General Counsel, P.C.

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls
General Counsel, P.C.

General Counsel, P.C. provides exceptional legal services to businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. area.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Virginia and has no record of discipline from the Virginia bar association. *

General Counsel, P.C.

General Counsel, P.C.

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls

General Counsel, P.C. provides exceptional legal services to businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. area.

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Virginia and has no record of discipline from the Virginia bar association. *

Firm Overview

General Counsel, P.C. is a full service law firm providing comprehensive legal services to our business, non-profit and individual clients. We have six (6) primary practice areas to serve our clients: (1) business/corporate; (2) litigation; (3) employment; (4) government contracts; (5) family/divorce and (6) wills, trusts and estate planning.

Main Office

Main Office
General Counsel PC
6849 Old Dominion Dr Suite 220
McLean, VA 22101

Phone

(703) 556-0411

Fax

(703) 774-3965

Fees
Office Information
Estate Planning

Probate

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

General Counsel, P.C. attorneys believe it is a honor to provide legal service to our clients. We provide exceptional legal representation and unparalleled client service.

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

In 2004, Merritt Green founded General Counsel, P.C. Under his leadership, General Counsel, P.C. has steadily grown to become a full-service law firm providing comprehensive legal services for businesses ranging from start-up to multi-billion dollar organizations.

Merritt serves as an outside general counsel to clients by providing guidance on legal issues confronting businesses, non-profit organizations and executives ranging from contracts and agreements to the structuring of corporate transactions and business formations. Merritt also represents businesses in all aspects of labour and employment law, including employment agreements, discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment matters. In this regard, Merritt is a frequent lecturer on labour and employment law issues for human resource professionals and business executives.

Merritt, and other General Counsel, P.C. attorneys, also serve as U.S. Counsel for numerous foreign clients.

Merritt received his J.D., cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law (1997). At Syracuse, he was an Associate Editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was Editor-in-Chief of The Labor Lawyer, the publication of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section. He was a College of Law Scholar and was inducted into the Justinian Honorary Law Society. Merritt received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College (1992) and spent a year as a student of Wadham College, Oxford University. Prior to opening General Counsel, P.C., Merritt was an associate with Venable LLP.

Merritt is married with three children. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. He has been honored with numerous awards, including: 2018 Top Lawyers in Virginia (The Legal Network); Client Champion Gold and Platinum Awards (Martindale Hubbell); and as a 2016 National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Recipient.

License

Bar Number: 28648
Colorado, 1997

Bar Number: 50995
Virginia, 2003

Bar Number: 28241
Maryland, 2006

Education

Wadham College, Oxford University
NA, 1991

Middlebury College
BA, 1992

Syracuse University College of Law
JD, 1997

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

In 2004, Merritt Green founded General Counsel, P.C. Under his leadership, General Counsel, P.C. has steadily grown to become a full-service law firm providing comprehensive legal services for businesses ranging from start-up to multi-billion dollar organizations.

Merritt serves as an outside general counsel to clients by providing guidance on legal issues confronting businesses, non-profit organizations and executives ranging from contracts and agreements to the structuring of corporate transactions and business formations. Merritt also represents businesses in all aspects of labour and employment law, including employment agreements, discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment matters. In this regard, Merritt is a frequent lecturer on labour and employment law issues for human resource professionals and business executives.

Merritt, and other General Counsel, P.C. attorneys, also serve as U.S. Counsel for numerous foreign clients.

Merritt received his J.D., cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law (1997). At Syracuse, he was an Associate Editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was Editor-in-Chief of The Labor Lawyer, the publication of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section. He was a College of Law Scholar and was inducted into the Justinian Honorary Law Society. Merritt received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College (1992) and spent a year as a student of Wadham College, Oxford University. Prior to opening General Counsel, P.C., Merritt was an associate with Venable LLP.

Merritt is married with three children. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. He has been honored with numerous awards, including: 2018 Top Lawyers in Virginia (The Legal Network); Client Champion Gold and Platinum Awards (Martindale Hubbell); and as a 2016 National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Recipient.

License

Bar Number: 28648
Colorado, 1997

Bar Number: 50995
Virginia, 2003

Bar Number: 28241
Maryland, 2006

Education

Wadham College, Oxford University NA, 1991


Middlebury College BA, 1992


Syracuse University College of Law JD, 1997


General Counsel, P.C.
Andrew Baxter

J. Andrew Baxter has spent his entire career as an attorney servicing clients in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Baxter is a trial attorney experienced in a wide range of litigation areas, including Personal Injury, Business, Debt Collection and Intellectual Property. His current practice is focused on taking advantage of his extensive trial court experience to offer business and individual clients the benefits of a full-service law firm, with the individual attention offered by a small firm.

J. Andrew Baxter's experience is in complex corporate and insurance litigation. Mr. Baxter has represented local and international companies in their creation, contract matters, trademarks, and lawsuits. Mr. Baxter has obtained sizable settlements and judgments for his clients, and has protected his clients’ assets from lawsuits. More importantly, Mr. Baxter has successfully provided counseling and risk management services that have allowed his clients to avoid costly business disputes and litigation.

J. Andrew Baxter is a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor and a Certificate in International and Comparative Law. Mr. Baxter also attended the Haifa Law Institute in Haifa, Israel, where he studied International Corporate Law, Comparative Law, and International Humanitarian Law. Andrew Baxter received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Performance from Valdosta State University.

General Counsel, P.C.
Andrew Baxter

J. Andrew Baxter has spent his entire career as an attorney servicing clients in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Baxter is a trial attorney experienced in a wide range of litigation areas, including Personal Injury, Business, Debt Collection and Intellectual Property. His current practice is focused on taking advantage of his extensive trial court experience to offer business and individual clients the benefits of a full-service law firm, with the individual attention offered by a small firm.

J. Andrew Baxter's experience is in complex corporate and insurance litigation. Mr. Baxter has represented local and international companies in their creation, contract matters, trademarks, and lawsuits. Mr. Baxter has obtained sizable settlements and judgments for his clients, and has protected his clients’ assets from lawsuits. More importantly, Mr. Baxter has successfully provided counseling and risk management services that have allowed his clients to avoid costly business disputes and litigation.

J. Andrew Baxter is a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor and a Certificate in International and Comparative Law. Mr. Baxter also attended the Haifa Law Institute in Haifa, Israel, where he studied International Corporate Law, Comparative Law, and International Humanitarian Law. Andrew Baxter received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Performance from Valdosta State University.

General Counsel, P.C.
Joanna Foard

Joanna M. Foard spent her childhood and teen years in Lawton, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and pre-law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Joanna earned her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. After completing her J.D., she furthered her legal education obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International and Comparative Law, in Washington, D.C., at the Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Joanna knew from a young age that she wanted to help others, and decided that becoming an attorney was a great way to do so. During junior high school, high school, and law school, Joanna participated in multiple volunteer organizations that provided legal assistance to those in the community. It is during those years that she found her true passion for the law and her call to help others.

While attending law school, Joanna was selected to serve as a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure, for two separate semesters, and Professional Responsibility for one semester. Joanna became very involved with the Academic Success program and bar preparation courses at her school and was selected to grade practice examinations for Barbri. She spent one semester of college studying abroad in Western Australia, and one semester of law school studying abroad in eight different European countries.

Joanna is sensitive to the emotional and financial strains associated with legal issues, and prides herself on being compassionate and reliable in order to achieve the best result possible for her clients.

Joanna finds great satisfaction in her work, and is a dedicated family law practitioner. Joanna is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, either uncontested or contested, from case initiation, through the discovery process, and to trial. To see reviews from prior clients, please visit Joanna Foard’s Avvo page demonstrating her 10.0 rating, Client’s Choice Award recipient 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and over 100 5-star reviews.

Giving back to the community is very important to Attorney Foard, and she is proudly involved in the following organizations:

Orlando Magazine - Women of the Year 2020
2020 Rising Star from Super Lawyers Magazine
2020 Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine
2018 Legal Elite Up and Comer by Florida Trend Magazine
Board Member, Orange County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, 2018 – 2020
Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, Key Initiative Group, 2018 - 2020
Board Member, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Vice President, Orange County Teen Court Advisory Board, 2019-2020
Volunteer Presiding Judge, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Associate, Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court, 2016 - 2020
Member, Seminole County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2017 - 2020
Member, Orange County Bar Association, 2013 - 2020
Block Captain, Neighborhood Watch Group of the Orlando Police Department, 2017 - 2020

General Counsel, P.C.
Joanna Foard

Joanna M. Foard spent her childhood and teen years in Lawton, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and pre-law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Joanna earned her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. After completing her J.D., she furthered her legal education obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International and Comparative Law, in Washington, D.C., at the Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Joanna knew from a young age that she wanted to help others, and decided that becoming an attorney was a great way to do so. During junior high school, high school, and law school, Joanna participated in multiple volunteer organizations that provided legal assistance to those in the community. It is during those years that she found her true passion for the law and her call to help others.

While attending law school, Joanna was selected to serve as a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure, for two separate semesters, and Professional Responsibility for one semester. Joanna became very involved with the Academic Success program and bar preparation courses at her school and was selected to grade practice examinations for Barbri. She spent one semester of college studying abroad in Western Australia, and one semester of law school studying abroad in eight different European countries.

Joanna is sensitive to the emotional and financial strains associated with legal issues, and prides herself on being compassionate and reliable in order to achieve the best result possible for her clients.

Joanna finds great satisfaction in her work, and is a dedicated family law practitioner. Joanna is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, either uncontested or contested, from case initiation, through the discovery process, and to trial. To see reviews from prior clients, please visit Joanna Foard’s Avvo page demonstrating her 10.0 rating, Client’s Choice Award recipient 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and over 100 5-star reviews.

Giving back to the community is very important to Attorney Foard, and she is proudly involved in the following organizations:

Orlando Magazine - Women of the Year 2020
2020 Rising Star from Super Lawyers Magazine
2020 Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine
2018 Legal Elite Up and Comer by Florida Trend Magazine
Board Member, Orange County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, 2018 – 2020
Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, Key Initiative Group, 2018 - 2020
Board Member, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Vice President, Orange County Teen Court Advisory Board, 2019-2020
Volunteer Presiding Judge, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Associate, Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court, 2016 - 2020
Member, Seminole County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2017 - 2020
Member, Orange County Bar Association, 2013 - 2020
Block Captain, Neighborhood Watch Group of the Orlando Police Department, 2017 - 2020

General Counsel, P.C.
Evan St. John

Evan joined General Counsel, P.C. in 2021. For more than seven years, Evan has worked as outside corporate counsel for entities ranging from small tech startups to large multinational trade groups and corporations. For his corporate clients, his representation includes: contract preparation, negotiation and review; mergers, acquisitions and sales; governance oversight; regulatory compliance; intellectual property licensing; and non-litigation employment law matters, among others.

Prior to working at General Counsel, P.C., Evan performed national security policy work regarding critical infrastructure protection for the Department of Homeland Security.

Evan received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School (2013). While in law school, he was a legal extern for the Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center, the U.S. Marshals Service's Office of General Counsel, the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, and the Office of the Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany, among others. He is licensed in Virginia.

He received his undergraduate degrees in English and Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin (2009). Evan is married with one child, and lives in Alexandria, VA.

General Counsel, P.C.
Evan St. John

Evan joined General Counsel, P.C. in 2021. For more than seven years, Evan has worked as outside corporate counsel for entities ranging from small tech startups to large multinational trade groups and corporations. For his corporate clients, his representation includes: contract preparation, negotiation and review; mergers, acquisitions and sales; governance oversight; regulatory compliance; intellectual property licensing; and non-litigation employment law matters, among others.

Prior to working at General Counsel, P.C., Evan performed national security policy work regarding critical infrastructure protection for the Department of Homeland Security.

Evan received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School (2013). While in law school, he was a legal extern for the Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center, the U.S. Marshals Service's Office of General Counsel, the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, and the Office of the Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany, among others. He is licensed in Virginia.

He received his undergraduate degrees in English and Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin (2009). Evan is married with one child, and lives in Alexandria, VA.

General Counsel, P.C.
Hailey Brown

Hailey Render Brown is an experienced litigator that represents clients at every stage of litigation from inception through trial in state or federal court and arbitration. She has experience representing clients’ in a broad range of employment litigation including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and failure to provide reasonable accommodation. She also represents employers in a wide range of employment disputes and advises on preventative litigation practices.

In addition, Ms. Brown advises fundraising organizations on a broad range of issues including compliance, corporate and employment related matters.

Ms. Brown also serves on the board of directors for an organization that she helped found, the Professional Face to Face Fundraising Association. She also serves on the board for the Mclean Chamber of Commerce.

Hailey received her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. During law school, Hailey was Chair of the Mentor Program as well as the Peer Leader program. She also served on the Faculty Committee. Hailey was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and Canada and received her B.A. in Sociology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

General Counsel, P.C.
Hailey Brown

Hailey Render Brown is an experienced litigator that represents clients at every stage of litigation from inception through trial in state or federal court and arbitration. She has experience representing clients’ in a broad range of employment litigation including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and failure to provide reasonable accommodation. She also represents employers in a wide range of employment disputes and advises on preventative litigation practices.

