Flanders, NJ

Mr. Sris

Since 1997, Mr. Sris has led Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., guiding clients with thoughtful, highly personalized legal advocacy from offices in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Colombia. Recognized for purposeful selectivity and strategic insight, Mr. Sris works exclusively on the firm’s most challenging criminal and family law cases, giving each matter his focused attention. Mr. Sris accepts only a limited number of complex criminal and family law matters-those requiring advanced strategy, judgment, and a collaborative approach. By keeping his personal caseload small, Mr. Sris ensures each client benefits from his deep involvement, careful planning, and ongoing consultation with experienced Of Counsel. When clients seek Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for representation in additional areas, their cases are entrusted to carefully chosen attorneys. Every attorney has well over a decade of practice experience, allowing clients to benefit from proven courtroom skill, strategic thinking, and steady communication. With this breadth, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. meets diverse legal needs, ensuring that clients in different domains receive thorough, professional advocacy and client-focused solutions. Offices in Colombia and partnerships abroad allow Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to handle cross-border family, business, and property matters with efficiency and care. Mr. Sris’s training in accounting and information management ensures the firm is well-positioned to advise in financial, business, and technology-influenced cases. Mr. Sris has played a prominent role in bringing about significant legislative changes and cultural recognitions in Virginia. His active involvement with professional organizations and community groups reflects a longstanding commitment to both the law and public service. Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. frequently consult informally with Mr. Sris for insights and direction on U.S. legal matters. He is also called upon to provide valuable consultation to Indian nationals Handling legal affairs in the United States-underscoring the trust and respect placed in his counsel. Successfully amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the state’s equitable distribution statute. Played a key role in achieving official state recognition for Pongal Day in Virginia, celebrated annually on January 14th since 2018. Contributed significantly to Virginia’s legislative recognition of Tamil New Year, Indian Heritage Month, and Indian Tamil New Year. Was pivotal in the landmark renaming of a street to “Valluvar Way” in Fairfax, Virginia, through direct collaboration with local and state officials. Quinnipiac College School of Law (J.D., 1995); George Mason University (B.S., Accounting, 1993). Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York. U.S. District Courts (EDVA, WDVA, Maryland, DC); U.S. Bankruptcy Court (EDVA). American Inns of Court - George Mason Chapter (2002-2015); Kiwanis Club of Manassas (Member since 1998, Past VP). Phi Delta Phi (Legal Honor Society); Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting Honor Society). Tamil.

Michael T. Trent

Michael T. Trent is a dedicated trial lawyer who has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for individuals injured due to others’ negligence. His unwavering commitment to maximizing client recovery is deeply rooted in his lifelong connection to Virginia and its people. Known as Mike to clients and friends, he hails from generations of Virginians and maintains a strong connection to the communities whose members often form Virginia juries. This profound understanding, developed over a lifetime, allows him to serve as a powerful and relatable voice for clients across the Commonwealth. Returning to his beloved home state after earning his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 2010, Mike embarked on his trial law career in Virginia. For 15 years, fueled by his connection to the community, he has built a reputation as a formidable advocate focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. Admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 2011, Mike possesses a solid legal foundation with a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School and undergraduate credentials from Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg). He immediately immersed himself in courtroom practice upon returning to Virginia. As an Assistant Public Defender serving Halifax and Mecklenburg Counties, Mike honed his litigation abilities handling challenging cases for vulnerable clients, consistently striving for favorable results against formidable odds. Building on this intensive litigation background, Mike broadened his community service by co-founding The Trent Law Practice with his wife and fellow litigator, Blair. The practice concentrates on representing those harmed by negligence or wrongful acts, establishing Mike as a highly regarded advocate for the injured throughout Virginia. Mike provides hands-on, client-centered representation, deliberately contrasting his approach with high-volume firms where clients might feel overlooked. His motivation for representing injured individuals grew from observing neighbors ill-served by firms prioritizing volume over personal impact. He takes the time to understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial toll of an injury-be it debilitating pain requiring extensive recovery, lost earning capacity, permanent impairment, or the devastating loss of a loved one. This personal understanding informs his meticulous incident investigations, strategic case building, and relentless pursuit of full compensation. While a skilled negotiator, Mike is always prepared to take a case to trial if an insurance company offers inadequate compensation, recognizing that trial readiness is often the key to achieving a just settlement. Leveraging 15 years of courtroom experience in Southside Virginia, Mike has cultivated the skills and professional relationships necessary for effective criminal and traffic defense in the region. His history of interacting with prosecutors and police, presenting arguments before local judges, and handling jury trials provides him with valuable insights. This allows him to develop tailored defense strategies specific to the jurisdiction and circumstances. His familiarity with local judicial practices enables him to advise clients realistically on the best path forward, whether aiming for a favorable resolution in a criminal matter or mitigating the consequences of a traffic charge on driving records, insurance, and employment. Mike’s standing in the legal field is reinforced by his active community leadership and engagement. His neighbors demonstrated their trust by electing him twice to serve on the Halifax Town Council, reflecting his commitment to public service and effective local governance. His dedication is further evidenced by his consistent volunteer work with local youth sports and active participation in area civic organizations, highlighting his personal investment in the community’s well-being. Professionally, Mike maintains active membership and good standing with the Virginia State Bar. His peers have recognized his leadership by electing him twice as President of the Halifax County Bar Association. This compelling combination of substantial trial experience, proven courtroom success, deep Virginia roots, demonstrated public leadership, and sustained community involvement establishes Michael T. Trent as a trusted counselor, respected community member, and steadfast advocate for the rights of Virginians.

