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Practice Area in Focus
Domestic Relations
Divorce, child custody, support, marriage and adoption lie at the heart of our domestic relations practice. With decades of experience across Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, we guide clients through emotionally charged situations—whether negotiation, mediation, collaborative law or litigation. We listen first, protect your rights, and work toward a fresh start for you and your family.
Lawyer Spotlight
Jill C. Seiferth
Shareholder
Jill Seiferth is a shareholder with Bean, Kinney & Korman, and a member of the domestic relations group of the firm practicing in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Her areas of...
Professional Profile >>
News & Highlights
DEI – A TARGET: The DOJ Signals that DEI Programs Will Be an Enforcement Priority with the Use of the False Claims Act in 2026
As federal enforcement priorities continue to evolve, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made clear that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs will be subject to heightened scrutiny where they intersect with federal funding and civil rights compliance. In 2025, the DOJ formally announced the creation of a Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, signaling a renewed focus on the use of… Read more
When Is a Famous Trademark “Abandoned”?
Lessons from the Fight Over the TWITTER® Name If you have followed recent business or technology news, you may have seen headlines suggesting that the Twitter trademark might be “up for grabs.” That claim sounds shocking given the brand’s global recognition, but the dispute raises an important and very practical question for businesses of all sizes: Can a trademark owner lose its… Read more
Six Employment Law Trends to Watch in 2026: Federal Enforcement and Virginia Updates
As we move into 2026, employers face a rapidly evolving legal landscape shaped by federal enforcement priorities and state-level initiatives. Below are six critical trends that HR professionals, business leaders, and risk compliance officers should monitor closely. 1. Federal Enforcement Realignment: Budget Cuts and Shifting Responsibilities The Department of Labor (DOL) enters 2026 with a dramatically reduced budget (down nearly… Read more
Margaret M. Marks and Nicole A. Salisbury Join Bean, Kinney & Korman
ARLINGTON, VA, –Bean, Kinney & Korman is pleased to announce that Margaret Marks and Nicole Salisbury have recently joined the firm. Margaret “Meg” Marks joins as a shareholder with a practice focused on commercial and civil litigation. Meg represents corporate and individual clients, including developers, contractors and start-ups in a variety of complex litigation matters such as employment disputes, trade… Read more
Finding True North in Turbulent Times: Insights into Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Boards
In today’s environment of economic uncertainty, social transformation, and technological disruption, nonprofit boards must take a proactive and legally informed approach to strategic planning. Strategic oversight is a core governance function that directly affects mission fulfillment, legal compliance, and organizational sustainability. Boards need to actively engage on these topics or risk obsolescence.As outside legal counsel, we’ve worked with nonprofit boards… Read more
NLRB Rules Every Non-Union Employer Needs to Know
Even if your business doesn’t have unionized employees, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) still has something to say about your policies, your severance agreements, and even your social media rules. In 2025, the NLRB continued its trend of expanding employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Non-union employers in Virginia are not exempt from NLRB oversight. Several key… Read more
Understanding the Family and Medical Leave Act: The DOL’s Latest Guidance and Practical Application
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a foundational federal law that helps employees balance work and family responsibilities. Enacted in 1993, the FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. These include the birth or adoption of a child,… Read more
Culture, Compliance, and Cocktails: Managing Risk at Corporate Holiday Events
As the holiday season approaches, many companies look forward to hosting office parties as a way to celebrate achievements, boost morale, and reinforce a sense of community. These events can be helpful tools for strengthening corporate culture and enhancing employee identification with the organization. A well-executed holiday party can foster camaraderie, reinforce shared values, and remind employees that they are… Read more
Bean, Kinney & Korman Named a 2026 “Best Law Firm” for Fifteenth Consecutive Year
ARLINGTON, VA, —Best Lawyers® named Bean, Kinney & Korman a 2026 “Best Law Firm” based on performance ratings from clients and peers. This is the fifteenth consecutive year the firm has been included on the regional list and the twelfth consecutive year on the national list. The ranking, presented in tiers, named Bean, Kinney & Korman a first-tier law firm… Read more
Mustafa Farzad, Pranav Gangele, Sophia C. Kingsley Join Bean, Kinney & Korman
ARLINGTON, VA, –Bean, Kinney & Korman is pleased to announce that Mustafa Farzad, Pranav Gangele, and Sophia Kingsley have recently joined the firm. Mustafa Farzad joins as an associate attorney with a practice focused on banking law, real estate, and commercial lending. Mustafa regularly represents banks, asset managers, funds, broker-dealers, and insurance companies in a variety of financial transactions. He is… Read more
