Kenneth Trombly is a civil trial attorney whose practice is limited to catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation in state and federal courts. Licensed in the District of Columbia and in Maryland, he has handled numerous significant cases on behalf of seriously injured persons, from seven figure settlements to noteworthy cases that have resulted in local or national publicity. Mr. Trombly Is nationally recognized as being Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, only one of a dozen District Of Columbia attorneys who have earned this honor - by virtue of his jury trial experience, peer reviews, and passing a written exam administered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In 2010 he was honored with the Trial Lawyer of the Year award, by the Trial Lawyers Association for the DC Metropolitan Area, an organization. which he also served as President in 1995. For a number of years, Mr. Trombly has also been one of a select group of D.C. catastrophic injury attorneys who are included in both The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward White Publishing Co.) and “Super Lawyers” (Law & Politics magazine). A 1973 graduate of Columbus School of Law of The Catholic University of America, where he was both a staff member of the Law Review and a student coordinator of the school’s legal services clinic, Mr. Trombly earned his undergraduate degree at The George Washington University (B.A., 1970). Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference. We recently represented a college student who was riding a bicycle in downtown Washington, DC when he was hit by a dump truck that was going too fast and failed to yield at a crosswalk. Our client suffered a closed head injury and was very lucky to survive. We investigated the case promptly and found eyewitnesses who gave us statements. We closely monitored our client’s medical recovery and assisted him in being seen by one of the top neurologists in the city. When it same time to file suit, the other side knew that we were prepared to try the case and asked to do an early settlement mediation with a retired judge with whom both parties were familiar. The case settled on very favorable terms for the client. It was extremely gratifying to be able to have a positive impact on this young man’s life. How did you build a successful practice? By being attentive to my cases, treating my clients with respect and working hard on each case. When I am getting ready for trial, there is nothing else that I am focusing on for weeks, and I think that even when I sleep I am thinking about the case. We bring considerable preparation and passion to our cases, and that is the secret. If you do not really believe in your case and your client, the jury will know that. What should clients look for in a lawyer? Experience and dedication to the practice of law. There are some lawyers who approach personal injury law solely as a business. They have never stepped inside of a courtroom, and their goal is to settle the case as soon as possible, regardless of what is best for the client. A person who has been seriously injured and is looking for an attorney should find out what real jury trial experience the lawyer has. The insurance companies know which lawyers are real trial lawyers and which ones will go for the quick settlement, and it affects results. Also, is the lawyer active in the local or national Bar Associations in a meaningful way, such as, in the case of a trial lawyer, taking an active role in the local trial lawyers association, attending national and local trial lawyer seminars, teaching and mentoring young lawyers? The law, like medicine, is constantly changing, there are new cases and new techniques of which an effective trial lawyer must be aware. What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? There are many fine lawyers in the DC area who do what I do. There are also many mediocre ones. It is up to the consumer to determine who has real experience and who is simply good at internet or TV promotion. We are among a limited group of lawyers who actually try serious catastrophic injury cases before local juries. In fact, a good number of our cases are referrals from other attorneys. To further differentiate myself, I am one of only eleven plaintiff trial lawyers based in DC who are Certified as Civil Trial Lawyers by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This Board Certification is based on demonstrated trial experience, references from Judges and former opponents, and a written examination. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Practicing law is a privilege. To be the advocate of a person or a family that has been hit by personal tragedy, and to be able to formulate a solution for them is tremendously rewarding. What are your other interests in addition to law? I am very interested in politics, have been a lifelong Democrat, and have assisted campaigns with time and money on a national and local level. In terms of hobbies, I have been a passionate magic enthusiast since I was a kid, starting by putting on magic shows at birthday parties when I was in junior high school, and continuing up through law school, when I helped support myself by performing shows. I have kept up the hobby, and I believe that the skill set of learning how to get up and talk to people in an engaging and personal way, how to present things in an interesting manner, and how to prepare a presentation for maximum impact has carried over to the courtroom for me. Were it not for this public speaking experience, I am not sure that I would have even gone into this area of the law. Are you involved in your community? Yes. I am actively involved in Trial Lawyer Association committees that directly impact the community on issues of DC legislation and public safety. I am also on referral panels in which I am asked to assist persons especially in need, such as the Legal services for the Elderly and the National Victims Center. Through my magic hobby, I donate my magic skills, having entertained at charity fundraisers, for senior citizen groups and local Cub Scouts, and I was honored to be among a group of magicians who performed at the “Salute to Heroes” Inaugural Balls for President Obama in 2009 and 2013, events honoring the President and the living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

Thecla Bethel is a practicing lawyer in the District of Columbia.

Experienced attorney with a demonstrated history of handling matters involving real estate, mortgage litigation/foreclosure, consumer protection, family law, mediation and civil litigation.

Charles A. Ray, Jr. concentrates his practice in Federal Tax Law, representing both individuals and corporations. His impeccable resume reveals a proven record of hard work, integrity, and accountability. For your individual tax needs, Charles Ray will provide prompt personalized service at an affordable rate. His vast business background makes him the ideal Tax Lawyer for corporate interests as well. We under promise and over deliver. The Tax Law Firm of Charles A. Ray, Jr. represents individuals and businesses all over the United States, not just in Washington, D. C. The firm thrives not only because of satisfied clients and its reputation for success, but also because of referrals from other attorneys who know and trust the quality of Charles Ray’s work. We deliver personal attention to our clients by listening, remaining accessible, and promptly responding to their needs. We are selective about the cases we accept to ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional service and personal commitment to each case.

Wayne R. Cohen is the founder and managing partner of Cohen & Cohen, P.C. Mr. Cohen is an AV-rated lawyer, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of medical malpractice, wrongful death, automobile accidents, product liability, class actions, and other personal injury areas. In short, he has devoted his professional career to representing the rights of the injured. Mr. Cohen has appeared on numerous occasions in local and national television shows and print media. Mr. Cohen has been called one of “Washington’s best lawyers”, one of Washington’s “top 40 lawyers under 40,” one of “Washington’s top trial lawyers,” one of “the 50 best lawyers in Washington,” and “one of the city’s most feared personal injury lawyers.” (Washingtonian Magazine, November 2015, December 2013, November 2011, December 2009, December 2007, July 2006, August 2004, April 2002, and June 2001). The Washington Examiner identified Mr. Cohen as a “prominent, personal injury lawyer” on January 31, 2006. He was named in The National Trial Lawyers Association’s 2008Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the District of Columbia, has been named as one of Washington DC’s Super Lawyers for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 and has been featured by Washingtonian Magazine.

Nabeel Kibria is a District of Columbia criminal defense and immigration attorney based in DC, with offices in both the District of Columbia and Alexandria, Virginia. He is a founding partner of Ervin Kibria PLLC.

Joseph Zito is a practicing lawyer in Washington, DC.

Josh Gerben is a trademark attorney and founder of Gerben Intellectual Property. The law firm was created by Mr. Gerben to help small and large businesses alike have access to trademark lawyers who are affordable and responsive to their needs. Mr. Gerben represents a wide range of clients, ranging from small start-up businesses to large multinational corporations. Since beginning his practice, Mr. Gerben has represented clients in over 6,500 trademark matters. Prior to beginning his law practice, Mr. Gerben worked in the business world. His extensive experience in that field allows him to understand the business realities facing his clients, helping him to negotiate the most favorable deals possible for his clients. Mr. Gerben is a native of Philadelphia and has lived in Washington, D.C. for the past nine years. In the community Mr. Gerben is involved in the Arthritis Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.