In addition, Ms. Brown advises fundraising organizations on a broad range of issues including compliance, corporate and employment related matters.

Ms. Brown also serves on the board of directors for an organization that she helped found, the Professional Face to Face Fundraising Association. She also serves on the board for the Mclean Chamber of Commerce.

Hailey received her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. During law school, Hailey was Chair of the Mentor Program as well as the Peer Leader program. She also served on the Faculty Committee. Hailey was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and Canada and received her B.A. in Sociology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

General Counsel, P.C.
Lewis Rhodes

Lewis is an experienced government contracts attorney with both law firm and in-house experience.

Prior to starting at General Counsel, Lewis spent several years as a senior in-house attorney for multiple small-business Government Contractors. During this time, he advised his companies on all aspects of Federal Contracting regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and the Service Contract Act (SCA). Lewis worked on all aspects of the acquisition cycle from pre-RFP through contract award and administration. His time as an in-house attorney gives Lewis a unique perspective on the operations of a small business.

Prior to going in-house, Lewis spent 10 years in private practice with a focus on Government Contracts. In this time, he represented small and large businesses in numerous bid protests before the GAO and Court of Federal Claims and multiple Contract Disputes Act claim appeals at the Boards of Contract Appeals.

In addition to his legal career, Lewis is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves and has a combined 26 years of service on active duty and as a Reservist. As a veteran, Lewis takes special pride in representing veteran-owned businesses and has developed expertise in regulations governing VOSB and SDVOSB certified companies.

General Counsel, P.C.
Lewis Rhodes

Lewis is an experienced government contracts attorney with both law firm and in-house experience.

Prior to starting at General Counsel, Lewis spent several years as a senior in-house attorney for multiple small-business Government Contractors. During this time, he advised his companies on all aspects of Federal Contracting regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and the Service Contract Act (SCA). Lewis worked on all aspects of the acquisition cycle from pre-RFP through contract award and administration. His time as an in-house attorney gives Lewis a unique perspective on the operations of a small business.

Prior to going in-house, Lewis spent 10 years in private practice with a focus on Government Contracts. In this time, he represented small and large businesses in numerous bid protests before the GAO and Court of Federal Claims and multiple Contract Disputes Act claim appeals at the Boards of Contract Appeals.

In addition to his legal career, Lewis is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves and has a combined 26 years of service on active duty and as a Reservist. As a veteran, Lewis takes special pride in representing veteran-owned businesses and has developed expertise in regulations governing VOSB and SDVOSB certified companies.

General Counsel, P.C.
Matthew Brennan

Mr. Brennan's law practice is dedicated to serving the needs of businesses, both large and small, and includes business sales and acquisitions, general civil litigation, business counseling, debtor/creditor law, business formation and receivables collection. Mr. Brennan's professional experience includes complex commercial litigation and intensive bankruptcy experience.

Mr. Brennan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent the major part of his youth in Dallas, Texas and Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Brennan was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained as a medical corpsman with field units of the 25th Infantry Division. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Heroism in combat.

Mr. Brennan is active within his community. He has been a member of the Vienna Rotary Club since 1995. He is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Fairfax and has been involved in that organization since that time (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). Finally, he has been deeply involved in the work of the Vienna Regional Chamber and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). His firm, Brennan & Waite, P.L.C., was the Small Business Best of Reston Honoree for 2014.

Mr. Brennan graduated from University of Virginia law school He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

General Counsel, P.C.
Matthew Brennan

Mr. Brennan's law practice is dedicated to serving the needs of businesses, both large and small, and includes business sales and acquisitions, general civil litigation, business counseling, debtor/creditor law, business formation and receivables collection. Mr. Brennan's professional experience includes complex commercial litigation and intensive bankruptcy experience.

Mr. Brennan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent the major part of his youth in Dallas, Texas and Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Brennan was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained as a medical corpsman with field units of the 25th Infantry Division. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Heroism in combat.

Mr. Brennan is active within his community. He has been a member of the Vienna Rotary Club since 1995. He is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Fairfax and has been involved in that organization since that time (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). Finally, he has been deeply involved in the work of the Vienna Regional Chamber and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). His firm, Brennan & Waite, P.L.C., was the Small Business Best of Reston Honoree for 2014.

