The Plains Lawyers

Virginia criminal defense attorney Steve Duckett has devoted his career to fighting for the right's of individuals charged with criminal offenses in the state of Virginia. Steve Duckett has handled a wide variety of criminal cases including, but not limited to, DUI charges, assault charges, drug charges, reckless driving charges, as well as federal charges. Mr. Duckett graduated from the University of Richmond with a Political Science and Economics degree in 1994. Since receiving his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University he has practiced criminal law exclusively in the various courthouses in Northern Virginia. Mr. Duckett is admitted to practice...

Alyssa Grzesiak (pronounced “Gray-Shock”) is an attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. Her practice covers every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody, visitation, and support cases. Ms. Grzesiak works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Leesburg, Ashburn, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Grzesiak graduated from William & Mary Law School in 2023. During law school, she worked at the Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Office, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and the Human Trafficking Institute. Ms. Grzesiak also held positions as Executive...

Ryan M. Schmalzle is a principal and founder of the firm. His practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, and criminal law. Ryan regularly practices in several jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County and the City of Winchester. He also practices in the Maryland Courts, including Frederick County and Montgomery County. Ryan is an adjunct professor of law at George Mason University School of Law where he teaches appellate writing. Ryan also serves as a Special Justice in Loudoun County and he presides over civil commitment hearings. Although Ryan’s primary love...

Name and co-founding partner Michele L. Burton was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She attended the University of Virginia where she obtained Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. Shortly thereafter, Michele graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts in Humanities with a focus on Race and Law. In May 2012, she graduated from the College of William and Mary School of Law with a Juris Doctorate and passed the bar in October of that year. Upon graduation, Michele worked as a magistrate in Norfolk, Virginia for two years where she conducted probable cause...

Growing up, Alanna’s parents heard primarily one complaint from her teachers: she talks too much. In high school, she had an English teacher sit down and explain to her that she needed to develop her listening skills and taught her that she would learn a lot more by listening than by talking. Alanna is a product of LA Law, and in her youth, the television show glamorized being a lawyer. Being active in debate and public speaking in high school and college, law school was a natural progression. She found that the two important qualities in being a family...

I am a senior litigation attorney known for my strategic precision and grounded approach in tackling high-stakes legal issues. My drive is fueled by a commitment to deliver effective, customized solutions that produce tangible results. My knack for blending thorough preparation with inventive problem-solving has established me as a reliable advocate in the courtroom. Before my tenure at BerlikLaw, I was a Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Loudoun County, representing the Commonwealth of Virginia in prosecuting a broad spectrum of felony and misdemeanor offenses. Over my four years as a prosecutor, I handled complex litigation involving vehicular crash data, computer and...

Attorney Kevin Myers is a founding partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C. Along with partner James Livesay, Mr. Myers formed Livesay & Myers, P.C. in 2003, when the firm opened its first office in Woodbridge, Virginia. The firm has grown steadily since, and now encompasses a team of lawyers and paralegals across offices in Fairfax, Arlington, Ashburn, Manassas and Fredericksburg-Stafford, Virginia. Born in Fairfax, Mr. Myers is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, and now resides in Fairfax County with his wife.

For over a decade, lawyer Sarah Bruns has been aggressively protecting the rights of her clients in Northern Virginia. As a seasoned trial attorney, Sarah has defended individuals charged with Murder, Rape, Robbery, Theft, and Drug Possession/Distribution. Sarah also has extensive experience in representing clients charged with traffic offenses such as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) and Hit and Run. While some crimes carry more severe penalties than others, Sarah handles every client’s case knowing that it is the most important one for that client. She believes that no client should be treated as if their issue is of little consequence. Sarah’s...

Kerri Castellini is primarily a DC-based attorney with a focus on estate and trust administration, guardianship for incapacitated adults and minors, and estate planning. She brings her legal experience to the Trusts and Estates Practice Group and is currently admitted to practice law in Washington DC, Maryland, and before the supreme court. She is passionate about providing a high level of attention to her clients to come up with a plan that is best for their unique circumstances.

I practice primarily family law, guiding clients through divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and protective orders. Prior to joining The Manassas Law Group, I had the honor of serving as the judicial law clerk to the Honorable Carroll A. Weimer, Jr. in the Prince William Circuit Court. My clerking experience has provided me with intricate knowledge of the court system as well as unique problem solving experience. My approach to family law is to provide clients with the requisite information and guidance to reach a resolution. Family law issues tend to be personal and highly emotional, and I...

Ms. West has tried over 100 personal injury cases in General District Courts and Circuit Courts throughout northern Virginia. Before opening her own firm, Ms. West worked as a trial attorney for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance. She tried an average of 35 cases to verdict or judgment per year and hundreds more that ultimately resolved without trial, all related to personal injury. Ms. West’s work for State Farm gives her tremendous insight into how insurance companies operate and how best to achieve maximum recovery for injured claimants. While studying at George Mason University School...

