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2010

Five Partners Recognized By Virginia Super Lawyers and Washington D.C. Super Lawyers for 2010

img Washington D.C. Super Lawyers  and Virginia Super Lawyers recognized five partners of Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC for their achievements and expertise. The attorneys selected  for 2010 include:

  • Val S. McWhorter for Construction Litigation
  • John S. Pachter for Government Contracts
  • Richard F. Smith for Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Richard C. Johnson for Government Contracts
  • Brian J. Vella for Construction Litigation

Super Lawyers "adheres to a rigorous selection process … evaluating quality in the most objective possible terms and verifying and validating all data. The only way a lawyer can be listed in Super Lawyers magazine is through this selection process." Selections are made using a "system of balloting, peer evaluation, and internal research."

Best Lawyers for 2010 Recognizes Firm's Expertise in Construction Law, Arbitration, and Mediation

imgFour partners were selected by their peers for the 2010 edition of Best Lawyers in America for their knowledge and expertise in their field of practice.  The attorneys selected for this honor are:

  • Val McWhorter
  • Brian Vella
  • Mark Hanson
  • Richard Smith

As a firm, Smith Pachter McWhorter was nationally ranked for the practice area of Construction Law in U.S. News Best Law Firms, an expansion of the “America’s Best” series.
Published since 1983, Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded reference to the country’s top lawyers and one of the highest professional accolades. Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 32,000 leading attorneys cast almost two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Chambers USA 2010 Ranks Smith Pachter McWhorter among the top Construction and Government Contract Firms Nationwide

imgChambers USA 2010 attorney rankings described Smith Pachter McWhorter as a “widely respected construction and government contract law boutique [which] provides cost-effective counseling.  Clients highlight the group's attentive and efficient service.”  Smith Pachter McWhorter lawyers also earn considerable praise for their defense of clients in major cost overrun claims.  "These flexible, pragmatic lawyers provide great value and a personalized service." 

Five partners were identified as leaders in their areas of practice based on an extensive survey of clients and peers:

  • Richard Smith has transitioned his practice to focus more on mediation and arbitration work, mostly in private and government contract disputes. "I would go back to him in a heartbeat if I had another dispute," reports one satisfied client.
  • John Pachter - "Tenacious and highly intelligent" litigator -- is an excellent choice for dispute resolution and bid protest work; sources say "he always does a terrific job."
  • Val McWhorter is praised for his collaborative work method and his accessibility: "He was great at communicating the probability of success; at every opportunity, we were able to accurately evaluate the risk before moving forward," reports a client. He provides a variety of advice to large international constructors.
  • Brian Vella resolves complex contractual conflicts for a range of engineering and construction companies. "He is able to converse in industry lingo, then convert this into a legal framework and move the matter forward," reveals one source.
  • Mark Hansonis regarded as a rising star in the group. His work typically involves representing contractors, subcontractors, sureties and design professionals. Says one client: "He is a top-notch attorney, skilled in dispute resolution.

    • 2009

    Six Attorneys Recognized By Virginia Super Lawyers and Virginia Rising Stars for 2009

    imgVirginia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars honored six partners of Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC for their achievements and expertise.  The attorneys selected as Virginia Super Lawyers for 2009 include:

    • Val S. McWhorter for Construction Litigation
    • John S. Pachter for Government Contracts
    • Richard F. Smith for Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Richard S. Johnson for Government Contracts
    • Brian J. Vella for Construction Litigation

    Super Lawyers "adheres to a rigorous selection process … evaluating quality in the most objective possible terms and verifying and validating all data.  The only way a lawyer can be listed in Super Lawyers magazine is through this selection process."  Selections are made using a "system of balloting, peer evaluation, and internal research." 

    Best Lawyers in America for 2009 Recognizes Firm's Expertise in Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution

    imgFour partners were selected by their peers for the 2009 edition of Best Lawyers in America for their expertise in Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution.  The attorneys selected for this honor are:

    • Val McWhorter for Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Brian Vella for Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Mark Hanson for Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Richard Smith for Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution

    As a firm, Smith Pachter McWhorter was ranked as the top firm in Virginia for the practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution, with more attorneys selected in that practice area than any other firm in Virginia.

    Published since 1983, Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded reference to the country’s top lawyers and one of the highest professional accolades.  Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 32,000 leading attorneys cast almost two million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

    Smith Pachter McWhorter Earns "Significant Praise for Their Record of Success" from Market Sources in Chambers USA 2009 Attorney Rankings

    imgChambers USA 2009 attorney rankings described Smith Pachter McWhorter as a "highly respected … excellent choice" for legal representation, once again earning "significant praise from market sources for their record of success in the [construction and government contracts] sector."  Chambers recognized the firm's traditional strength in litigation while noting that the firm "truly excels" in alternative dispute resolution, dispute avoidance, and mediation.  Chambers sources described the firm as "specialists" who provide "personalized service, a wealth of experience and efficient, cost-effective representation."  Chambers reported that the firm provides "practical business solutions" to procurement problems. 