Mr. Brennan graduated from University of Virginia law school He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

Firm Overview

General Counsel, P.C. is a full service law firm providing comprehensive legal services to our business, non-profit and individual clients. We have six (6) primary practice areas to serve our clients: (1) business/corporate; (2) litigation; (3) employment; (4) government contracts; (5) family/divorce and (6) wills, trusts and estate planning.

Main Office

Main Office
General Counsel PC
6849 Old Dominion Dr Suite 220
McLean, VA 22101

Phone

(703) 556-0411

Fax

(703) 774-3965

Fees
Office Information
Estate Planning

Probate

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

General Counsel, P.C. attorneys believe it is a honor to provide legal service to our clients. We provide exceptional legal representation and unparalleled client service.

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

In 2004, Merritt Green founded General Counsel, P.C. Under his leadership, General Counsel, P.C. has steadily grown to become a full-service law firm providing comprehensive legal services for businesses ranging from start-up to multi-billion dollar organizations.

Merritt serves as an outside general counsel to clients by providing guidance on legal issues confronting businesses, non-profit organizations and executives ranging from contracts and agreements to the structuring of corporate transactions and business formations. Merritt also represents businesses in all aspects of labour and employment law, including employment agreements, discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment matters. In this regard, Merritt is a frequent lecturer on labour and employment law issues for human resource professionals and business executives.

Merritt, and other General Counsel, P.C. attorneys, also serve as U.S. Counsel for numerous foreign clients.

Merritt received his J.D., cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law (1997). At Syracuse, he was an Associate Editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was Editor-in-Chief of The Labor Lawyer, the publication of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section. He was a College of Law Scholar and was inducted into the Justinian Honorary Law Society. Merritt received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College (1992) and spent a year as a student of Wadham College, Oxford University. Prior to opening General Counsel, P.C., Merritt was an associate with Venable LLP.

Merritt is married with three children. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. He has been honored with numerous awards, including: 2018 Top Lawyers in Virginia (The Legal Network); Client Champion Gold and Platinum Awards (Martindale Hubbell); and as a 2016 National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Recipient.

License

Bar Number: 28648
Colorado, 1997

Bar Number: 50995
Virginia, 2003

Bar Number: 28241
Maryland, 2006

Education

Wadham College, Oxford University
NA, 1991

Middlebury College
BA, 1992

Syracuse University College of Law
JD, 1997

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

In 2004, Merritt Green founded General Counsel, P.C. Under his leadership, General Counsel, P.C. has steadily grown to become a full-service law firm providing comprehensive legal services for businesses ranging from start-up to multi-billion dollar organizations.

Merritt serves as an outside general counsel to clients by providing guidance on legal issues confronting businesses, non-profit organizations and executives ranging from contracts and agreements to the structuring of corporate transactions and business formations. Merritt also represents businesses in all aspects of labour and employment law, including employment agreements, discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment matters. In this regard, Merritt is a frequent lecturer on labour and employment law issues for human resource professionals and business executives.

Merritt, and other General Counsel, P.C. attorneys, also serve as U.S. Counsel for numerous foreign clients.

Merritt received his J.D., cum laude, from the Syracuse University College of Law (1997). At Syracuse, he was an Associate Editor of the Syracuse Law Review and was Editor-in-Chief of The Labor Lawyer, the publication of the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section. He was a College of Law Scholar and was inducted into the Justinian Honorary Law Society. Merritt received his undergraduate degree from Middlebury College (1992) and spent a year as a student of Wadham College, Oxford University. Prior to opening General Counsel, P.C., Merritt was an associate with Venable LLP.

Merritt is married with three children. He lives in Arlington, Virginia. He has been honored with numerous awards, including: 2018 Top Lawyers in Virginia (The Legal Network); Client Champion Gold and Platinum Awards (Martindale Hubbell); and as a 2016 National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Recipient.

License

Bar Number: 28648
Colorado, 1997

Bar Number: 50995
Virginia, 2003

Bar Number: 28241
Maryland, 2006

Education

Wadham College, Oxford University NA, 1991


Middlebury College BA, 1992


Syracuse University College of Law JD, 1997


General Counsel, P.C.
Andrew Baxter

J. Andrew Baxter has spent his entire career as an attorney servicing clients in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Baxter is a trial attorney experienced in a wide range of litigation areas, including Personal Injury, Business, Debt Collection and Intellectual Property. His current practice is focused on taking advantage of his extensive trial court experience to offer business and individual clients the benefits of a full-service law firm, with the individual attention offered by a small firm.

