Thomas Velarde

Keri McWilliams is a co-leader of the Franchise & Distribution team. She represents start-ups and mid-size companies across numerous industries, including restaurants, retailers, fitness centers, health concepts, and luxury brands, in all aspects of their corporate relationships. Keri is also a member of the Health and Wellness initiative, and the Food, Beverage and Agribusiness team. What do you focus on? Franchising I represent franchise systems ranging from 3 units to more than 1000 un...

Ronald C. Machen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Securities Regulation. Ronald C., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ronald C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert Luskin is a partner in the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice at Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. He is one of the best known and most highly-regarded litigators in Washington, D.C., concentrating in complex criminal litigation at both the trial court and appellate level. Beginning his career in government service, and having later transitioned into private practice, Mr. Luskin has represented clients in virtually every high-profile ...

Abbe David Lowell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Abbe David, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Abbe David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Merrill Kramer represents energy project developers, private equity companies, and institutional lenders on the development, financing, sale, acquisition, and investment in energy projects and portfolios. Merrill represents some of the most active and innovative players in the energy industry. He has represented Fortune 200 companies and other clients in the development and financing of over 80 energy infrastructure projects representing more than $30 billion in invested capital. Merrrill has...

Since cofounding Stein Sperling 40 years ago, Millard Bennett has built a robust and varied business law practice, while simultaneously growing and expanding the firm as Managing Partner into one of Montgomery County’s largest and most sought after law firms. In addition to his time tested business acumen, Millard’s intuition, empathy and meticulous attention to his clients’ individual needs has earned him a reputation as a go-to business lawyer. Beyond advising clients on b...

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...

Peter E. Ciferri is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Peter E., who practices law in Potomac, Maryland, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Becki Young, Partner, is a seasoned business immigration attorney with 20 years of experience in the field. She has represented more than 100 of the world's most prominent hotels and restaurants, and facilitated the sponsorship of foreign professionals, trainees, interns and individuals of "extraordinary ability." In addition to her hospitality practice, Becki regularly provides immigration law advice to clients in a broad range of industries, including investment banking and securities, info...

Laurie A. Amell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Laurie A., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laurie A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.