Benedict Lawyers

My practice includes employment law, business law, and open records laws.
As former federal attorney in addition to two decades of running my own practice, I bring expert experience to my matters. Each legal matter presents its own unique facts and gets my specific attention. Identifying the legal issues is of paramount importance. My focus is to analyze the legal issues and provide my clients with candid, detailed and well considered advice and representation. My clients and I have direct communication throughout their representation. It is important that my clients understand what...

My practice focuses on guiding and supporting my Maryland, DC & Virginia personal injury clients so that they can focus on recovery, while I take action on their behalf.

At Havens & Associates, LLC, our clients come first. Every client is treated with personalized attention and is guaranteed effective representation. Our expertise and integrity have earned us a reputation as one of the premier legal firms in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Havens & Associates, LLC is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client. Havens & Associates, LLC represent clients in all state and federal courts located in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

April Cockerham is an experienced immigration lawyer practicing in Washington, DC. Ms. Cockerham has handled a wide variety of immigration issues including family immigration, investor visas, visas for victims of crimes, deportation defense, as well as student visas to name a few. Ms. Cockerham earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona School of Law, and earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Cockerham was named a 2014 Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, and was also named a Top 40 Under 40 lawyer.

Rockville Criminal defense lawyer David H. Moyse began his legal career as an associate for a personal injury law firm, collaborating on several six-figure settlements and lengthy civil trials. Since forming Jezic & Moyse, LLC as a founding partner, he has been part of a team of lawyers who successfully settled a District of Columbia medical case for a high seven-figure amount As a Rockville criminal lawyer, David Moyse obtained a complete acquittal from a jury in a high-profile First Degree Rape in Montgomery County in July, 2010. In January of 2010, Mr. Moyse and Mr. Jezic, in a...

Mr. Cleckner practices exclusively in the areas of criminal defense, traffic defense, and peace and protective order defense. He has never done anything else. Therefore, he focuses all of his extensive court experience on your case to get the best possible outcome. His wife Melanie handles all of the firm's domestic, family and divorce matters.

Derek A. Hills is a Maryland attorney whose practice focuses on the representation of homeowners in construction disputes. With twenty years of experience in the contracting industry, he understands how to navigate the relationships between contractors, subcontractors, and homeowners. He prides himself on excellent client communication skills and works with the client in a collaborative approach to evaluate all options and achieve the best outcome. As a result of his exposure to consumer protection laws concerning construction matters, he also represents consumers in cases involving harassment by debt collectors, debt buying cases, and auto fraud...

Entrepreneur, attorney, and advisor focused on helping emerging companies, startups and VC funds thrive. I work with unicorn startups, publicly traded companies and everything in between. I am excited about leveraging my experience to help your business thrive.

Tom Downs is an Estate Planning Attorney who currently resides in Laurel, Maryland with his wife, Margie Lazzati Downs. They have three children, Patrick, Lauren, and Joseph Downs.

Patrick is married,  and is a civilian employee of the US Army, following five years service as an Army officer. He served a one year tour in Afghanistan, during which he lead numerous dangerous missions. We are proud of his service and thankful that he and his team made it home safely. We have a great appreciation for those who serve, and what they and their families do.

Lauren is married. She teaches at...

Iris practices bankruptcy and civil litigation as it relates to bankruptcy (foreclosure, eviction, FCRA and FDCPA claims).

I am an American citizen and have been admitted to practice as an Attorney and Counselor at Law in Maryland, Washington DC, and New York. I earned a master's degree in law from the George Washington University Law School, with a focus on Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. My legal career began in 1989 when I was first admitted to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a lawyer. I have also worked for several years as a Legal and Community Affairs Manager for a British-owned oil company. With over 35 years of combined experience, I have a substantial background in...

Immigration Lawyer, Lynn Garfinkel, Esq., has been helping clients prevent and solve problems for eight years. She recently launched Garfinkel Immigration Law, LLC to better serve client needs.Lynn Garfinkel represents clients seeking green cards, temporary and permanent visas, family and work petitions, deportation defense, naturalization, and religious, political, and gender based asylum, and benefits under the Violence Against Women Act. Ms. Garfinkel has experience with a variety of employment based petitions, including intracompany transferees, specialty occupations, professionals, researchers, and more.Finally, Ms. Garfinkel successfully represents clients at consulates around the world. Ms. Garfinkel is currently Chair of the Asylum...

JASON A. RUBEN, ESQ.
Education: Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law
Honors, Health Law Certificate
Bachelors of Science in Political Science and Bachelors of Science in Communications at Towson University


Areas of Practice: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Government Relations.


Experience:

Jason Ruben began his legal career working in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County Maryland. There he gained an invaluable understanding and in-depth knowledge into the Maryland criminal justice system.


