The Plains Lawyers

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!

Attorney David J. Dischley earned his Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law, where he took the lead in over 100 bench trials under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Before founding his firm, Attorney Dischley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, worked as a prosecutor for the Loudon County Commonwealth, and served as an advisor to the U.S. intelligence community. This unique blend of experience informs Attorney Dischley’s criminal defense practice, where he assists clients throughout Virginia in both state and federal courts. He was profiled by the New York Times in 2011 and has been recognized...

Chuck has practiced in Winchester and throughout northern Virginia since 2007. He is both a lawyer and a Certified Public Accountant (with an LL.M in Tax and Estate Planning) and worked in public accounting before attending law school. Chuck’s practice focuses on complex estate planning and administration matters, resolving tax disputes, business planning, choice of entity, conservation easements and other business matters. Chuck has extensive training in complex estate and business matters and his practice focuses primarily on business owners and families with more than $1 million in liquid assets. Chuck regularly works to resolve family disputes, establish business...

Damon Miller is a long-term disability and ERISA attorney. He represents disabled claimants against insurance companies that have wrongfully denied benefits. He understands that insurance companies sometimes ignore the advice of your doctors and deny valid claims without listening to your voice. Damon is here to listen to you and help you be heard loud and clear by your insurance company. In one way or another, Damon has been fighting for disabled clients since he was in college. He was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he worked full-time as a paralegal while simultaneously taking a full-time college course load. In-between riding...

Robert Weed is one of Northern Virginia’s most experienced, and top rated bankruptcy attorneys. He has offices in Annandale, Stafford, Sterling-Herndon and Woodbridge. Nationally Known During the debate in Congress on the 2005 bankruptcy reform, Robert Weed was interviewed on local and national TV and quoted in newspapers across the country. His top rated bankruptcy layer blog on is seen by hundreds of people around the country! Bankruptcy Lawyer: Nationally Recognized In May 2019, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys presented Robert Weed with the Hammes-Schulman Award. Previously, Robert Weed was named Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Month by the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys...

Heather is admitted to the practice of law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She represents businesses and individuals and helps to resolve their disputes through litigation, mediation, and negotiation of agreements. Heather handles small business representation, including contract reviews, contract drafting, entity formation (corporations, LLCs), corporate transactions (buy/sell, mergers, acquisitions), demand letters, business litigation and collections. Ms. Steele also represents homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations (condos) with regard to general legal advice, drafting of resolutions, supervision and certification of elections, registration with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation...

Vishrut Shelat, Esq. is a D.C. Barred Attorney, who specializes in Immigration Law, Criminal Defense, and Business Law & Entity Formation. Vishrut has 3 years of professional experience in the legal field, with cases involving both transactional and litigation work. After working with companies such as Thompson Reuters, Robert Half, and Wolters Kluwer, Vishrut decided to use his accumulated legal experience and contacts to forge his own law firm to better serve his clients with his vision. This desire led him to create TheBajLawGroup PLLC, the premier boutique law firm specializing in Immigration Law, Criminal Law, and Business Law & Entity...

Mr. Fox is senior partner in the real estate practice group at Fox & Moghul who has over two decades of experience successfully representing developers, real estate brokers, community association boards, title companies, and commercial landlords as well as tenants on a full range of complex real estate matters. Mr. Fox’s sophistication in this subject matter is reflected in the fact that he has handled more than 3,000 commercial real estate transactions for multi-national entities like Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mr. Fox also has noted expertise in title disputes, and his Continuing Legal Education Seminars (CLEs) on curing complex title defects...

The laws touch everyone's life, but not everyone feels like they can access the law when they have problems. Almost everyone has an encounter with housing issues, aging and elder law, special needs, estate planning or probate, but not everyone feels like they can find the right attorney. I focus on making the law accessible to people who need help vindicating their rights and benefiting from the legal system. As a Virginia licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience, I have represented and successfully counseled and advocated for a diverse group of clients,...

A self-described advocate for healthy conflict resolution, Brenda Waugh is a Attorney/Mediator/Facilitator and Consultant who is committed to collaborating with clients and organizations to empower them to find answers to their legal problems. She has spent the last Twenty years with her firm, Waugh Law & Mediation and is currently most passionate about the work she is doing to bring restorative justice and mediation processes to her communities in Virginia and West Virginia. As a Hollywood costume designer turned lawyer turned mediator, Brenda Waugh has developed a unique perspective when it comes to resolving legal conflicts including divorce, civil litigation, workplace...

Adriana was born and raised in New York, and attended both college and law school in Washington, D.C. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs, Philosophy, and Political Science from The George Washington University in 2009, and her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Throughout law school, Adriana worked for various nonprofit organizations in Virginia and Washington, D.C., focusing on immigration issues related to domestic violence victims, victims of crime, children, and family matters.

Upon graduation, Adriana moved to Virginia where she earned her license to...