As a partner at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, I specialize in personal injury and workers compensation law. I practice out of both the Warrenton and Front Royal, Virginia offices. I'm an active member of the community and proud father of three.

Kim Luckey exclusively practices civil litigation, primarily focusing her practice on tortious claims and family and domestic relations matters. Kim has successfully litigated numerous custody, equitable distribution, and support cases, negotiated complex property settlement agreements, and successfully pursued and defended against various tortious claims including defamation and malicious prosecution. Kim represents clients throughout Northern Virginia in the full range of domestic relations and tort matters. Kim is recognized for her analytical style, attention to detail, and her calm but stern demeanor. Family law cases often involve intense emotional disputes, and she provides competent, effective representation while at the same time...

Debbie McIntyre-Yurkovich is a founding partner of McIntyre DeFede Law PLLC. Her clients benefit from her many years of experience and knowledge garnered from prior cases and clients. Ms. McIntyre-Yurkovich has represented individuals in a variety of matters throughout Northern Virginia. Ms. McIntyre-Yurkovich is also the parent of a child with special needs, and she understands the unique circumstances that present legally, economically, and emotionally to parents of special needs children. Ms. McIntyre-Yurkovich is proud that many of her client referrals come from her many satisfied current and past clients. She is equally proud that she...

After completing his undergrad with honors at the University of Toronto in Canada, Mr. Raheen moved to New York and attained his Juris Doctorate Law Degree (J.D.) and Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) at the New York Law School and Fordham University School of Law, respectively. Following his post-doctorate graduation, Mr. Raheen worked with the prestigious NY law firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, where he gained and reflected their successful motto of attention to detail in high quality work product. Mr. Raheen and his family moved closer to family in the DC...

I wrote the book, "The Truth About Bankruptcy in Virginia" as a consumer guide to the very basics of bankruptcy, and to assist people with making informed choices about their financial future. Many people who would benefit from filing choose not to because of preconceived notions or bad advice. The book recently received the Literary Distinction Award for Literary Excellence and was featured on the cover of Attorney Magazine. Whether you are an attorney or a potential client, call our offices to get your questions answered. We are always looking for a new one!

I've been a partner at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas since 1999. I work with and exclusively represent clients fighting for their rights against insurance companies and other corporate entities. Throughout the course of my career, I have litigated hundreds of injury cases in Virginia and in the Federal Courts. When I'm not in the office or courtroom, I'm an active community member and proud husband and father.

James M. Johnson graduated from James Madison University in with degrees in Biology and Economics. He received his Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law. James Johnson has worked at the outstanding law firms of Pfitzner & Morley, Johnson Ford Law, and now he is the managing attorney at the Johnson Law Firm, PC. He is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as the Federal and Bankruptcy courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.

David has been in practice nearly 25 years, 20 of which were in Ohio before he relocated to Virginia. In his earlier years of private practice, David’s primary focus was business law, criminal law, and consumer law. In 2021, David moved to Virginia and continued his career as a Public Defender serving as Senior Trial Attorney with the Fredericksburg Public Defender. There, he represented clients charged with felony crimes in Stafford County, Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg. As lead or co-counsel, he has tried over 25 felony jury trials including 7 murder trials to verdict with 2 death penalty trials to...

Buta Biberaj was born in Montenegro and is of Albanian parentage. She was raised in the Bronx borough of New York City. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.S. in Education in 1987 and received her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the George Mason University School of Law in 1993. Buta is licensed to practice in the State Courts for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland and New York. She is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. Buta’s involvement in the community is evidenced by her participation and service which include being a mentor for...

William "Ben" Mann is an experienced Virginia defense attorney who has devoted his career to protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Mann has handled a wide variety of criminal case types including felonies, DUI defense, drug cases, assault cases, domestic violence cases, as well as reckless driving cases. Mr. Mann is a member of the State Bar of Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010. Mr. Mann was named a top 100 trial lawyer by National Trial Lawyers in 2014, as well as to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Nominated Best Advocate in the Student Trial Advocacy Competition (STAC) National Trial Competition, Vance brings both an academic skillset and courtroom training to the firm. Additionally, Vance was part of his law school’s highly competitive Honors Moot Court team, and excelled to the point of being elected to serve on Santa Clara’s Honors Moot Court Board of Directors. Vance also possesses a noteworthy assortment of criminal and civil law expertise via his work at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, Sunnyvale City Attorney’s Office, and as an Associate for Lexis Nexis Legal Research. A native Texan, Vance sat...

Attorney Dagoberto J. Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Rodriguez Law Firm. He is licensed to practice law in the state courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Eastern District Court of Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Rodriguez is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Furthermore, Attorney Rodriguez has been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as a Top 100 Lawyer in Virginia and has been awarded the prize of Top 40 under 40.