Jason then began working at the Network for Public Health Law. The Network for Public Health Law provides legal assistance and helpful resources to local, state and federal...

In practice in Maryland and Washington D.C. For 25 years. I have tried hundreds of cases and resolved many more. The most important thing a lawyer can do for you is to analyze the case and take steps to assure a positive outcome. A resolution without a trial is always preferable.

Kevin is a Principal in the firm and considers himself as a true business attorney. From start-up through transition, Kevin serves as outside counsel for a myriad of local businesses of varying size and industry. He is a member of the firm’s Corporate, Nonprofits, Science & Technology, and Real Estate practice groups, and regularly provides counsel in each of these areas, including general operation and governance of for-profit and nonprofit entities, business dispute resolutions, IP and technology licensing and transactions, private placements, the negotiation of employment relationships and separations, executive compensation, structuring and implementing corporate mergers and acquisitions, the negotiation...

Mr. Richa's clients include recording artists, songwriters, music producers, music production companies, music publishers, record labels, television and film producers, television and video production companies, entertainment management companies, apparel companies, filmmakers, professional photographers, promotion companies, restaurants, mortgage companies, real estate companies, graphic design companies, automobile service centers, importers/exporters, interior decorating companies, insurance companies, consulting companies, medical industry companies, technology companies, software companies, image consulting companies, property nanagement companies, retail stores, business management companies, actors, directors, screenwriters, marketing companies, public relations firms, personal and business managers, commercial and music video production companies, DJ's, recording studios, dancers and choreographers along with various...

Michelle Chapin, a member of the firm’s Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Tax and Corporate practice groups, advises individuals, families and small business owners regarding their estate and gift planning needs. Recognized as a Top Trusts and Estates Lawyer in Washingtonian magazine, Michelle excels at providing clients with easy to understand explanations of intricate legal and tax matters. She works closely with her clients to create comprehensive and customized estate and business succession plans to achieve their tax and non-tax wealth preservation objectives. She also helps clients implement lifetime gifting and post-mortem wealth transfer strategies and counsels fiduciaries on...

Debbie Cohn’s keys to professional success are as diverse as her eclectic client base that consists of professionals, business owners, retirees, and non-U.S. citizens. Yet perhaps her most critical—and comforting—characteristic is an ability to explain complex concepts in a way her clients can understand. Debbie’s approach to estate planning is equal parts pragmatic and creative, which helps put her clients at ease with the knowledge that their families will be cared for and protected, and their asset protection and wealth management goals will be met. And her wealth of experience and vast knowledge of the law allow her to blend...

Ron Dweck is Chair of the firm’s Corporate practice group, and a member of the Tax, Nonprofit and Science & Technology groups. Ron acts as general counsel to a number of companies, including large and small corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and business organizations in various fields. As such, he knows a great deal about many different practice areas and applies that knowledge to better serve his corporate clients. His corporate work includes preparing and negotiating a wide variety of business contracts, as well as counseling in conjunction with executive compensation, corporate governance and risk & litigation management. He has...

Mark Goldstein, one of the founders of the firm, is a member of its Corporate, Financial Services, Estate Planning and Estate & Trust Administration practice groups. He concentrates on corporate, business, estate and tax planning and advises large and small corporations, general and limited partnerships, associations and proprietorships on sophisticated business planning issues. He represents a large number of estate planning clients and is well respected for his ability to communicate and implement complicated plans in a practical manner. Mark has significant experience in structuring and negotiating business and financing transactions, reorganizations and private placement syndications. He has served as...

Jim Hammerschmidt is Co-President of the firm, Co-Chair of the Employment Law group, and a member of its Litigation and Appellate Practice groups. His practice includes a range of commercial, corporate, and employment counseling and litigation, but his primary task is listening. The first thing Jim does when meeting with a client is ask, “What is your goal?” In doing this, Jim is able to determine the client’s expectations and whether we will be able to meet them. Only then can he really set about meeting his clients’ business needs.
Jim has extensive experience representing and counseling clients on employment law...

For more than 40 years, Art House has been working with businesses of all types as a corporate lawyer and litigator. He chairs the firm’s Science & Technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution practice groups, and is a member of the Corporate practice group. Art brings responsiveness and an ability to offer practical solutions to his clients, understanding that his clients’ business needs drive the deals, not the lawyer.
Art’s background in enterprise development, licensing for technology-based companies and assisting both established and start-up businesses in developing legal, business alliance and acquisition strategies gives him unique insight into the real-world problems facing...

Joseph H. LaMore, Jr. is a former Assistant State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County and an honors graduate from the University of Maryland School of Law, with vast experience before all Maryland State and Federal Courts. He has been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers association, named to the "SuperLawyers" list as published by Baltimore Magazine, and named a "Leading Lawyer" for Anne Arundel County, as published in What's Up? Annapolis Maganzine. Mr. LaMore provides representation in all Criminal Matters, Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and Family Law. He has been admitted to...