Mr. ERIC DUPORT JARAMILLO

Eric Duport Jaramillo brings a wealth of experience to his role as Of Counsel at the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. His distinguished career in Colombia, coupled with his deep understanding of both Colombian and international law, makes him an invaluable asset to clients with interests in Colombia. Educated at top Colombian universities, including Javeriana University and Bolivarian University, Eric Duport Jaramillo possesses a comprehensive understanding of Colombian commercial law. His specialized training at INALDE Business School, supported by a scholarship from ExxonMobil, further enhances his ability to advise clients on complex business matters. His experience as Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce and as Minister Counselor at the Colombian Embassy to the European Union demonstrates his exceptional leadership skills and his profound knowledge of Colombian business practices and international relations. This experience provides him with unique insights into navigating legal and regulatory challenges in Colombia. Eric Duport Jaramillo’s consultancy work in corporate governance and family businesses, along with his experience as a board member in various organizations, makes him a trusted advisor for clients seeking to establish or expand their businesses in Colombia. Eric Duport Jaramillo’s experience complements the services offered by the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. by providing clients with: In-depth knowledge of Colombian law and regulations. Strategic guidance on navigating the Colombian business environment. Representation in legal matters involving Colombian entities. Access to a network of contacts in the Colombian legal and business communities. Extensive knowledge of inheritance laws, property disputes, and personal injury law. Eric Duport Jaramillo’s affiliation with SRIS, P.C. strengthens the firm’s ability to assist clients in a wide range of cross-border transactions, including: International business formation and expansion. Contract negotiation and drafting Foreign investment Dispute resolution Personal Injury Trust & Estates Law. Full disclosure: Mr. Jaramillo is not licensed to practice law in the US. He works with the clients of the Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., to provide legal services solely in Colombia.

Steven Garfinkle

Steven Garfinkle is a distinguished attorney recognized for the intellectual rigor and inventive strategies he applies to secure advantageous outcomes for his clients. Operating from his position as a Senior Litigator and Strategist at Sris Law Group P.C., he brings over twenty years of dedicated legal practice to bear on complex challenges. His record of achieving results through skillful negotiation and determined courtroom advocacy has earned respect within the legal community, including commendations from judicial figures, clients, and peers. Mr. Garfinkle holds active licenses to practice law in both New York and New Jersey, appearing regularly before courts in these jurisdictions. His extensive experience in litigation is complemented by his standing as a certified mediator, providing clients with versatile avenues for dispute resolution. His commitment to the profession is underscored by his active membership in both the New York State Bar Association and the New Jersey State Bar Association - affiliations readily verifiable through these organizations. His formidable legal acumen is built on a foundation of exceptional academic achievement. Mr. Garfinkle earned his Juris Doctor from the highly regarded Fordham University School of Law. His analytical capabilities possess a rare depth, evidenced by his dual master’s degrees in history and philosophy from Columbia University. This rigorous intellectual training provided a powerful framework for legal analysis, which he further honed while instructing Ivy League undergraduates in Constitutional Law, showcasing his mastery of intricate legal principles and his ability to articulate them with clarity. At Sris Law Group P.C., Mr. Garfinkle leverages his significant standing within the firm to provide insightful legal counsel grounded in meticulous analysis and unwavering client dedication. He prioritizes a thorough understanding of each client’s unique situation, needs, and ultimate goals. This allows him to craft innovative, customized strategies aimed squarely at achieving the most favorable resolution possible. Clients facing difficult circumstances depend on his steadfast resolve in championing their legal rights. Mr. Garfinkle consistently demonstrates substantial capability in managing intricate matters across diverse legal domains: Family Law: Adeptly navigating high-stakes and emotionally charged domestic relations issues. Criminal Law & Cyber-crime: Constructing formidable defenses in state criminal proceedings and sophisticated digital-age allegations. Civil Litigation: Forcefully representing client interests in a broad spectrum of civil disputes. Appellate Practice: Excelling in appellate advocacy through meticulous legal research and the composition of persuasive written arguments. Mr. Garfinkle’s practice philosophy centers on advancing the holistic well-being and long-term success of his clients. He skillfully aligns immediate legal needs with future objectives, emphasizing principled negotiations and tangible results. His dedication to ethical conduct and achieving meaningful, positive impacts form the bedrock of the trust clients invest in his counsel. This commitment is reflected in his verifiable credentials, his role within a reputable firm, and his long-standing presence in the legal communities of New York and New Jersey. With an unyielding drive to deliver beneficial outcomes, Steven Garfinkle excels in making a significant, positive difference in the lives of those he represents, providing resolute strategic guidance and inventive resolutions built to last.

