Law Firm Overview

I am licensed to practice law in Maryland and Washington, D.C. I have served the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area since 1985, with a principal focus on the business client.

In my capacity as an advisor to business owners, I regularly address issues such as: business start-ups, commercial lease negotiations, franchise disclosure document review and negotiation, contract implementation, and copyright and trademark registration and protection. I frequently write important business contracts relating to copyright, trademarks, domain names, proprietary information, trade secrets, and independent contractors. Some relevant agreements deal with licensing of copyrighted works or trademarks and others address protecting intellectual property by way of agreements for trade secrets, confidentiality and non-competition.

The cornerstone of my success is the quality relationship which I maintain with my clients. Each person is treated with integrity and respect for their needs, goals, and objectives. I focus on intelligent legal representation and pledge not only to listen to and communicate with clients, but also to be available. To the best of my efforts, I seek to return telephone calls promptly.

I use the latest technology and cost-effective methods to enhance my productivity and to provide services in a professional and friendly atmosphere.

Areas of Practice

• Business & Commercial Law
• Business Organizations
• Commercial Lease Negotiation
• Contracts
• Copyright
• Franchising
• Intellectual Property Law
• Trademarks

Honors and Awards

• Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione Award for Excellence in Intellectual Property Law, 2003

Published Works

• "Deal on Distance Learning Still Faces Pro-License Pressures", IP Supplement to Legal Times, March 24, 2003
• "Some Rules for Negotiating Your Retail Lease", Merchant, Newsletter of the Maryland Retail Merchants Association, March, 1995
• Don't Let Your Franchise Agreement and Lease Conflict, Merchant, Newsletter of the Maryland Retail Merchants Association, December, 1995
• Cooperative Efforts in Lease Negotiations, Franchising World, Magazine of the International Franchise Association, March/April, 1996
• Patience and Careful Eye Needed in Negotiating Office Space, Executive Update, Magazine of the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives, April, 1996

Classes and Seminars

• Introduction to Copyright, Trademark and Patent Workshop of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), U.S. SBA, Washington, DC
• How to Purchase a Franchise and How to Make Your Business Successful, Howard University School of Continuing Education, Silver Spring, MD
• Pre-Business Workshops of Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), U.S., SBA, Washington, D.C.

West Practice Categories

Business & Commercial Law, Contracts, Franchising, Business Organizations, Intellectual Property Law, Copyrights, Trademarks