Overview
Lynette Kleiza represents clients in all areas of domestic relations law, including marital agreements, adoption, complex equitable distribution, LGBTQ matters, custody and visitation, relocation, child support, and spousal support.
Lynette understands that the needs and goals of each client are unique and creates legal strategies tailored to the facts and circumstances of each individual case. In every case, she knows a family’s life is going to change — something that’s always in the forefront of her mind when representing her clients.
Lynette is focused on getting positive results for her clients and offers a multi-faceted approach to resolution of their cases. When appropriate, Lynette utilizes the collaborative process, negotiated settlements, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. When settlement is not possible, Lynette’s considerable experience as a litigator provides her clients with an effective and persuasive trial attorney.
Lynette previously chaired the Family Law practice at Paley Rothman.
Outside of the office, Lynette volunteers with the Humane Rescue Alliance and fosters animals.
Education
- Mediation & Interest-Based Negotiation Skills Training (Certificate of Completion of 40-Hour Training from the Collaborative Practice Training Institute, 2019)
- University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law (J.D., 2008)
- James Madison University (B.S., 2004)
Admissions
- Maryland
- Virginia
- District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
- New Jersey
Honors and awards
- Listed in Super Lawyers Maryland, Family Law (2023)
- Listed in Super Lawyers Washington, DC, Family Law (2023)
- Named to Top Attorney List by Bethesda Magazine (2023)
- “Top Lawyers” – Washingtonian magazine (2022 and 2023)
- Best Lawyers in America – Best Lawyers (2020-present) Family Law
- Listed as “Rising Star” by Virginia Super Lawyers (2015-2018)
- Listed as “Rising Star” by Washington, DC, Super Lawyers (2015-2018)
Community involvement
- Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Virginia (Secretary, 2009-2016; Co-Chair Events Committee, 2016; Color of Justice Program Co-Coordinator, 2013; Judicial Investiture Co-Coordinator, 2013)
- CAUSE USA, Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services (Co-Coordinator for Family Fun Night, 2016-2020; Volunteer for Family Fun Night, 2015-2016)
- Humane Rescue Alliance (Volunteer, 2020-present)
Professional memberships
- Bar Association of Montgomery County (Family Law Section, Member)
- District of Columbia Bar Association (Family Law Section, Member)
- Virginia State Bar (Family Law Section, Member)
- Virginia Collaborative Professionals (Conference Chair)
- Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia (Member)
- DC Academy of Collaborative Professionals (Member at Large; Enlivenment Committee)
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (Family Law Section, Member)
Practice Areas
Divorce/Family Law
Lerch Early’s experienced family law attorneys help people resolve separation and divorce issues in Maryland and Washington, DC with the least possible impact on their emotions and their wallets.
News & insights
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What You Need to Know: Virginia Protective Orders in Cases of Family Abuse
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What You Need to Know: Common Law Marriage in Washington, D.C.
You may have heard of common law marriage or you may know someone who refers to another as their “common law spouse,” their “common law wife,” or their “common law …
How Can Collaborative Law Help Me? Answering Common Questions.
It’s a common scenario: You don’t want a court to determine your family’s affairs, but you do want a structure in place to ensure you (and your children) get a …
Lerch Early Welcomes 15 New Attorneys
Lerch, Early & Brewer is pleased to announce the addition of 15 new attorneys to the firm, bringing the total number of attorneys to 75 and bolstering a number of …