Mr. Moghul’s accomplishments in the areas of real estate and business litigation are varied and many, including his selection into the elite group of America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators (2021), the Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Go-To” Business Litigation Lawyers (2023), Lawyers of Distinction (2023), and the prestigious Super Lawyers Rising Stars shortlist every year since 2016. Mr. Moghul is a widely published author whose works have received critical acclaim in both state and national media. As a regular contributor to premier legal publications like Lexis Nexis and the American Law Institute, Mr. Moghul frequently publishes practical guidance notes to educate other...

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.")

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

C.J. has represented individuals and businesses all over the Commonwealth of Virginia in a variety of criminal, DUI, traffic, and civil matters. C.J.’s criminal, DUI, and traffic experience includes low-level traffic citations, more serious traffic matters like Reckless Driving and DUI, misdemeanor criminal offenses such as simple assault and battery, domestic violence, and shoplifting offenses, to the most serious felony crimes including violent crime, drug possession and distribution, homicide, and sexually-based offenses. It is C.J.’s mission to provide affordable, aggressive, and effective representation to those accused of a criminal or traffic offense in his native home of Northern Virginia and...

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!

Attorney John D. Whittington is the founder of the law firm of John D. Whittington, PC, in Manassas, Virginia. With more than 35 years of experience in civil litigation, Mr. Whittington concentrates his practice on personal injury, wrongful death and workers’ compensation matters. He represents the injured and their families in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, brain injury, spinal injury and other catastrophic injuries. He also represents people who have suffered workplace injuries. Mr. Whittington earned his law degree from George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia, graduating with distinction. He is admitted to practice in Virginia...

After completing his undergrad with honors at the University of Toronto in Canada, Mr. Raheen moved to New York and attained his Juris Doctorate Law Degree (J.D.) and Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) at the New York Law School and Fordham University School of Law, respectively. Following his post-doctorate graduation, Mr. Raheen worked with the prestigious NY law firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, where he gained and reflected their successful motto of attention to detail in high quality work product. Mr. Raheen and his family moved closer to family in the DC...

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...

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.

I focus my practice on five areas: family law, civil litigation, bankruptcy, criminal defense, business law and contract drafting. For family law matters, I can assist clients with divorce, custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and protective orders. I also have experience in a wide variety of civil litigation, ranging from breach of contract claims to property ownership disputes and beyond. I earned my law degree from Villanova University School of Law where I served as a student attorney in Villanova’s Clinic for Asylum, Refugee, and Emigrant Services. Passionate about pro bono work, I also volunteered as the Chair of the...

James M. Johnson graduated from James Madison University in with degrees in Biology and Economics. He received his Juris Doctor from the George Mason School of Law. James Johnson has worked at the outstanding law firms of Pfitzner & Morley, Johnson Ford Law, and now he is the managing attorney at the Johnson Law Firm, PC. He is admitted to practice in all Virginia courts, as well as the Federal and Bankruptcy courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.

Karen L. Cohen is a Shareholder with the law firm of Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C (VF&N). Her practice focuses on commercial real estate and business transactions, including real estate development, land use and zoning, commercial leasing, commercial lending, and purchase and sale contracts, as well as advising clients in negotiating a variety of business contracts such as operating agreements, supplier agreements, asset purchase and sale agreements, and shareholder agreements. As an attorney with a prior career in architecture and a master’s degree in Real Estate Development, Karen’s legal knowledge is enhanced by her understanding of the business...

Attorney Dagoberto J. Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Rodriguez Law Firm. He is licensed to practice law in the state courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Eastern District Court of Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Rodriguez is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Furthermore, Attorney Rodriguez has been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as a Top 100 Lawyer in Virginia and has been awarded the prize of Top 40 under 40.

Mr. Rodriguez, was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He attended Universidad Santa...

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,...

REPRESENTTIVE CASES - United States v. Bosyk, 933 F3d 319 (4th Cir. 2019) cert denied, 140 S. Ct. 1124 (U.S. Feb. 24, 2020)(No. 19-860), 2019. - Shepherd v. Conde, 797 S.E.2d 750 (Va. 2017) - Chacey v. Garvey, 781 S.E.2d 357, (Va. 2015) - Weatherholt v. Commonwealth, 839 S.E.2d 492 (Va. 2020) - Spell v. Commonwealth, 851 S.E.2d 83 (2020) - St. John v. Thompson, 854 S.E.2d 648 (2021) CLASSES/SEMINARS - Land Use and Zoning: Navigate Land Use/Zoning Regulations, Permitting Issues, Disputes and More; National Business Institute, July 20, 2017 - How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted (and Keep Theirs Out), National Business Institute,...

Scott has been practicing law in Virginia since 1999. He is licensed to practice law in four jurisdictions, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia and Colorado. Scott’s first four years were focused almost exclusively on bankruptcy law. Twenty plus years later, bankruptcy continues to be an integral part of his practice and focus. It is an area of practice that intersects with many other legal issues on regular basis. Not many attorneys practice bankruptcy, and when a bankruptcy related issue comes up, Scott is always willing to share his insights when other attorneys have questions. Scott joined the Manassas Law Group in 2003,...

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...

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.