Valerie Ramos

Patricia Harris is a land use attorney at Lerch, Early & Brewer in Bethesda, Maryland. She assists developers and property owners with securing approvals needed to develop their properties, including site plans, special exceptions, subdivision approvals, historic preservation, local map amendments, zoning text amendments, master plan recommendations and building permits in Montgomery County, Maryland. Pat is knowledgeable about transit-oriented, mixed-use development and other issues rela...

Conflict is at the core of many divorces and can produce volatile emotions. Divorcing clients appreciate the combination of strength and compassion Katherine brings to her cases, especially when substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence or contested child custody issues are involved. Katherine firmly believes in putting the children first in every divorce situation and in trying to reduce conflict between divorcing parents. A skilled problem-solver, Katherine acts decisively on behal...

Sherrese Smith is the Global Managing Partner of Paul Hastings. As Global Managing Partner, Ms. Smith helps direct the growth, management, and strategy of the firm. Ms. Smith previously served as the Vice Chair of the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity practice. She is known as one of the country’s preeminent Data Privacy and Cybersecurity and Media and Technology attorneys. Consistently ranked as a leading lawyer in Chambers USA and Legal 500, she is recognized throughout the legal, media,...

Sharon Nelson Craig is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Sharon Nelson, who practices law in Bethesda, Maryland, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sharon Nelson is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John E. Byrnes has been practicing exclusively in the area of family law since 1996. He practices in all of the northern Virginia circuit courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts as well as the Virginia Court of Appeal. While most matters are amicably resolved thorough negotiation or mediation, John has extensive litigation experience. During his career, John’s practice has covered virtually every aspect of family law, from: complex equitable distribution matters invol...

Allyson Baker serves as the Global Co-Chair of the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice at Paul Hastings, Co-Chair of the firm’s litigation practice in Washington, D.C., and as a partner in the Fintech & Payment and Investigations & White Collar Defense practices. Ms. Baker is a trial attorney, civil litigator, and counselor with significant experience in the federal government and private practice. She represents consumer finance companies and individuals in confide...

Benjamin Griffitts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice. Benjamin, 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 Benjamin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James R. Hammerschmidt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. James R., who practices law in Bethesda, Maryland, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Spencer F. Walters is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Spencer F., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Spencer F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Burgess’ practice focuses on appellate litigation across a broad range of subject matter, including patent litigation, commercial litigation, and regulatory matters. He has argued appeals in most of the United States courts of appeals, including several in the Federal Circuit. He has been to trial several times, joining trial teams to brief dispositive motions or prepare for appeals, and has also practiced before agencies such as the Patent & Trademark Office, International Tra...