Cherita Lewis is a Criminal Defense Attorney serving clients across Northern Virginia with a balanced, informed, and deeply client-centered approach. With experience on both sides of the courtroom and a strong foundation in legal analysis, Cherita brings clarity, strategy, and steady support to individuals facing difficult and often overwhelming circumstances. Cherita believes every client deserves compassion, honesty, and a clear understanding of their options. She is known for her ability to explain complex issues, anticipate how the prosecution may build its case, and guide clients through an often overwhelming process with confidence and support. Cherita’s legal career spans criminal defense, litigation, and federal agency advisory work. She has represented clients in a wide range of matters, including misdemeanors, serious felony charges, protective orders, and traffic-related offenses, maintaining a strong track record across these areas. Her background includes experience as an attorney advisor within a federal agency, where she strengthened her skills in legal analysis and detailed case assessment. She later gained valuable courtroom experience through litigation work, including family law matters handled through a local pro bono center. Her transition into criminal law, supported by experience as a prosecutor, provides her with a comprehensive understanding of case-building and trial preparation. At the University of the District of Columbia, Cherita graduated with honors and contributed to Law Review, Phi Delta Phi, and the Women’s Law Society. Originally from a military and multicultural family, she has lived in various regions of the country, attended high school and college in Texas, and has made the DMV her home for many years. Outside of her legal work, Cherita enjoys exploring new learning opportunities, staying connected to the legal community, and engaging with clients and colleagues in meaningful, supportive ways

Dennis Somech is a highly experienced trial attorney with over twenty years of experience in litigation, including family law, criminal defense, and complex criminal and civil litigation. With over 20 years of litigation experience, he uses his knowledge and experience to negotiate and leverage the best outcomes for his clients, with the confidence to take cases to trial if necessary. Dennis believes in thoroughly explaining the legal process to his clients, informing them of the factors that will be significant in a particular case, and the pros and cons of all potential courses of action. His clients can be confident that he will look out for their best interests, ensure that they them make well-informed decisions, extensively negotiate on their behalf, take their cases to trial if necessary, and always take a long-view approach for his clients during what is usually the most difficult time of their lives Dennis handles contested and uncontested divorces, custody and visitation cases, child support and spousal support matters, equitable distribution, and protective orders. He is also experienced in drafting and negotiating separation and property settlement agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and consent custody and support orders. He also handles criminal cases ranging from traffic offenses to serious felonies, primarily in the Northern Virginia area. Dennis is a graduate of Emory University and received his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in 1999. He is licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia, and served as a state prosecutor for both the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County. He is a former President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia, and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

arter Allen focuses his practice on family law, representing clients in matters involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and other domestic relations issues throughout Virginia. With nearly two decades of legal experience, Carter has handled cases at every stage of litigation and is known for his strong courtroom presence, strategic advocacy, and client-focused approach. Before becoming an attorney, Carter served in the United States Marine Corps. His background in military service helped shape his commitment to discipline, service, and helping others through challenging times. Inspired by his natural ability for advocacy and public speaking, he later pursued a legal career and earned his law degree from Regent University School of Law. Carter spent many years building and managing his own solo practice before joining a Virginia-based law firm, where he served as a lead attorney handling a broad range of family law matters. His experience leading legal teams and managing complex caseloads has given him extensive insight into both litigation strategy and client care. Known for his confidence in the courtroom and passion for advocacy, Carter enjoys helping clients understand the legal process and guiding them toward practical solutions during emotionally difficult situations. He believes family law is ultimately about service, helping people go through some of the hardest moments in their lives while protecting what matters most to them. Originally from a small town in Iowa, Carter now serves clients across the Hampton Roads region. Outside of his legal practice, he enjoys community outreach, public education about the legal system, and spending time with his family.

Scott Nolan is a Partner in the Virginia Criminal Defense practice, representing clients in both state and federal courts. He is known for his direct, rights-focused advocacy and his commitment to providing clear guidance and strong defense strategies at every stage of a case. Scott concentrates his practice on criminal defense, with a focus on DUI, reckless driving, drug offenses, and serious felony cases. He has handled a high volume of matters from pre-arrest representation through trial and appeal and brings a strategic, detail-driven approach to negotiations and litigation alike. He earned his law degree from George Mason University and holds advanced degrees in national security studies and political science. Prior to practicing law, Scott served in the United States Navy and worked in national security-related roles, experiences that shaped his disciplined approach and deep respect for constitutional protections.

