex trade secret misappropriation cases. She has significant experience representing employers in regards to discrimination claims, harassment, contractor issues, wage and overtime claims, wrongful discharge, contracts, tort actions ...

Mary Pivec, based in Woodbridge, Virginia, brings over 45 years of experience as a dedicated management-side immigration and employment attorney at Pivec & Associates PLLC. Mary's immigration law practice is centered on the vital connection between immigration enforcement and labor protections. She represents employers in various cases, including worksite enforcement, I-9 compliance, and investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. Her work encompasses civil an...

John McBride’s effectiveness as a land use attorney is built upon his accumulated experience; established reputation among staff and elected officials throughout localities in Northern Virginia; and an ability to build consensus through factual, detailed presentation of information. Prior to attending law school, John worked as a City Planner, a land acquisition and right-of-way agent, and a real estate leasing agent for local governments in Northern Virginia. This decade of experience ...

Benjamin Griffitts is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Benjamin practices law in Fairfax, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized Benjamin Griffitts since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Benjamin Griffitts is held by other lawyers.

J. Clay Rollins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. J. Clay practices law in Richmond, Virginia Best Lawyers has recognized J. Clay Rollins since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which J. Clay Rollins is held by other lawyers.

Adam H. Lotkin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Adam, who practices law in Norfolk, Virginia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Throughout high school and college, Adam worked in several different capacities with the United States House o...