Samantha Rae Powers

For over 18 years, Samantha Rae Powers has provided dedicated legal counsel, building a significant track record of representing clients in complex legal matters across both Florida (since 2005) and Virginia (since 2023). Based in Northern Virginia, she focuses her practice on guiding businesses and families through challenges involving business/contract/commercial law, family law, and employment law. Samantha delivers strategic guidance grounded in rigorous analysis, persuasive advocacy, and exceptionally clear communication. (Please note: Samantha does not handle company formation matters.) Samantha offers comprehensive guidance on the intricacies of business and contract law. Whether navigating challenging contract disputes, addressing sensitive employment matters, or requiring skillful negotiation, Samantha provides the strategic legal support necessary to vigorously protect client interests. As a capable litigator, Samantha is prepared to represent client interests robustly in court. Her unique academic background, featuring a Ph.D. focused on Communication dynamics, provides a distinct advantage. This allows her to meticulously dissect complex situations, construct compelling arguments, and advocate persuasively, ensuring her client’s position is presented with clarity and impact. Samantha meticulously analyzes, drafts, and negotiates contracts, prioritizing the protection of her clients’ positions. Drawing on extensive practical experience informed by her doctoral research into communication strategies, she identifies potential pitfalls and works proactively to secure advantageous terms. Samantha represents both employers and employees concerning the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). She also provides determined legal defense for employers facing claims of sexual harassment and discrimination, applying her deep understanding of workplace dynamics and communication patterns to safeguard client rights and reputations. Samantha’s integrated knowledge of business and family law is particularly valuable for business owners confronting the complexities of high-net-worth divorce. Recognizing the profound impact divorce can have on business operations and value, she skillfully manages the interplay between family law proceedings and commercial concerns. Leveraging her strong grasp of business valuation principles, contract law, and intricate financial matters, Samantha advocates effectively for a fair and equitable distribution of marital assets, including significant business interests and complex compensation structures. Samantha works diligently to mitigate the disruption divorce proceedings can inflict upon a business, focusing strategies on preserving its operational stability, continuity, and overall value throughout the legal process. Her sophisticated understanding of communication and negotiation-developed through both doctoral research and years of practical application in high-stakes situations-makes her a highly effective advocate in settlement discussions and, when necessary, in courtroom proceedings. Her membership in the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals further underscores her commitment to finding constructive resolutions. With over 18 years actively practicing law and holding bar licenses in both Virginia and Florida, Samantha brings substantial, real-world knowledge and a proven history of dedicated client representation to her Northern Virginia practice. Samantha’s doctoral work in Communication translates directly into tangible benefits for her clients. It sharpens her ability to listen intently, articulate complex legal concepts with exceptional clarity, analyze situations from multiple perspectives, and advocate with persuasion and impact. Samantha is deeply committed to securing the best possible results for her clients, whether that involves safeguarding their business assets through intricate negotiations or guiding them through challenging personal transitions with strategic counsel and determined advocacy. Samantha’s commitment to understanding interaction and organizational dynamics is demonstrated by her advanced degrees and scholarly contributions. Her extensive academic publications explore communication within professional environments, workplace dynamics like burnout, and generational communication, showcasing her authority in understanding the human elements critical to legal and business success.