Stephanie Himel-Nelson has been practicing law for more than 25 years and serves as the firm’s principal estate planning attorney. She believes firmly that everyone needs an estate plan and is dedicated to helping Virginia families safeguard their assets and protect their financial future at every stage of life. Stephanie is licensed in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and is also a seasoned litigator with extensive experience in complex commercial contract litigation, government contracts, construction law, and negotiating and drafting commercial agreements. After more than a decade practicing as a litigator, she co-founded Blue Star Families, an influential nonprofit organization supporting military families nationwide. Originally from Louisiana, Stephanie grew up around the world in a military family. After attending the University of Miami and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she met her husband, a proud Navy servicemember, before relocating to Virginia. She earned her law degree from The George Washington University Law School, where she served as Executive Notes Editor of the International Law Review. Now based in the Hampton Roads area, Stephanie is expanding the firm’s estate planning practice across the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is deeply committed to community service and has served in numerous leadership roles, including president of the board of directors for her children’s swim clubs, PTA board member, band booster board member, and contracts chair for the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach. She currently serves as Secretary of the Hampton Roads chapter of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association and as a member of the Programming Committee for the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council. Outside the office, Stephanie serves as a stroke and turn official for USA Swimming, the Virginia High School League, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association, and the Virginia Beach Swim League. On weekends, you will often find her on the pool deck at swim meets or cheering on Virginia Tech football, though she still roots for the Miami Hurricanes when the two teams face off.

Caroline Henderson is a Criminal Defense Attorney serving clients in the Richmond area. With experience in both prosecution and courtroom litigation, Caroline brings a strategic, thoughtful approach to helping individuals navigate the criminal justice system and protect their rights. Caroline focuses her practice on criminal defense, representing clients in misdemeanor matters across Richmond and surrounding counties. Her background includes experience handling a wide range of cases, including DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies, and matters involving domestic and juvenile-related charges. Before transitioning to defense work, Caroline gained valuable courtroom experience as a prosecutor. She handled a variety of criminal cases and developed a strong understanding of how the government evaluates and pursues cases. This experience now helps her anticipate prosecutorial strategies and guide clients through their legal options. Caroline earned her law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law and completed specialized coursework and certifications in family law and pro bono service. She also served as a law clerk for Virginia judges, further strengthening her understanding of courtroom procedure and legal strategy. Originally from Frederick County, Caroline now serves clients throughout the Richmond region. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time with her rescue cat, Ruby.

los Wall is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the George Mason University School of Law. Carlos has extensive experience in Virginia courts including representation of clients before the Virginia Supreme Court. During his 17 years of trial experience has represented more than 3000 individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses. In addition to representing clients from throughout Northern Virginia, Carlos is one of the few attorneys in the area who has been chosen to represent police officers by the Police Benevolent Association. In that capacity, Carlos has represented numerous police officers in various criminal investigations as well as active criminal cases throughout Northern Virginia. Carlos’s effective representation of people in the community, as well as local police officers, has given him the respect of the local prosecutor’s offices and the local bench. Carlos looks forward to using that experience to help you with your case. Prior to becoming a partner at The Gordon Law Firm P.C., Carlos was an associate with Devine, Connell, and Sheldon LLC and served the community as an Assistant Public Defender in Fairfax County. In his previous employment, Mr. Wall was part of a team that defended several high-profile individuals, including Paul Powell, Larry Gooch, and John Allen Muhammad. Carlos is also experienced in immigration law and post-conviction remedies, including appeals, habeas corpus, pardons, restoration of rights petitions, and other extraordinary writs. Carlos also handles the firm’s civil caseload, which includes Personal Injury cases, Medical Malpractice cases, Domestic matters, and Expungements. Carlos was born in El Salvador and he has lived in various countries including Peru, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Ivory Coast. Carlos is fluent in Spanish.