Mr. Rodriguez, was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He attended Universidad Santa...

William D. Ashwell is a career litigator and advocate who has built a regional and statewide reputation for assisting clients in the most serious of situations and in high profile matters. A native of Warrenton, Mr. Ashwell has solidified himself as a leader in the field of civil and criminal litigation and beyond. A steadfast believer in giving back to the community, Mr. Ashwell balances his time between his family and giving back to the community that he calls home. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Dayton School of Law, Mr. Ashwell serves Northern Virginia, Piedmont region,...

Joe Pricone is a trial lawyer with experience representing clients charged with a range of criminal charges from murder to reckless driving in Virginia and federal court. Whether your case is a felony, misdemeanor, or traffic infraction, Joe will fight for you at trial, in negotiation, and at all stages of representation. Joe has a track record of success and designs legal strategies tailored to each individual case with the goal of winning each case.

Joseph H. Beale has been providing exceptional legal services for individuals and families in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia for more than twenty years. Every client is important and with you he will develop a client centered strategy that fits your unique circumstances in order to meet your goals and achieve the best possible outcome for you in a cost effective, ethical and efficient manner. He believes in building strong and lasting relationships with clients based on trust, open communication and delivering results. He has a solid reputation as a skilled litigator and negotiator, earning a perfect 10...

Michael J. Seck, Esquire born Ann Arbor, Michigan; admitted to Virginia bar October 12, 2001, Supreme Court of Virginia, October 29, 2001, Supreme Court of New Jersey, December 7, 2002, United States District Court, District of New Jersey, December 31, 2001 Education: Elon College, North Carolina (B.A., Politics, August 1996); The Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Michigan, (Juris Doctor, January 2001) Practice Areas: Criminal Law; Adult and Juvenile Felonies and Misdemeanors; Driving While Intoxicated; Traffic Law; Divorce; Domestic Relations; Adoption; Civil Litigation; Landlord/Tenant; Business & Corporate Law; Wills and Estates; HOA Disputes; Consumer Protection; Products Liability; Personal Injury ...

Attorney John D. Whittington is the founder of the law firm of John D. Whittington, PC, in Manassas, Virginia. With more than 35 years of experience in civil litigation, Mr. Whittington concentrates his practice on personal injury, wrongful death and workers’ compensation matters. He represents the injured and their families in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, brain injury, spinal injury and other catastrophic injuries. He also represents people who have suffered workplace injuries. Mr. Whittington earned his law degree from George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia, graduating with distinction. He is admitted to practice in Virginia...

Are you looking for a Manassas estate planning attorney and wondering where you can turn to receive the help you need at this time? You have come to the right place! At Morisi Associates law firm, you can rest assured in the help you can secure from a lawyer who cares about you and wants to help you make the right decisions for your future. Attorney Andrea Morisi obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at Boston College. She later went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at George Washington University National Law Center. She has been authorized to practice throughout...

Scott has been practicing law in Virginia since 1999. He is licensed to practice law in four jurisdictions, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia and Colorado. Scott’s first four years were focused almost exclusively on bankruptcy law. Twenty plus years later, bankruptcy continues to be an integral part of his practice and focus. It is an area of practice that intersects with many other legal issues on regular basis. Not many attorneys practice bankruptcy, and when a bankruptcy related issue comes up, Scott is always willing to share his insights when other attorneys have questions. Scott joined the Manassas Law Group in 2003,...

I practice in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, and trust administration. My estate planning practice includes the preparation of Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, and Powers of Attorney and Advance Medical Directives as well as strategies based on the titling of assets and the utilization of beneficiary designations I also represent individuals who are seeking a Conservatorship or Guardianship over another family member. I enjoy helping families and individuals plan for their loved ones. There are a number of tools available to assist family members plan for their loved ones upon their passing. I enjoy matching the available tools to my client’s...

I focus my practice on five areas: family law, civil litigation, bankruptcy, criminal defense, business law and contract drafting. For family law matters, I can assist clients with divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and protective orders. I also have experience in a wide variety of civil litigation, ranging from breach of contract claims to property ownership disputes and beyond. I earned my law degree from Villanova University School of Law where I served as a student attorney in Villanova’s Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services. Passionate about pro bono work, I also volunteered as the Chair of the...

If you're looking for an attorney who will stand by your side, protect your rights, and get you the best possible outcome, meet Pierre Priale. Pierre Priale is the founder and CEO of Right Path Law Group, a law firm that specializes in criminal defense and personal injury cases in Northern Virginia. Pierre has over 18 years of legal experience, handling more than 2,000 cases in both public and private sectors. He has a proven track record of success in defending people accused of criminal charges, such as felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, juvenile, sex crimes, and gun charges. He has also helped countless...