Pallavi Kachoria is an Associate in the firm’s Litigation and Family Law practice groups. She has experience in a variety of litigation areas including general civil, commercial, and domestic litigation. Pallavi also has experience in transactional matters in working with business owners to draft documents and research complex legal issues.
Her passion for the law, the rules, and fairness helps her succeed as a litigator. In working with her clients, Pallavi embraces a practical and honest approach in dealing with their complex disputes. She works tirelessly to understand all facets of her cases and aims to develop a strong relationship...

Mr. England routinely represents domestic and foreign companies of all sizes, assisting them in understanding and complying with USDA, FDA, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state requirements. His representation enables his clients to reduce the risk of regulatory interference with products being imported, exported or distributed in interstate commerce.

A 17-year veteran of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mr. England served as Regulatory Counsel to the Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, and before that as an FDA Consumer Safety Officer, Compliance Officer, Senior Special Agent with the Office of Criminal Investigations, and analytical regulatory...

2002 and 2003 - Nominated for Who's Who Among American Law Students

2012 - Recipient of the Pro Bono Award from Community Legal Services of Prince George's County, Inc.

2014 - Recipient of the President's Citation for Outstanding Pro Bono Service from the Montgomery County Maryland Bar Foundation

Attorney Dontrice P. Hamilton graduated from The George Washington University National Law Center. As a law student, she interned at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. After graduation, she was a Judicial Law Clerk to The Honorable William B. Spellbring, Jr. at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. Her practice focuses on family law,...

Highly skilled, special education attorney. 25 years experience in special education, advocating for students and their families. Over 1500 IEP meetings attended. Successful special education trial and appellate litigator, with several published decision. Entertaining, high-energy public speaker on all topics related to public education.

Cristen Rose’s practice encompasses a wide variety of commercial & business litigation, with significant experience in mass torts, class actions, product liability defense, environmental litigation, contractual disputes and regulatory compliance. As a member of the firm’s Regulatory Law & Litigation practice group, she devotes a significant portion of her practice to the regulation of pesticides and other chemical products under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Cristen also has extensive experience representing companies that are subjects of investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the...

Michael G. Wolff is a seasoned veteran with more than 30 years of experience practicing bankruptcy law. He is a respected bankruptcy attorney responsible for handling complex cases. He has served as a Bankruptcy Trustee for over 20 years in Maryland. He also enjoys a superior reputation among his clients and peers. His bankruptcy practice has been featured in several national publications. He is rated AV – the highest awarded for legal ability and ethics – by Martindale-Hubbell legal directory.

Manuel "Manny" has represented his clients in civil litigation, debt settlements, family law matters, and business matters. Manny now primarily focuses on DUI Defense and personal injury. Manny provides highly competent DUI defense, both in court and at the MVA, to first time or subsequent offenders. Manny also practices personal injury law and other civil litigation. These cases are highly rewarding when Manny is able to secure fair compensation for his clients through protracted settlement talks, skillful pre-lawsuit tactics, and litigation.

Manny is highly accomplished in other civil matters including contested family law matters, real estate litigation, and other...

Steve Thienel is an attorney and managing member of Thienel Law Firm, a Maryland law firm dedicated to servicing the needs of professionals and business owners. In his law practice, Steve focuses his practice on a full spectrum of legal services in the areas of tax, business, estate planning, and family law matters to maximize client opportunities while preserving wealth. He represents entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, executives, and professionals in both litigation and transactional matters. Steve is an entrepreneur and business owner himself having been a business consultant, academic, and corporate executive prior to starting his own law practice.

Mr. Malek is a lifelong native of the Washington, D.C. area and a former two-sport college athlete with a fiercely competitive, yet jovial nature who is familiar with how to adequately prepare and perform when necessary. The lessons learned as a life-long athlete on and off the field have translated in to the courtroom and are expressed in the furtherance of his clients’ interests. Before founding Malek Legal, Mr. Malek worked at a firearms and explosives regulatory law firm in Washington, D.C. where he represented both individuals and business entities associated with the law enforcement, military/defense and civilian shooting sports industries....

The attorneys at Minshew & Ahluwalia LLP are devoted exclusively to the practice of Family Law, including uncontested and contested divorce, separation, child support, child custody, alimony and spousal support, separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, division of property, domestic violence, child support enforcement and modification. We are strong advocates for families in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and committed to delivering the highest professional and ethical standards to the practice of family law. The law firm provides high-quality, aggressive, and innovative legal representation to defend our client's legal rights and protect their interests, both personally and financially. Client service is our principal...