Matthew Greene

Since earning his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in 1994, Matthew Greene has forged a remarkable legal path across Virginia and the District of Columbia, dedicating over 30 years to tenacious client advocacy and achieving results. His credentials, including admission to practice before all federal, state, and local courts in both jurisdictions, provide the foundation for his comprehensive and seasoned counsel grounded in decades of direct courtroom engagement. Mr. Greene possesses a significant record defending individuals against the most serious felony charges, including murder, complex fraud, assault, and sexual assault allegations. His courtroom prowess is evident in his extensive trial experience, where he has adeptly dismantled complex scientific and technical evidence presented by the prosecution - rigorously challenging findings related to DNA analysis, medical reports, GPS tracking, and cell tower location data. Underscoring his capacity for the utmost demanding legal challenges, Mr. Greene previously held certification as a death penalty defense attorney prior to Virginia’s abolishment of capital punishment in 2021, demonstrating his preparedness for Handling cases with the highest possible stakes. Parallel to his criminal defense work, Mr. Greene cultivated profound insights into the intricacies of domestic relations and child welfare law during a dedicated 14-year period serving as a contract attorney for the City of Alexandria. In this role, representing social workers in challenging abuse and neglect cases afforded him an intricate, firsthand understanding of Child Protective Services (CPS) procedures and protocols. This invaluable perspective now directly benefits his representation of parents and children entangled in foster care proceedings, those defending against child protective orders, and families Handling the difficult terrain of child in need of services/supervision (CHINS/CHIPS) cases. He skillfully guides clients through every stage of CPS involvement, from initial family assessments and investigations to complex litigation. Matthew Greene’s practice is defined by rigorous professionalism, unwavering integrity, and a commanding grasp of the legal landscape. He combines formidable courtroom representation with a genuine understanding of the personal toll legal challenges exact upon individuals and families. This steadfast commitment across more than three decades has cemented his respected reputation among clients, colleagues, and the judiciary. When you engage Matthew Greene, you secure a profoundly experienced legal advocate wholly committed to safeguarding your rights and relentlessly pursuing the most favorable outcome attainable for your specific situation.

CHERITA LEWIS

When facing critical legal challenges, securing representation grounded in significant courtroom experience and strategic insight is paramount. Cherita Lewis, licensed and actively practicing across Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, provides precisely this level of determined advocacy for individuals navigating traffic, criminal defense, and complex family law matters. With over 15 years of dedicated legal practice, her established record demonstrates a consistent commitment to protecting her clients’ rights and futures. Individuals confronting traffic or criminal charges in Northern Virginia (including Arlington, Alexandria, Clarke, Fairfax, Frederick-Winchester, Loudoun, Rappahannock, Warren) and key Maryland counties (Carroll, Frederick, Howard) gain a distinct advantage with Cherita Lewis. Her foundational experience serving for 2 years as a prosecutor provides an uncommon and invaluable understanding of how the opposing side builds cases and pursues convictions. This firsthand knowledge allows her to meticulously dissect prosecution strategies, identify procedural and evidentiary vulnerabilities, and construct robust, highly customized defense plans. Cherita possesses exceptional communication faculties, honed both in the courtroom and through her prior career, ensuring each client’s position is articulated with clarity and persuasive force during pivotal proceedings. Her objective is always clear: achieving favorable outcomes through diligent preparation and skillful negotiation or litigation. Cherita’s extensive legal background translates seamlessly into effective representation in Virginia and Maryland family law cases. She addresses high-stakes disputes involving divorce, child custody and visitation, support obligations, and property division with a combination of compassionate guidance and unwavering resolve. Drawing upon years of handling intricate legal scenarios and possessing sharp analytical abilities refined during her prior career in journalism at FOX, NBC, and CBS affiliates, Cherita excels at simplifying complex situations. She develops innovative, forward-thinking solutions meticulously designed to safeguard her clients’ parental rights and financial security during difficult life transitions. A graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Cherita’s pre-law foundation as a news reporter cultivated outstanding investigative and communication skills. This enables her to distill complex legal doctrines into understandable terms, empowering clients with clarity and confidence throughout their case. She is a determined problem-solver, committed to identifying and executing the most effective legal strategies tailored to each unique situation. Her professional standing is further evidenced by her active memberships in the Virginia State Bar, Maryland State Bar, and the District of Columbia Bar. Beyond her professional practice, Cherita’s profound commitment to the community - demonstrated through her active involvement in promoting literacy, combating food insecurity with local, national, and international service organizations, and empowering marginalized voices - underscores the integrity and client-focused principles guiding her work. If you require an attorney with significant trial and negotiation experience, deep jurisdictional knowledge across VA, MD, and DC, and unwavering dedication to your cause, contact Cherita Lewis. Schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of your circumstances and explore the optimal path toward a successful resolution.