J. Andrew Baxter's experience is in complex corporate and insurance litigation. Mr. Baxter has represented local and international companies in their creation, contract matters, trademarks, and lawsuits. Mr. Baxter has obtained sizable settlements and judgments for his clients, and has protected his clients’ assets from lawsuits. More importantly, Mr. Baxter has successfully provided counseling and risk management services that have allowed his clients to avoid costly business disputes and litigation.

J. Andrew Baxter is a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor and a Certificate in International and Comparative Law. Mr. Baxter also attended the Haifa Law Institute in Haifa, Israel, where he studied International Corporate Law, Comparative Law, and International Humanitarian Law. Andrew Baxter received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Performance from Valdosta State University.

General Counsel, P.C.
Andrew Baxter

J. Andrew Baxter has spent his entire career as an attorney servicing clients in Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Mr. Baxter is a trial attorney experienced in a wide range of litigation areas, including Personal Injury, Business, Debt Collection and Intellectual Property. His current practice is focused on taking advantage of his extensive trial court experience to offer business and individual clients the benefits of a full-service law firm, with the individual attention offered by a small firm.

J. Andrew Baxter's experience is in complex corporate and insurance litigation. Mr. Baxter has represented local and international companies in their creation, contract matters, trademarks, and lawsuits. Mr. Baxter has obtained sizable settlements and judgments for his clients, and has protected his clients’ assets from lawsuits. More importantly, Mr. Baxter has successfully provided counseling and risk management services that have allowed his clients to avoid costly business disputes and litigation.

J. Andrew Baxter is a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor and a Certificate in International and Comparative Law. Mr. Baxter also attended the Haifa Law Institute in Haifa, Israel, where he studied International Corporate Law, Comparative Law, and International Humanitarian Law. Andrew Baxter received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Performance from Valdosta State University.

General Counsel, P.C.
Joanna Foard

Joanna M. Foard spent her childhood and teen years in Lawton, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and pre-law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Joanna earned her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. After completing her J.D., she furthered her legal education obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International and Comparative Law, in Washington, D.C., at the Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Joanna knew from a young age that she wanted to help others, and decided that becoming an attorney was a great way to do so. During junior high school, high school, and law school, Joanna participated in multiple volunteer organizations that provided legal assistance to those in the community. It is during those years that she found her true passion for the law and her call to help others.

While attending law school, Joanna was selected to serve as a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure, for two separate semesters, and Professional Responsibility for one semester. Joanna became very involved with the Academic Success program and bar preparation courses at her school and was selected to grade practice examinations for Barbri. She spent one semester of college studying abroad in Western Australia, and one semester of law school studying abroad in eight different European countries.

Joanna is sensitive to the emotional and financial strains associated with legal issues, and prides herself on being compassionate and reliable in order to achieve the best result possible for her clients.

Joanna finds great satisfaction in her work, and is a dedicated family law practitioner. Joanna is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, either uncontested or contested, from case initiation, through the discovery process, and to trial. To see reviews from prior clients, please visit Joanna Foard’s Avvo page demonstrating her 10.0 rating, Client’s Choice Award recipient 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and over 100 5-star reviews.

Giving back to the community is very important to Attorney Foard, and she is proudly involved in the following organizations:

Orlando Magazine - Women of the Year 2020
2020 Rising Star from Super Lawyers Magazine
2020 Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine
2018 Legal Elite Up and Comer by Florida Trend Magazine
Board Member, Orange County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, 2018 – 2020
Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, Key Initiative Group, 2018 - 2020
Board Member, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Vice President, Orange County Teen Court Advisory Board, 2019-2020
Volunteer Presiding Judge, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Associate, Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court, 2016 - 2020
Member, Seminole County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2017 - 2020
Member, Orange County Bar Association, 2013 - 2020
Block Captain, Neighborhood Watch Group of the Orlando Police Department, 2017 - 2020

General Counsel, P.C.
Joanna Foard

Joanna M. Foard spent her childhood and teen years in Lawton, Oklahoma, and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and pre-law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Joanna earned her Juris Doctor Degree from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. After completing her J.D., she furthered her legal education obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International and Comparative Law, in Washington, D.C., at the Columbus School of Law in 2013.

Joanna knew from a young age that she wanted to help others, and decided that becoming an attorney was a great way to do so. During junior high school, high school, and law school, Joanna participated in multiple volunteer organizations that provided legal assistance to those in the community. It is during those years that she found her true passion for the law and her call to help others.

