Star Tannery Lawyers

John Whitbeck is the founder and partner of WhitbeckBennett. His practice focuses on family law, more specifically divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, domestic violence and protective orders, adoption, special education law, and mental health law.

He is a professor of law at George Mason University Law School, and the former Director of the George Mason University Law and Mental Illness Clinic.

John uses his expert knowledge of the law to advocate for his clients and their families.

Karin Riley Porter is an experienced Virginia criminal lawyer handling many different types of criminal offenses in Virginia. Common criminal offenses Ms. Porter deals with include drug offenses, DUI offenses, reckless driving charges, as well as assault charges to name a few. Ms. Porter began her career in law as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, where she prosecuted cases for almost a decade. While there, she grew to understand the need for proper criminal representation in the justice system, and elected to become a criminal defense lawyer. She is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and has been...

Amy Harber has a wealth of experience in both criminal and civil litigation and advocates smartly and effectively for her clients in personal injury, criminal and traffic, and civil matters. Amy served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the City of Hampton from 2008-2012 and Loudoun County from 2012-2020. In that time, she prosecuted cases ranging in severity from traffic tickets to murder and everything in between. In 2020, Amy joined Allstate Insurance Company’s Fairfax, Virginia legal office as a Senior Attorney and handled litigation involving bodily injury, property damage suits, automobile diminished value claims, wrongful death and infant settlements,...

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....

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...

Experienced Divorce Attorney and Mediator

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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!

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...

Since 2002 Clint Sellers has used practical legal advice to protect families and small businesses. He focuses on real estate, civil trials, wills and small business matters and is an authority on the use of estate planning techniques for wealth preservation and succession planning. Clint’s clients range from young families to retirees, professionals, entrepreneurs and estate representatives and beneficiaries. He strives to always deal fairly and help clients resolve disputes without unnecessary expense or litigation. Clint is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as Federal courts. He regularly appears in District and...

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...

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.

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.

Bernard "Bert" van Gils works in the areas of estate planning and business law. His business practice includes general counsel services, local and international business transactions, copyrights, trademarks and non-profit organizations. He has facilitated, negotiated and drafted transactions for companies active throughout the United States and for companies conducting business in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asia. As he was a business owner before becoming a lawyer, Bert especially enjoys assisting business owners with establishing and growing their businesses. He has assisted businesses in information technology, retail and wholesale sales, engineering, building and home contracting, printing,...

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 ...

Louis Nagy co-founded our firm after honorably serving the community for seven years as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney. During his time as a prosecutor, Louis handled all types of criminal cases, including both state and federal cases. His unique experience is invaluable when anticipating the likely strategies the government will use in each case and developing ways to counter these tactics. Louis also brings years of experience representing clients over a wide range of civil matters

Elizabeth Vaughan believes that everyone who walks into a family lawyer’s office needs three things: A good listener, an educated counselor, and a fierce advocate. By first getting to know her clients and understanding what is important to them, Elizabeth then works with clients to make a plan that achieves their goals and takes the anxiety out of the court process. Elizabeth has practiced law in Virginia for fourteen years.

Elizabeth is a graduate of Penn State University and William and Mary Law School. In addition to divorce, custody, and support matters, Elizabeth has a particular expertise in adoption and child...

Michael Ritchie is an attorney at the Ritchie Law Firm with extensive experience in a wide range of injury cases. Mike’s practice has included representing individuals who have been injured by pharmaceutical drugs, dangerous products, tractor-trailer collisions, dog attacks, automobile collisions and other instances of where the carelessness of others causes serious injury. Mike also helps the injured and disabled to successfully navigate the worker’s compensation and social security disability systems. Mike’s family has deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley. He was raised in Keezletown and graduated from Spotswood High School in Penn Laird in 1991. He attended the University of...

Provide legal advice regarding Federal contracts to small businesses in the following areas: Contractor Performance Assessment Report System reports; protection of intellectual property; review and draft subcontracts, non-disclosure agreements and teaming agreements; review and revise compliance programs; investigations and mandatory disclosures; and accounting systems/cost principles. Available as a mediator for U.S. Government contracting issues between private parties.

Former Law Enforcement Officer practicing Criminal Defense and Traffic cases. Experienced in matters ranging from minor misdemeanor cases to capital murder. Regularly handles drug, drug conspiracy, sex offenses, larceny, malicious wounding cases in the State and Federal Courts. Certified in defending Capital Cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Douglas J. Sanderson provides legal services in the multiple areas of commercial real estate, family law/domestic relations, and business organizations and transactions. In his family law/domestic relations practice, Doug counsels and represents people who seek legal assistance with, for example, separation agreements, divorces, and issues of child custody and visitation, equitable distribution, and support (spousal and child, as may apply), as well as, on a happier note, pre-nuptial agreements. Doug’s practice includes litigation as well as other methods of problem-solving, and he strives to assist clients in finding resolutions that avoid or minimize litigation, and to further that...

Ms. Jenkins has been practicing law in Virginia since 2008 when she was admitted to the Virginia State Bar. She is also admitted in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. She is experienced in various practice areas such as family law, construction law, landlord/tenant actions, estate administration, debt collection, and bankruptcy. She has appeared in Virginia juvenile and domestic relations district court, general district court, circuit court, and the Virginia Supreme Court.

Mr. Heelen attended the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law while working full-time. He brings considerable professional experience as both a successful corporate manager and former state judicial officer to his practice, which he established in 2012. Mr. Heelen's practice includes the following areas: business formation; business law; corporate law; corporate governance; contracts; trademark registration; regulatory compliance; landlord tenant; wills; and general practice. "Responsiveness and open lines of communication with my clients are hallmarks of my practice, and, in my opinion, critical to the success of any attorney client relationship. My clients don't have to contact me for...