Washington, DC (December 7, 2012) – Venable LLP announced this morning that, effective January 1, 2013, Joseph C. Schmelter will assume the position of Partner-in-Charge of the Tysons Corner, VA Office. He takes over from David S. Smith, who returns to his expanding labor and healthcare practice. Douglas B. McDonald continues as Administrative Partner for the Tysons office.
In a memo to the firm, Vice Chairman Brian L. Schwalb noted that Schmelter, a 1987 graduate of Georgetown University School of Law, joined Venable as a 3rd year associate in 1990, and currently co-chairs the firm’s Government Contractor Services Industry Group. His corporate practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions and general corporate representation of some of the area’s leading businesses, including within the government contracts industry. Schmelter has received numerous awards and recognition by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Legal 500 and Virginia and DC Super Lawyers. “Please join me in thanking David Smith for his years of outstanding service and support of Venable’s Tysons Office, and in welcoming and congratulating Joe Schmelter who, with the able assistance of Doug McDonald, will continue that steadfast tradition of leadership in this important market,” Schwalb said.
Venable’s Tysons Office was first formed in 1985 when the firm Dolan, Murray, Treanor & Walsh merged with Venable. Since its inception, the Tysons Office has been led by five partners-in-charge, each highly accomplished in their respective areas: William D. Dolan, William L. Walsh, John G. Milliken, Jay Yurow, and David Smith. Venable’s Tysons Office was a pioneer among major law firms, establishing a solid foundation throughout the region by providing legal services in areas as diverse as litigation, government contracts, real estate, labor, corporate and tax. It has continued to expand into new substantive areas to support the area’s strong government contracting community.
Venable’s expansion efforts in this thriving legal market will be further strengthened by the strong leadership and well-respected reputation of Joe Schmelter.
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