Occoquan Lawyers

Christopher J. Toepp dedicates his practice of to helping clients and making his community a safer place. Although still early in his career, he has earned a reputation as an exceptional litigator in the courtroom. His expansive trial experience includes hundreds of bench and jury trials. This background gives Chris an understanding of jurors' expectations when they evaluate a case. He knows how to present evidence so that the jury comprehends his client's hardships and the impact their injuries have had on their lives.

Chris works on a wide range of personal injury cases including car crashes, truck accidents and motorcycle...

Accomplished and result-focused with 24 years of experience in Family Law, Bankruptcy and Administrative Law specializing in Security Clearance Defense and Medical License Defense.

Ariel Baniowski is a managing partner at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Baniowski works in the firm’s Ashburn office, and represents clients in Leesburg, Ashburn, Loudoun County, and all across Northern Virginia. Ms. Baniowski is known as one of the more aggressive attorneys at Livesay & Myers, P.C., and has litigated every type of family law matter in Virginia, including custody, support, separation and high asset divorce cases. Ms. Baniowski’s work ethic and drive are unmatched. To say...

Edward is an accomplished litigator and talented personal injury attorney who has tried and won cases in both state and federal courts. He wants clients to be treated fairly in the legal system, so he strives to serve as a compassionate advocate on their behalf. Edward currently serves as the President of the Allen Law Firm.

Edward helped spearhead the firm’s expansion to Northern Virginia and has been the managing partner of the Fredericksburg office since it opened in 1994. He joined Allen & Allen in 1987 after graduating from Washington and Lee University School of Law. He is proud to...

Joseph R. Pricone is an award-winning criminal defense attorney based in Warrenton, Virginia, representing clients throughout Northern Virginia in both state and federal courts. He defends individuals charged with everything from reckless driving and DUI to assault, robbery, and murder, and is known for his aggressive, trial-tested courtroom approach. Recognized by Super Lawyers in 2023, 2024, and 2025, Joseph combines deep legal knowledge with strategic case preparation. Whether you're facing a felony, misdemeanor, or serious traffic offense, he builds defense strategies focused on results. If you're under investigation or facing charges in Warrenton, Culpeper, Prince William County, Fairfax, Alexandria, Winchester, Fredericksburg, or anywhere...

John graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English before attending law school at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. John was still a student when he tried his first case as a member of the Criminal Defense Clinic. He also attempted to free the wrongly convicted, working with the Innocence Project. John gained invaluable experience as a research assistant for a member of the law school's faculty and as an intern for the North Carolina's Office of the Attorney General. John has always practiced criminal defense. He began his...

I represent small, medium, national and international businesses, non-profits and individuals on a wide variety of corporate and business matters, including forming companies, drafting and negotiating contracts, dealing with employment matters, handling real estate and land use issues, collecting receivables, and defending and prosecuting litigation. I also assist many clients with their elder care, estate planning and estate administration needs, including drafting wills and trusts, assisting with the appointment of guardians and conservators, and the Virginia probate process. I strongly believe that clients receive the best legal services from an attorney who is intimately familiar with their businesses and goals....

Jeffrey Weaver is the founder of Prenup Pros, the first law firm in Virginia to only specialize in marital agreements (prenuptial agreements and post-nuptial agreements). Jeff has prepared contracts for clients since 1999 and through Prenup Pros he applies his expertise and experience to prepare prenuptial agreements for clients located in Texas, Virginia, Florida, New York, Nevada and New Jersey. Jeff formed Prenup Pros to provide marrying couples access to affordable, easy-to-understand prenuptial agreements because he believes that all couples should at least consider a prenup. His belief derives from the fact the he personally experienced the...

Lindsay Connolly is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C., practicing exclusively family law. She is experienced in handling every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Ms. Connolly works in the firm’s Fredericksburg office, and represents clients in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. Originally from Milford, Massachusetts, Ms. Connolly graduated magna cum laude from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. She then earned her law degree from David A. Clarke Law School in Washington, D.C., graduating summa cum laude and the top female in her class. Ms. Connolly was...

Joe Whitcomb, a former United States Army Ranger, is a veteran of both the United States Army and Air Force. After his military career, Joe attended law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. From there, he went on to work as staff attorney for the Social Security Administration where he learned the nuances of administrative law generally and Social Security disability law specifically. He has dedicated his legal career helping individuals and businesses with their interactions with federal and state governments.

Sarah Patras is a lead senior associate attorney at Livesay & Myers, P.C. She practices exclusively family law, representing clients in separation, divorce, custody, visitation and support cases, including a large number of contested cases. Ms. Patras works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Born in Nebraska, Ms. Patras grew up in Iowa and earned double B.A. degrees from Iowa State University. She then relocated to Virginia, and graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2016. After law school, Ms. Patras clerked for one year for a Virginia Circuit Court...

Josue is the founding partner of Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC and represents clients in immigration matters across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Puerto Rico. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, he has been admitted to the Puerto Rico Bar since 2012. As an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, he remains closely attuned to ongoing developments in immigration law. Before establishing his practice, Josue directed management and human-resources operations for a high-volume retail organization, supervising teams of more than 100 employees. His background in recruitment, onboarding, contract drafting, conflict resolution,...

In addition to representing clients in education, family law and guardianship and conservatorship matters, Joan is certified as a Guardian ad litem to represent incapacitated adults in guardianship, conservatorship, and family law matters. She is also certified as a Guardian ad litem for children.

I have been representing workers injured in Virginia for over thirty years. With a statewide practice, I have represented firefighters in Fairfax, policemen and policewomen in Alexandria, poultry workers in Harrisonburg, auto workers in Dublin, factory workers in Winchester, store workers in Richmond, oyster shuckers in Tappahannock, and construction workers in Loudoun, to name a few. I have always worked hard for working people. (And its "Sweeny," not "Sweeney.")