While attending law school, Joanna was selected to serve as a teaching assistant for Civil Procedure, for two separate semesters, and Professional Responsibility for one semester. Joanna became very involved with the Academic Success program and bar preparation courses at her school and was selected to grade practice examinations for Barbri. She spent one semester of college studying abroad in Western Australia, and one semester of law school studying abroad in eight different European countries.

Joanna is sensitive to the emotional and financial strains associated with legal issues, and prides herself on being compassionate and reliable in order to achieve the best result possible for her clients.

Joanna finds great satisfaction in her work, and is a dedicated family law practitioner. Joanna is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, either uncontested or contested, from case initiation, through the discovery process, and to trial. To see reviews from prior clients, please visit Joanna Foard’s Avvo page demonstrating her 10.0 rating, Client’s Choice Award recipient 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and over 100 5-star reviews.

Giving back to the community is very important to Attorney Foard, and she is proudly involved in the following organizations:

Orlando Magazine - Women of the Year 2020
2020 Rising Star from Super Lawyers Magazine
2020 Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine
2018 Legal Elite Up and Comer by Florida Trend Magazine
Board Member, Orange County Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, 2018 – 2020
Board Member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, Key Initiative Group, 2018 - 2020
Board Member, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Vice President, Orange County Teen Court Advisory Board, 2019-2020
Volunteer Presiding Judge, Orange County Teen Court, 2016 - 2020
Associate, Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court, 2016 - 2020
Member, Seminole County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2017 - 2020
Member, Orange County Bar Association, 2013 - 2020
Block Captain, Neighborhood Watch Group of the Orlando Police Department, 2017 - 2020

General Counsel, P.C.
Evan St. John

Evan joined General Counsel, P.C. in 2021. For more than seven years, Evan has worked as outside corporate counsel for entities ranging from small tech startups to large multinational trade groups and corporations. For his corporate clients, his representation includes: contract preparation, negotiation and review; mergers, acquisitions and sales; governance oversight; regulatory compliance; intellectual property licensing; and non-litigation employment law matters, among others.

Prior to working at General Counsel, P.C., Evan performed national security policy work regarding critical infrastructure protection for the Department of Homeland Security.

Evan received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School (2013). While in law school, he was a legal extern for the Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center, the U.S. Marshals Service's Office of General Counsel, the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, and the Office of the Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany, among others. He is licensed in Virginia.

He received his undergraduate degrees in English and Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin (2009). Evan is married with one child, and lives in Alexandria, VA.

General Counsel, P.C.
Evan St. John

Evan joined General Counsel, P.C. in 2021. For more than seven years, Evan has worked as outside corporate counsel for entities ranging from small tech startups to large multinational trade groups and corporations. For his corporate clients, his representation includes: contract preparation, negotiation and review; mergers, acquisitions and sales; governance oversight; regulatory compliance; intellectual property licensing; and non-litigation employment law matters, among others.

Prior to working at General Counsel, P.C., Evan performed national security policy work regarding critical infrastructure protection for the Department of Homeland Security.

Evan received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School (2013). While in law school, he was a legal extern for the Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center, the U.S. Marshals Service's Office of General Counsel, the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office for Prince George’s County, and the Office of the Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany, among others. He is licensed in Virginia.

He received his undergraduate degrees in English and Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin (2009). Evan is married with one child, and lives in Alexandria, VA.

General Counsel, P.C.
Hailey Brown

Hailey Render Brown is an experienced litigator that represents clients at every stage of litigation from inception through trial in state or federal court and arbitration. She has experience representing clients’ in a broad range of employment litigation including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and failure to provide reasonable accommodation. She also represents employers in a wide range of employment disputes and advises on preventative litigation practices.

In addition, Ms. Brown advises fundraising organizations on a broad range of issues including compliance, corporate and employment related matters.

Ms. Brown also serves on the board of directors for an organization that she helped found, the Professional Face to Face Fundraising Association. She also serves on the board for the Mclean Chamber of Commerce.

Hailey received her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. During law school, Hailey was Chair of the Mentor Program as well as the Peer Leader program. She also served on the Faculty Committee. Hailey was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and Canada and received her B.A. in Sociology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

General Counsel, P.C.
Hailey Brown

Hailey Render Brown is an experienced litigator that represents clients at every stage of litigation from inception through trial in state or federal court and arbitration. She has experience representing clients’ in a broad range of employment litigation including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and failure to provide reasonable accommodation. She also represents employers in a wide range of employment disputes and advises on preventative litigation practices.

In addition, Ms. Brown advises fundraising organizations on a broad range of issues including compliance, corporate and employment related matters.

