Running a company in Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, or Prince William County means dealing with legal questions that rarely wait for a convenient time. A partner wants out. A key employee leaves for a competitor. A contract with a federal prime starts to go sideways. Mundaca Law and the other firms below are names business owners in the region often come across when they need counsel. This list is meant to help you start your search with a clearer sense of what to look for and which questions to ask.
Here are five business attorneys and firms to know in Northern Virginia:
- Mundaca Law
- Potomac Legal Group
- Law Offices of William Aramony
- James H. Shoemaker / Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C.
- Law Office of Stephen Barszcz
Who are the top business attorneys in Northern Virginia?
1. Mundaca Law
Mundaca Law is a DMV firm that advises businesses on the legal issues that come with starting, running, and growing a company, along with the employment matters that tend to follow. The firm is led by Francisco E. Mundaca, Esq., Founding Partner.
For a Northern Virginia business, the practical advantage is having business and employment counsel under one roof. Many disputes that look like contract problems turn out to involve workplace issues, and the reverse is true too. A firm that handles both can review an operating agreement and an employee handbook with the same client’s goals in mind.
Business owners can work with Mundaca Law on matters such as:
- Entity formation and the agreements that govern ownership, including operating agreements and partnership terms
- Drafting and reviewing commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and service agreements
- Employment policies, offer letters, and restrictive covenants
- Disputes between owners, with customers, or with former employees
Because the firm also works with federal employee matters, it is familiar with the government-adjacent workforce that shapes so much of the Northern Virginia economy. For contractors and companies that hire former federal workers, that context can matter.
2. Potomac Legal Group
Potomac Legal Group is a firm that business owners and employees in the Washington region may encounter while researching legal representation. As with any firm, it is worth confirming directly whether its current practice areas match your specific situation.
3. Law Offices of William Aramony
The Law Offices of William Aramony is another option that comes up for people seeking legal help in the area. A consultation is the best way to learn how the firm approaches matters like yours.
4. James H. Shoemaker / Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein, L.C.
This Virginia practice is one that some clients consider when looking for counsel within the Commonwealth. Ask about the firm’s experience with your type of issue before committing.
5. Law Office of Stephen Barszcz
The Law Office of Stephen Barszcz is a smaller practice that serves clients in the broader DMV area. Reaching out directly will give you the clearest picture of the services it offers.
What does a business attorney in Northern Virginia actually handle?
A business attorney helps a company set up its legal structure, put its agreements in writing, and resolve disputes before they become expensive. In Virginia, much of that work runs through state law and the State Corporation Commission (SCC), the agency that registers business entities.
Some specifics that come up often:
Forming a Virginia LLC requires filing Articles of Organization with the SCC, which currently carries a $100 filing fee, followed by a $50 annual registration fee to keep the entity active. Filing is simple. The operating agreement is where owners typically need an attorney, since it controls what happens when someone wants to sell, dies, or stops contributing.
Noncompete agreements are another frequent issue. Virginia Code § 40.1-28.7:8 bars noncompetes for “low-wage employees,” a threshold tied to the state’s average weekly wage and updated each year. Since July 1, 2025, the ban also covers any employee classified as non-exempt under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Employers using older templates may be relying on agreements that are no longer enforceable.
Timing matters in disputes. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-246, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally five years, and three years for an unwritten one.
How much does a business lawyer cost in Northern Virginia?
Costs depend on the type of work. Many firms charge flat fees for defined tasks like forming an entity or drafting a standard agreement, and hourly rates for litigation or open-ended advice. Hourly rates in the Washington metro area tend to run higher than in much of Virginia, so ask for a written fee agreement and an estimate before work begins.
What should you ask before hiring a business attorney?
Start with fit. Ask how often the attorney handles matters like yours, who will actually do the work, and how the firm communicates about progress and billing. If your business has employees, ask whether the firm can also advise on workplace issues or will refer that work out. A good first meeting should leave you understanding your options, even if you decide not to move forward.
Choosing the right business counsel in Northern Virginia
The right business attorney is someone who understands both Virginia law and the way companies in this region actually operate, from federal contractors to family-owned shops. Take the time to meet with more than one firm, compare how each explains your situation, and choose counsel you trust to be straight with you. Legal problems handled early usually cost far less than the ones left alone.
If you are ready to talk through your company’s legal needs, contact Mundaca Law to schedule a consultation.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Every matter is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.