    Five attorneys were identified as leaders in their areas of practice based on an extensive survey of clients and peers:

    Richard F. Smith, Senior Statesman, Construction – "… is held in the highest regard for his 'high standards and skillful representation.'"

    John S. Pachter, Government Contracts – "… a terrific practitioner with 'an incredible amount of experience.'"

    Val S. McWhorter, Construction – "… receives glowing accolades from market commentators for his contractor-centered practice."

    Brian J. Vella, Construction – "… focuses on heavy and commercial construction."

    Mark E. Hanson, Construction – "… has a well-respected general practice."

    2008

    Smith Pachter McWhorter Described as "Impressive" and "Strong" in Chambers USA 2008 Attorney Rankings

    imgIn its 2008 rankings, Chambers USA described Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC as a leader in the practice of government contracts and construction law.  Chambers sources described it as an "impressive" firm with a "strong and stable presence in the marketplace."  Sources also appreciated the firm's "straightforward and practical approach to the solution of problems" and described the firm's bid protest practice as capable of "hold[ing] its own against anyone."  Five attorneys were identified as leaders in their areas of practice based on an extensive survey of clients and peers:

    Richard F. Smith, Senior Statesman for Construction

    John S. Pachter, Government Contracts

    Val S. McWhorter, Construction

    Mark E. Hanson for Construction

    Brian J. Vella for Construction

    Chambers described Richard F. Smith "as one of the most respected mediators on the circuit", Val McWhorter as “deserv[ing] the highest possible marks for his work representing large contractors,”  noting that “more often than not, he comes out on top”, and John S. Pachter as a "leading figure in the bid protest world."  In addition, Mark Hanson and Brian Vella "both … enjoy the respect of their peers and the loyal support of their clients."

    Chambers USA listed Richard C. Johnson and Stephen D. Knight as "keys" to the firm's success for their government contracts expertise in cost allowability.  Finally, a client commented that “the quality of the junior lawyers is extremely impressive.”

    Attorneys are selected by Chambers by an extensive survey of thousands of lawyers and clients across the nation.  Chambers' description of the firm's is available here.

    Chambers' specific rankings are available here.

    Smith Pachter McWhorter Attorneys Recognized as Virginia Super Lawyers 2008

    imgIn its 2008 edition, Virginia Super Lawyers selected Val S. McWhorter, John S. Pachter, Richard F. Smith, and Brian J. Vella for their expertise in the following areas: Val McWhorter and Brian Vella in Construction Litigation, John Pachter in Government Contracts and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution.  All four attorneys have at least 30 years of experience in their practice areas. 

    Super Lawyers "adheres to a rigorous selection process … evaluating quality in the most objective possible terms and verifying and validating all data.  The only way a lawyer can be listed in Super Lawyers magazine is through this selection process."  Selections are made using a "system of balloting, peer evaluation, and internal research." 

    Smith Pachter McWhorter is pleased to have these outstanding attorneys recognized as leaders in the Virginia legal community.  Complete biographical information is available in their individual resumes on our website.   

    Smith Pachter McWhorter Featured In Forbes Magazine

    An "advertorial" in the April 2008 subscriber edition of Forbes magazine featured Smith Pachter McWhorter's accomplishments in the areas of government contracts and construction. The article cited firm founders John Pachter, Val McWhorter and Richard Smith as deeply respected for their expertise and acumen in government contracts and construction law. Other leading firm practitioners, including Brian Vella, Stephen Knight, Mark Hanson, D. Joe Smith, Richard Johnson, and Jonathan Shaffer, were noted for their depth of experience and capabilities. Click here for full text.

    Four Smith Pachter Attorneys Selected as Best Lawyers in America

    imgBased on confidential peer-review surveys, Best Lawyers in America has selected Val McWhorter, Brian Vella, Mark Hanson and Richard Smith for its 2008 edition.  All four attorneys were selected for their experience and acumen in the practice of Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution.  The firm was ranked number 1 in the Commonwealth of Virginia for Alternative Dispute Resolution, with more listed selected lawyers in that practice area than any other firm in Virginia.  The firm was ranked number 1 in Vienna, Virginia for Construction Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution.  Published since 1983, Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded reference to the country’s top lawyers and one of the highest professional accolades. 

    Additional information about this honor is available here.

    Testimonials Prior to 2007

    Smith Pachter Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia Legal Communities

    imgWashington DC Super Lawyers selected Val S. McWhorter, John S. Pachter, Richard C. Johnson and Richard F. Smith in its 2007 edition for their expertise in the following areas: Val McWhorter in Construction; John Pachter and Richard Johnson in Government Contracts; and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution.  All four attorneys have at least 30 years of experience in their practice areas.  An article about these attorneys from Washington DC Super Lawyers is available here. 

    In addition, Virginia Super Lawyers selected Val S. McWhorter, Richard C. Johnson and Richard F. Smith its 2007 edition for their expertise in the following areas: Val McWhorter in Construction/Surety; Richard Johnson in Government Contracts; and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution. 