I am a partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig PLLC. My practice focuses primarily on civil litigation in the areas of patent, trademark, copyright, internet / domain names, commercial transactions, government contracts, community associations, and bankruptcy law / creditor's rights, as well as trademark and copyright prosecution. I have represented local and national clients in federal and state court litigation matters, as well as in bankruptcy proceedings. I have represented manufacturing companies in complex patent infringement matters, technology companies in trademark infringement matters, and copyright holders in infringement actions against the likes of Disney and ABC. In 2012, I made...

Alex Butterman’s practice covers all facets of trademark prosecution and practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and virtually every trademark office around the world with the help of an extensive network of foreign associates. Alex has also been counseling a diverse group of foreign and domestic businesses in a variety of industries and commercial sectors since 1995 at all stages of development – assessing and searching the availability of marks; establishing, enforcing, and maintaining trademark and service mark rights; resolving intellectual property disputes; handling internet domain name IP issues, anti-counterfeiting matters, copyright prosecution, IP licensing and transactional...

I am an experienced litigator whose practice is dedicated to standing up for the rights of clients who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own. I practice out of the Allen Law Firm's Fredericksburg office in the areas of personal injury litigation, including automobile and trucking accident litigation, product liability, and premises liability in both state and federal courts. Prior to joining Allen & Allen, I practiced law with a Richmond insurance defense firm where I gained valuable knowledge of how insurance companies and their attorneys evaluate claims and handle cases. I use this understanding combined with...

Ellie Pittman 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. Pittman works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Ms. Pittman graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2021, after graduating cum laude from the University of Delaware in 2018.

Founded in 2015 by managing partner Glenn B. Manishin, ParadigmShift Law LLP represents the premiere application of Internet technology to the practice of sophisticated business law. In today’s complex environment, validating business models and navigating the labyrinth of regulatory barriers impacting innovation takes a lawyer who can see an issue from all angles and understands the bigger business picture. Our focus is on expertise, not legalese. On demand, real-time advice is our watchword — no "it depends" or memos here. We bleed for our clients and we love startups!

Erÿk Mahaffey is an attorney at Boston Law Firm, practicing Bankruptcy and family law. Mr. Mahaffey handles every type of family law matter in Virginia, including separation, divorce, custody and support cases. Mr. Mahaffey earned his law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2008, after graduating cum laude from Salem State University in 2001. An attorney since 2008, Mr. Mahaffey worked at a law firm in Winchester, Virginia from 2008—2010. He then operated his own solo bankruptcy and family law practice. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Mahaffey served in the United States Army from 1993—2001....

A-V Rated Martindale Hubbell
Super Lawyer Rated
Boyd-Graves Conference Member (invitation only)
President Virginia State Bar Litigation Section
Board Member Virginia State Bar Standing Committee on Legal Ethics
Board Member Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Member American Association for Justice
Past President, Young Trial Lawyers Association, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Past Board Member, Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer Conference
Owner, Veldhuis Law Group
Former Adjunct Professor and Lecturer (13 years), University of Virginia School of Law (Mental Health Law Clinic).
Former Board Member, Brain Injury Association of Virginia
Former Board Member, Sexual Assault Resource Agency

Brenton Bohannon focuses his practice in the areas of Criminal Law, DUI, Traffic Violations, and Family Law. Before joining the firm, Mr. Bohannon served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County Virginia, where he prosecuted hundreds of criminal and traffic cases in the Circuit, General District, and the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts. His experience as a prosecutor, along with his psychology and education background, provide a unique perspective on how to best represent clients, whether he is defending a criminal case, litigating a contested divorce or resolving a child support issue. Before becoming an attorney,...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

My passion is helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve peace of mind by developing and implementing creative, customized, and yet cost effective plans. As part of my goal oriented estate planning process, I first seek to understand your goals and needs. My advice focuses on how your estate planning documents advance your goals. I use plain English and easy to understand visual aids, so you know what you need to do in order ensure that your plan works the way you intend. My personal mission is to make estate planning as accessible, efficient and streamlined as possible...

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.

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.

The Virginia attorneys of Select Law Partners, PLLC, assist clients with family law matters (Virginia divorce, child custody, support), Virginia criminal defense, traffic infractions, DUI/DWI, and estate planning (last will and testament, powers of attorney, advance medical directives). With offices in the Blacksburg, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, and Roanoke our lawyers offer Virginia legal services to clients in Blacksburg, Caroline, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, Hanover, Loudoun, King George, Louisa, Orange, Prince William, Roanoke, Salem, Spotsylvania, Stafford.

Nathanael Buczek is a criminal defense and family law attorney practicing in Northern Virginia. Mr. Buczek worked – with a third-year practice certificate – as a Prosecutor for the City of Toledo in Ohio and for Stafford County, VA while earning his law degree. Upon graduating, he began working as private counsel, handling cases involving criminal defense and family law. He also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem, protecting the interests of children during legal proceedings. Throughout his time in private practice he has handled a wide variety of criminal matters, including defending those accused of traffic offenses, DUI, assault and battery,...

Margaret Byers 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. Byers works in the firm’s Fredericksburg-Stafford office, and represents clients in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and surrounding areas. Ms. Byers graduated from William & Mary Law School in 2023. During law school, she worked at two different law firms in Williamsburg and the City of Richmond Attorney’s Office. Ms. Byers also served as an Ombudsman and as a Staff Member for the Journal of Race, Gender and...

Since 2001 Joseph T. Brown has provided aggressive, experienced, high quality legal representation to thousands of people charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses or who have family law matters such as divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support and protective order.

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...