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

Damien Smith has been working in personal injury law in Virginia since 2018. Damien is motivated by his clients’ personal stories and works hard to fight for the justice and fairness they deserve. Damien started at a small firm, where he learned to always put client service first. He has handled hundreds of settlement and litigation cases from car accident and premises liability claims to dog bite lawsuits and other personal injury cases. Damien also has robust experience in handling criminal, traffic, and bankruptcy matters. Prior to his time in personal injury law, he worked in corporate compliance relating to consumer financial regulation. Damien is a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and is pending admission to the D.C. bar. He regularly devotes pro bono time to low-income clients facing collection and housing actions at the Legal Services of Northern Virginia in Fairfax, Virginia. Originally from Fauquier County, Virginia, Damien earned his undergraduate degrees in philosophy and political science from James Madison University. Damien then went on to earn a graduate degree from James Madison in European Union Policy Studies in Florence, Italy. While enrolled in this program, Damien was recognized for the best paper in the Master’s symposium. During the two years he spent in Florence, Damien also taught English as a second language. Damien completed his law degree at George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, in 2014. He served as the Executive Editor of the Journal of International Commercial Law, and worked on a voter restoration project that assisted Virginia residents with regaining their voting rights after felony convictions. Damien lives in the Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with his wife. They enjoy walking through the Zoo, exploring the city, rooting for all of the local sports teams, and caring for their community garden plot and abundance of house plants. Damien enjoys reading, jazz music, playing soccer and softball, and practicing the guitar and cornet.

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.

Malik Drake is a practicing lawyer in the state of Virginia. Attorney Drake received his J.D. from the George Mason University School of Law in 2001.

Lynn Bradley has dedicated her career to fighting for injured workers: -She grew up in a steel town in Pennsylvania and her zeal for helping injured workers comes from her blue-collar roots. -Putting herself through college waiting tables gave her a deep understanding of hard work and what it means to struggle. -She attended T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond and was on the Law Review. -While in law school and studying for the bar exam, she worked at the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission as a law clerk for the Honorable -Robert P. Joyner, Commission. She also helped annotate the Workers’ Compensation section of the Virginia Code. -She has fought for the rights of injured workers since her graduation in 1993. -She has been with Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. since 1996, and has been a shareholder (partner) since 2004. -She is a member of the Virginia State Bar; Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, Workers’ Compensation Section; and the Charlottesville Albemarle Bar Association. -She volunteers her time advising the attorneys at the Legal Aid Migrant Worker Program; regularly volunteers at the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center Legal Clinic at University of Virginia; and served on the board of local non-profits, including the Senior Center and National Business College. -Lynn and her paralegal, Charolette, pride themselves on timely responding to her clients and giving personalized service. Your case is important and Lynn will treat it as a priority!

Providing excellent and informed representation to her clients is the hallmark of Jennifer Porter’s career. For over 25 years, Jennifer has successfully represented hundreds of people who have been injured through no fault of their own; people who were often just in the wrong place at the wrong time but suffered significant or catastrophic injuries as a result. Jennifer believes that people not only need and deserve someone who listens to them and talks the talk of a skilled litigator, but who also has the skill, experience, and background to walk the walk, preparing a successful claim for settlement or for litigation while also providing sound advice, sensitive to the needs of the individual. Jennifer is in the unique position to provide that level of representation to her clients and to maximize recovery for her clients, as a result of her years working as house counsel for Progressive Insurance and also as hired counsel for several of the country’s major insurance carriers, round-tabling defense strategies with insurance adjustors, engaging in defense-oriented training and education courses, and litigating hundreds of bench and jury trials using defense trial tactics. The thing that matters most is helping people navigate tough times with skill and sensitivity, and with a robust practice in personal injury, Jennifer looks forward to new legal challenges each day. Jennifer hails from East Tennessee and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, College of Law – Go Vols! She completed her third year of law school as a visiting student at American University, Washington College of Law and is a 20+ year resident of Virginia. She is a committed member of the Virginia legal community. A long-time member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA), Jennifer has served on the VTLA Women’s Leadership Caucus, VTLA Business Partners Committee, and the VTLA Membership Committee. She is also active with the Fairfax Bar Association (FBA), in which she currently serves as a member of the Circuit Court Committee and the Domestic Relations Sub-Committee. Previously, she was a member of the FBA Young Lawyers Section, serving on the Board of Directors and then as President in 2007/2008, and then in her capacity as immediate past President, she served as a member of the FBA Board of Directors. Jennifer has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and has received the prestigious AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating of her legal ability and professional ethics from the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating system for members of the legal profession and carries an Avvo Rating 10/10, also based on reviews from her peers. Jennifer is licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and California. In addition to her professional career, Jennifer is committed to her local community, having served on the Board of Directors of her neighborhood Swim Club and her neighborhood Civic Association. She is also troop leader to a very active group of middle school and high school aged Girl Scouts. Jennifer is a proud US Navy military spouse and mother to three school-aged daughters, and she can frequently be found at the soccer field, swimming pool or PTA meeting. She is active with the Naval Officer’s Spouse’s Club, the Military Spouse J.D. Network, and the Military Officers Association of America.

With over two decades of experience, Mr. Mullen advises clients on a broad spectrum of regulatory compliance, corporate governance, securities, and government investigations. His practice spans federal, state, and local matters, drawing on significant experience in both private practice and public service. He represents clients—including Fortune 500 companies—across industries such as energy, environment, healthcare, finance, railroads, aviation, real estate development, and land use.

With over 15 years of experience in personal injury law, Lisa is dedicated to helping individuals navigate challenging moments with clarity and confidence. She began her career as a defense attorney for a major insurance company, where she handled thousands of cases and gained a deep understanding of how claims are evaluated and defended. She later spent six years at a plaintiff’s firm, advocating for injured individuals and guiding them through the legal process. Today, she uses that insight to effectively advocate for those she represents and work toward meaningful outcomes. Lisa is known for her thoughtful, client-centered approach and her ability to connect with clients and their families on a personal level. She understands that behind every case is a person facing uncertainty, and she is committed to helping them move forward. She finds it especially fulfilling to support injured individuals and help them reach outcomes that allow them to move on with their lives. Originally from Pittsburgh, Lisa attended Penn State University before earning her law degree from The Catholic University of America, where she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy. She now lives in Loudoun County with her husband, their two sons, and their bernedoodle, Murphy. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family, especially to destinations that include a beach and fishing, as well as exploring her interests in food and wine. She also enjoys event planning, decorating, and visiting local wineries.

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.