    Super Lawyers "adheres to a rigorous selection process … evaluating quality in the most objective possible terms and verifying and validating all data.  The only way a lawyer can be listed in Super Lawyers magazine is through this selection process."  Selections are made using a "system of balloting, peer evaluation, and internal research." 

    Smith Pachter McWhorter is pleased to have these outstanding attorneys recognized as leaders in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia legal communities.  Complete biographical information is available in their individual resumes on our website.

    Val S. McWhorter and Richard F. Smith Recognized as Leaders in Construction Law

    imgThe 2007 edition of the International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers recognized Val S. McWhorter and Richard F. Smith as attorneys "who can truly be considered leaders in the field." International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers made its selections based on "months of research" and after "canvass[ing] and analys[ing] the opinions of law firm clients … from around the world." Mr. McWhorter and Mr. Smith are both members of the prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers and have practiced construction law for over 30 years. Additional biographical information for these outstanding attorneys can be found under their entry on the Attorney page of this website.

    Chambers USA 2007 Edition Describes Smith Pachter McWhorter as "Deeply Respected"

    imgIn its 2007 edition, Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business, described Smith Pachter McWhorter as a "deeply respected" construction and government contract "boutique" that "handles a steady stream of project administration and construction disputes." The publication pointed to the firm's representation of "both local and national contractors in relation to large infrastructure projects." Clients identified Val McWhorter as a "go-to construction lawyer" who "can be entrusted to handle really complex litigation." "Interviewees endorsed his wealth of construction experience as well as his strong courtroom presence." Mark Hanson was mentioned as a "rising star" in representing contractors, sureties and design professionals on commercial, industrial and power generation projects. Chambers described Richard Smith as a "seasoned practitioner" who "devotes his practice to acting as mediator and arbitrator in the resolution of construction and contract disputes."

    Chambers also reported that the four partners who practice in the area of government contracts (Richard Johnson, Stephen Knight, Jonathan Shaffer and John Pachter) "each won significant praise from market sources for having 'in-depth expertise.'" Interviewees reported that the team "works effectively together to maximize resources," allowing it to work on major disputes and protests. Chambers said "The market's praise is strongest for 'consummate professional' John Pachter." "'Committed and thorough' with 'deep knowledge,' he's appreciated by clients for his 'careful, unvarnished advice – he'll give you the worst up front and a steer on how to overcome it.'"

    Four Smith Pachter Attorneys Selected as Best Lawyers in America

    imgBased on confidential peer-review surveys, Val McWhorter, Brian Vella, Mark Hanson and Richard Smith were selected for the 2007 edition of Best Lawyers. The Washington Post Magazine published the Best Lawyers list for Washington, DC October 1, 2006, reaching more than 1.4 million readers. Published since 1983, Best Lawyers in America is a highly regarded reference to the country’s top lawyers and one of the highest professional accolades. We are honored to have three of our attorneys again selected, while Mark Hanson has been selected in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution for the first time. Those reselected are: Val McWhorter in the areas of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Construction; Brian Vella in Construction; and Richard Smith in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

    Richard F. Smith Named One Of Virginia's Top Lawyers In Alternative Dispute Resolution

    Richard F. Smith, a founding member of the law firm of Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC, has been named one of Virginia's "Legal Elite" in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution by the Virginia Business magazine. The "Legal Elite" is a list of lawyers recognized by their peers as the best in 12 categories. Richard, now Senior Counsel to the firm, specializes in serving as a mediator and arbitrator. He is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators and Panel of Mediators and routinely hears disputes involving large construction cases.

    Val S. McWhorter Elected As Member of Prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers

    Val S. McWhorter, a founding partner of the law firm Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC was recently elected as a member of the prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers ("ACCL"), effective in 2005. Over the last 30 years, Mr. McWhorter has focused his practice in the area of construction law, representing contractors in large, complex claims arising under federal, state, and local government contracts, as well as contracts between private parties. Mr. McWhorter joins his colleague Richard F. Smith, also a founding partner of the firm, in ACCL's membership ranks.

    Founded in 1990, the ACCL is a national organization comprised of outstanding lawyers who have demonstrated skill, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice or in the teaching of construction law, and who are dedicated to excellence in the specialized practice of construction law. Membership in the college is by invitation only upon nomination and election.

    The college provides advanced professional workshops and educational programs to its Fellows and identifies and contributes to the solution of major construction industry legal problems. It is a collegial forum for the exchange and development of ideas by experts in construction law.

    John Pachter Named by Legal Times as One of the Top 12 Government Contract Lawyers in Washington, D.C.

    Legal Times, a leading periodical covering the Washington area legal community, selected John S. Pachter as one of the top 12 government contract lawyers in Washington, D.C., based on interviews with in-house counsel, attorneys in private practice and academics. Mr. Pachter, a founding partner of Smith Pachter McWhorter PLC has practiced government contract law for more than 30 years. His practice includes litigation in federal and state courts, bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and counseling clients on federal procurement statutes and regulations. Mr. Pachter's government contract practice is broad-based, including a variety of industries such as defense, telecommunications, information technology, health care and food service. The Legal Times article is available here.