Ms. Brown also serves on the board of directors for an organization that she helped found, the Professional Face to Face Fundraising Association. She also serves on the board for the Mclean Chamber of Commerce.

Hailey received her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. During law school, Hailey was Chair of the Mentor Program as well as the Peer Leader program. She also served on the Faculty Committee. Hailey was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and Canada and received her B.A. in Sociology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

General Counsel, P.C.
Lewis Rhodes

Lewis is an experienced government contracts attorney with both law firm and in-house experience.

Prior to starting at General Counsel, Lewis spent several years as a senior in-house attorney for multiple small-business Government Contractors. During this time, he advised his companies on all aspects of Federal Contracting regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and the Service Contract Act (SCA). Lewis worked on all aspects of the acquisition cycle from pre-RFP through contract award and administration. His time as an in-house attorney gives Lewis a unique perspective on the operations of a small business.

Prior to going in-house, Lewis spent 10 years in private practice with a focus on Government Contracts. In this time, he represented small and large businesses in numerous bid protests before the GAO and Court of Federal Claims and multiple Contract Disputes Act claim appeals at the Boards of Contract Appeals.

In addition to his legal career, Lewis is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves and has a combined 26 years of service on active duty and as a Reservist. As a veteran, Lewis takes special pride in representing veteran-owned businesses and has developed expertise in regulations governing VOSB and SDVOSB certified companies.

General Counsel, P.C.
Lewis Rhodes

Lewis is an experienced government contracts attorney with both law firm and in-house experience.

Prior to starting at General Counsel, Lewis spent several years as a senior in-house attorney for multiple small-business Government Contractors. During this time, he advised his companies on all aspects of Federal Contracting regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and the Service Contract Act (SCA). Lewis worked on all aspects of the acquisition cycle from pre-RFP through contract award and administration. His time as an in-house attorney gives Lewis a unique perspective on the operations of a small business.

Prior to going in-house, Lewis spent 10 years in private practice with a focus on Government Contracts. In this time, he represented small and large businesses in numerous bid protests before the GAO and Court of Federal Claims and multiple Contract Disputes Act claim appeals at the Boards of Contract Appeals.

In addition to his legal career, Lewis is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves and has a combined 26 years of service on active duty and as a Reservist. As a veteran, Lewis takes special pride in representing veteran-owned businesses and has developed expertise in regulations governing VOSB and SDVOSB certified companies.

General Counsel, P.C.
Matthew Brennan

Mr. Brennan's law practice is dedicated to serving the needs of businesses, both large and small, and includes business sales and acquisitions, general civil litigation, business counseling, debtor/creditor law, business formation and receivables collection. Mr. Brennan's professional experience includes complex commercial litigation and intensive bankruptcy experience.

Mr. Brennan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent the major part of his youth in Dallas, Texas and Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Brennan was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained as a medical corpsman with field units of the 25th Infantry Division. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Heroism in combat.

Mr. Brennan is active within his community. He has been a member of the Vienna Rotary Club since 1995. He is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Fairfax and has been involved in that organization since that time (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). Finally, he has been deeply involved in the work of the Vienna Regional Chamber and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). His firm, Brennan & Waite, P.L.C., was the Small Business Best of Reston Honoree for 2014.

Mr. Brennan graduated from University of Virginia law school He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

General Counsel, P.C.
Matthew Brennan

Mr. Brennan's law practice is dedicated to serving the needs of businesses, both large and small, and includes business sales and acquisitions, general civil litigation, business counseling, debtor/creditor law, business formation and receivables collection. Mr. Brennan's professional experience includes complex commercial litigation and intensive bankruptcy experience.

Mr. Brennan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent the major part of his youth in Dallas, Texas and Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Brennan was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained as a medical corpsman with field units of the 25th Infantry Division. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Heroism in combat.

Mr. Brennan is active within his community. He has been a member of the Vienna Rotary Club since 1995. He is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Fairfax and has been involved in that organization since that time (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). Finally, he has been deeply involved in the work of the Vienna Regional Chamber and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce (including serving on its Board and as Board Chair). His firm, Brennan & Waite, P.L.C., was the Small Business Best of Reston Honoree for 2014.

Mr. Brennan graduated from University of Virginia law school He is admitted to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

General Counsel, P.C.
Merritt Green

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Virginia and has no record of discipline from the Virginia bar association. *

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.

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This lawyer is licensed to practice in Virginia and has no record of discipline from the Virginia bar association. *

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.