Shawn B. Cooley

Having practiced energy law for over twenty-nine years, Wendy has been consistently recognized by Chambers USA as a leader in the field, describing her as “almost superhuman when it comes to managing a diverse group into a consistent regulatory position” in their 2010 rankings. In 2021, Chambers noted, “Wendy provides wise guidance on how best to address legal requirements in a manner that is both convincing and understandable” and also commended her “great leade...

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.

Paula Calimafde chairs the firm’s Retirement Plans , Employee Benefits and Government Relations practice groups and is also a senior member of the Estate Planning , Tax and Nonprofit groups. She has more than 35 years of experience advising companies and tax-exempt organizations on qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and employee benefits, including non-qualified deferred compensation, welfare benefit and cafeteria plans. She is a nationally recognized leader in the field of cr...

Christopher T. Nace is the Managing Member of Nace Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers (previously Paulson & Nace, PLLC) in Washington, District of Columbia. He represents plaintiffs in Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation, and works across the firm’s practice areas, including medical malpractice, legal malpractice, drug and product liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and other negligence-based injury claims. Born ...

Ilene Albala is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Ilene, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ilene is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jessica Sura is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jessica, who practices law in Fairfax, Virginia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jessica is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For over twenty years, Kim has consistently provided sound legal guidance to her clients through trusted and honest representation. Kim enjoys working with clients to reach an amicable resolution of their family law matters when possible, yet vigorously advocates for them when litigation becomes necessary. Kim served as clerk to the Honorable Jane Marum Roush of the Circuit Court of Fairfax County, Virginia. She then worked at a family law firm in Fairfax for several years and served as an ad...

With a diverse background in complex civil litigation, Nate Finch brings more than twenty years of trial experience and strong negotiation skills to Motley Rice. He represents clients in various asbestos, toxic tort, commercial, securities fraud and other complex cases. Nate has served as the lead trial attorney for his clients in many federal and state courts and is sought after by co-counsel for advice on challenging cases and complex legal matters. His thorough knowledge of asbestos and me...

Mark L. Stember is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Mark L., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sara M. Donohue is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Sara M., who practices law in Rockville, Maryland, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sara M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.