OUR STAFF
Blanca Mirabile
Paralegal for real estate and estate planning
(703) 506-9440 ext 227
Blanca has been a paralegal with the Firm since December, 2000. She has extensive experience in the preparation of documents for real estate settlements while working with lenders, buyers, and sellers to ensure everything is in order for closing. In addition, she assists our attorneys with large land purchases and sales, attendant construction lending matters and §1031 exchanges. In 2007 she expanded her horizons to support the estate planning practice and in 2019 expanded again to work in Lender Representation practice.
Prior to joining the Firm, Blanca worked as a paralegal for a number of offices within the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department. Blanca received her Legal Assistant Diploma from The Washington Business School in 1999.
Nominated by co-workers and clients, Blanca was honored by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly as part of the Class of 2019 “Unsung Legal Heroes – Paralegal category. This award honors the people who “get it done, who keep the lawyers on track, who go above and beyond, usually behind the scenes.”
Michelle Mwenye
Legal Assistant
(703) 506-9440 ext 237
Michelle joined our team in September 2015 and has been promoted to litigation legal assistant working primarily with John Altmiller and Leonard Tengco. She is a service-focused Human Resources Professional with an extensive background in administrative support. She has worked in the Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania areas respectively, for 12+ years in a variety of construction and hospitality industries. She supported 3000+ employees while working at the Strayer University Corporate Office for 5 years. Michelle has a meticulous regard for detail and accuracy, with strong interpersonal service skills. Her passion for knowledge in the variety of services the Firm offers, makes her a great assistant with a go-getter attitude.
Nominated by co-workers, Michelle was honored by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly as part of the Class of 2020 “Unsung Legal Heroes – Legal Secretary category. This award honors the people who “get it done, who keep the lawyers on track, who go above and beyond, usually behind the scenes.”
Donna Bestebreurtje
Accountant
(703) 506-9440 ext 230
Donna is the owner of DCB, Inc. and an independent consultant to the Firm. She began working with our firm in the spring of 2001. As our on-site accountant, Donna manages our accounts and maintains records of all transactions and billings. She also works in the preparation of inventories and accountings for our estate administration department.
Memberships: National Association of Enrolled Agents, Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents.
Steve Elliott
Settlement Coordinator and Title Agent
(703) 506-9440 ext 246
Steve works for the law firm as a closing coordinator making the initial contact with clients and agents, ordering titles and surveys and assisting with scheduling. He also works on the back-end assisting in real estate post closing matters.
Steve has worked for the law firm's affiliated title agency since 1998 and is licensed in Virginia for two national title insurance companies. Following his original career as a telecommunications technician he acts as the liaison for the law firm for its Information Technology, telecommunications and equipment needs.
Kenya A. Bennett
Legal Assistant
(703) 506-9440 ext 236
Kenya joined the Firm in July of 2018. She is responsible for greeting clients, handling front office reception and various administrative duties. Kenya is the legal assistant to Darragh Davis and also provides legal assistance to all of the other attorneys on an as-needed basis. She has a can-do attitude and works hard every day attending to clients’ needs. She resides in Ashburn with her two children.
Rebekah Green
Law Clerk
(703) 506-9440 ext 228
Bekka joined the Firm as a Law Clerk in July 2019 and primarily works with Susan Pesner and Diana D’Alessandro. She has worked as a paralegal for over ten years in private practices throughout Virginia. In 2018, she decided to expand her horizons and started law school as a part-time student at the Catholic University of America. She is a dedicated, client-centered worker, and eager to continue her legal education with the Firm. When she has spare time, she enjoys traveling, running, or anything that combines the two. She resides in Reston with her husband and their three dogs.
Nominated by co-workers, Bekka was honored by Virginia Lawyer’s Weekly as part of the Inaugural Class of 2020 “Unsung Legal Heroes – Law Student category. This award honors the people who “get it done, who keep the lawyers on track, who go above and beyond, usually behind the scenes.”
Honors:
Editor-in-Chief, The Catholic University Law Review, Vol. 71
Staff Editor, The Catholic University Law Review, Vol. 70
Dean’s List
Alina McDuffie
Administrative Assistant
(703) 506-9440 ext 250
Alina joined our firm in March of 2020. Alina is responsible for assisting Heather Steele on the litigation team and other attorneys on an as-needed basis. Alina is a student at George Mason University majoring in Government and International Politics. Prior to joining our firm Alina has experience through internships from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and as a Legislative Intern for a Senator. For fun she enjoys traveling and trying out new bubble tea shops.
Tanya Hicks
Estate Planning and Trust & Estate Administration Paralegal
(703) 506-9440 ext 235
Tanya has been a paralegal with the Firm since December 2020 working primarily with Paul H. Melnick and Darragh J. Davis. As our estate planning and trust & estate administration paralegal, Tanya has extensive experience in drafting a wide range of estate planning documents, including deeds associated with the estate planning process. Prior to joining the Firm, Tanya worked as a paralegal in D.C and Maryland for 16+ years in the Trust and Estates department with extensive experience in litigation, probate, conservatorship, guardianship matters, special needs trusts, elder law, corporation and LLC formation. Tanya also designed, prepared, coordinated marketing campaigns and managed logistics trade shows. Tanya has also worked for Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and was assigned to a high volume of cases.
In her spare time, Tanya works with a community outreach program and has been recognized as a top contributor having impacted the lives of the programs recipients positively. Tanya resides in Maryland with her husband and their two children.
