Over Four Decades of Service in Northern Virginia.

Founded in 1946, Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. is one of the oldest law firms in Northern Virginia. Throughout the years, we have chosen to limit our size, growing from within and cultivating expertise in a number of specialty areas. Today, we are a mid-sized, general practice firm. Our professional staff includes attorneys who are recognized experts on:

• litigation,
• commercial real estate, including land use, contract and title work, Small Business Administration loans,
• community, condominium and homeowner's associations,
• bankruptcy and creditors' rights,
• simple estate planning, and
• probate administration.

At Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C., the mainstay of our practice has been the high level of continual business we enjoy from many long-term clients. We believe this is reflection of the stability and harmony of approach which result from the long-term association of experienced partners with the firm.

We are able to provide clients with a level of personal service rarely found in larger firms. Our senior partners are easily accessible and are actively involved in our day-to-day practice. Drawing from our broad experience and excellent network of contracts, our professional staff has the necessary resources -- range of skills -- to protect the varied interests of our clients.

We Provide a Diverse Clientele with Complete Legal Services.

A successful law practice demands a synergy between a diverse clientele and the range of legal services they require. Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. represents a wide variety of clients, including both businesses and individuals. The services we provide are equally varied and embrace the entire spectrum of business and civil law.

Our firm represents clients from every sector of the Northern Virginia business community, including:

• financial institutions,
• physicians, architects, engineers, and others in the professional services,
• retail organizations, including franchisees and franchisers,
• government officials and consultants,
• corporations of all sizes, and
• commercial and real estate developers, builders and contractors, and retailers.

In addition to our business clientele, we offer individuals a full range of personal legal services. For these clients, we handle civil litigations, personal injury cases, leasing of investment and vacation properties, and real estate sales, purchase and refinancing.

At Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. our flexible approach has consistently produced successful results for our clients. In each case, we consider all the ramifications of a legal problem before recommending a course of action. Our solutions are structured according to the unique elements of each situation -- and the objectives of our clients.

Protecting Business Enterprises.

Changes in federal and state laws can influence every aspect of a business operation. At Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C., we help clients adapt to changing legal requirements within a dynamic business environment.

We counsel companies of all sizes on the many legal issues which affect a business enterprise. We advise clients on the organizational options for new business ventures, such as limited liability company, or incorporation as a Subchapter C or S corporation. In addition, we provide counsel on corporate reorganization, and business sales, acquisitions and mergers.

Our attorneys are skilled in the development and documentation of employment contracts, stockholder agreements and voting trusts. We also represent numerous creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, and handle employer/employee relations.

Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C., has established long-standing relationships with government agencies, financial institutions, development companies and others in the business community. These relationships extend across many disciplines, giving us valuable insight on emerging trends and providing an important business network for our clients.

Real Estate Law: Guiding the Path of Progress.

Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. has practiced commercial and residential real estate law in Northern Virginia for over 40 years. In that time, we have gained a unique perspective on the state and local laws which govern land use and the many other issues which affect the progress of development in our community. This perspective is based upon both a broad knowledge of current laws, an understanding of their historical development, and an ability to interpret complicated records.

We advise individuals in all aspects of residential real estate, including the sale, purchase and refinancing of homes, title searches and examinations, and leasing of investment and vacation properties. We have developed an active practice representing community, homeowners and condominium associations, offering services such as the creation of condominium instruments and subdivision covenants for recordation.

Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C., counsels both institutional lenders and developers in all aspects of the acquisition and financing of property, including the negotiation and documentation of:

• loan, acquisition and construction transactions,
• permanent financing,
• subcontracting relationships and planned unit developments,
• feasibility studies, and
• subdivision and planned unit development.

Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. is widely recognized for our expertise in all facets of local land-use law. Our firm has a consistent record of success in the management of master planning amendments; special exceptions and permits; and variances, rezoning and other municipal approvals. In addition, we are experts at uncovering the hidden problems relating to property titles. We maintain one of the most extensive title libraries in the area.

One of the most important elements of a commercial real estate transaction is contract preparation. The professional advise of an experienced real estate attorney is essential to assuring that a client enters into the most advantageous contract possible, and that a property can be used for the client's intended purpose. In addition, we work together with clients to structure the contract with protective contingencies -- such as exit strategies -- that provide maximum leverage.

Defending Client Rights Through Litigation.

Successful litigation depends on a combination of elements: experienced advise, attention to detail, and a relationship of confidence between attorney and client. Because this process is often lengthy and expensive, Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. believes it is imperative that clients approach court cases with a clear understanding of the costs and limitations involved.

We help clients determine when a court action is the best approach. If a situation requires aggressive litigation, we have the resources to adopt this response. Once litigation has been initiated, our primary goal is to reach the most efficient resolution to our client's business or personal objectives. In a similar manner, we can respond promptly and effectively to legal actions brought against clients.

Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. has represented clients before both state and federal courts and agencies. We handle both trial and appellate litigation in the following areas:

• commercial and arbitration proceedings,
• construction contracts (including enforcement of mechanic's liens),
• bankruptcy (primarily on behalf of creditors),
• personal injury through negligence of others,
• landlord - tenant,
• land-use and real estate related cases,
• condemnation and eminent domain,
• insurance
• boundary disputes.
• criminal and traffic

Our attorneys have established precedents in Virginia law through such cases. We keep abreast of the proposed laws and new precedents which affect our clients' positions.

We Offer Accessible, Reliable Legal Services.

The attorneys at Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. are available to serve clients both with long-term planning and in unexpected crises. When included in the early planning process, we can pinpoint better, easier and less expensive ways to achieve business goals. At the same time, our experienced staff can respond quickly and effectively to problems that call for immediate action.

For the convenience of our clients throughout Northern Virginia, Fagelson, Schonberger, Payne and Deichmeister, P.C. maintains offices in Fairfax and Old Town Alexandria.

Two Office Locations for your convenience: