Overview

Selena Motley represents businesses, property owners, landlords, developers, and individuals in complex commercial, real estate, contract, tort, and general litigation matters in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Selena takes a strategic, practical approach to legal matters, pairing careful analysis with a clear understanding of each client’s personal and business objectives. She builds her strategy around trust and open communication, keeping the client’s goals at the center of every decision.

Selena’s experience spans a broad range of commercial and civil disputes, including contract claims, tort actions, property-related litigation, landlord-tenant matters, and administrative proceedings. Her practice includes matters before administrative agencies as well as in state and federal courts. Having represented clients with diverse interests and objectives, she understands both the legal and business considerations that often shape litigation strategy.

Outside of the office, Selena enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, staying active, and is dedicated to volunteering her time to her community.

Education

  • Howard University (J.D., 2017)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (B.A., Political Science, 2014)

Admissions

  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • Washington D.C.
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • Eastern District of New York

Honors and awards

  • Listed as “Rising Star” by Maryland Super Lawyers, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, General Litigation (2024-2026)
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch”, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate (2026)

Community involvement

  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Member)

Professional memberships

  • District of Columbia Bar Association (Member)

Practice Areas

Real Estate

Developers, commercial property owners, and investors turn to Lerch Early’s “dirt lawyers” when they need to buy, sell, lease, or develop commercial real estate in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

Litigation

Lerch Early’s litigation team helps businesses, including nonprofits, and individuals resolve disputes throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Reported decisions

  • Lane v. Dep’t of Hous. & Cmty. Dev., 320 A.3d 1044 (D.C. 2024)