Lana Manitta is a highly accomplished attorney with 29 years of professional experience, specializing in federal and white-collar criminal defense, family law, litigation, and crisis management. As the owner of The Law Office of Lana Manitta, PLLC, she has built a reputation for her exceptional legal acumen, compassionate advocacy, and strategic problem-solving skills. Her commitment to providing unparalleled legal services is matched only by her dedication to her clients and her drive to influence positive change in both the legal and corporate arenas.

Lana’s distinguished career began with a solid educational foundation. She earned her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, where she served as the Notes & Comments Editor for the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal. During her time at Georgetown, she also participated in the Law Students in Court Clinical Program, representing indigent clients in landlord/tenant disputes in D.C. Superior Court. Before pursuing her law degree, Lana graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Law from Binghamton University, where she served as the University Ombudsman, representing students in disciplinary proceedings.

Over the course of her career, Lana has cultivated a diverse legal portfolio. Her expertise spans federal criminal litigation, white-collar defense, appellate advocacy, family law, and complex dispute resolution. She has successfully handled cases involving fraud, conspiracy, cybercrime, child custody disputes, and constitutional law matters. Additionally, her work in mediation and crisis management has positioned her as a trusted advisor for clients facing high-pressure situations.

Lana’s exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as the “Leading White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year – Virginia” by Acquisition International in 2023 and inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America® list for Criminal Defense: White Collar. She has also been consistently named to the Super Lawyers – Virginia & Washington, D.C. Lists and was ranked among the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Virginia in 2023. She is also AV-Rated Pre-Eminent® by Martindale-Hubbell for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability.

In addition to her legal practice, Lana is a committed leader within the legal community. She recently completed service as the Fourth Circuit Panel Representative for the Defender Services Advisory Group and the District Panel Representative for the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Eastern District of Virginia. She is an active member of the NACDL’s Women in Criminal Defense Committee and the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, where she contributes to initiatives focused on advocacy and professional growth. Lana’s influence extends to her past service on the board of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association, demonstrating her dedication to advancing opportunities for women in law.

Lana’s interest in public speaking and writing reflects her desire to share her knowledge and inspire others. She has contributed to continuing legal education courses and has spoken on topics such as criminal justice best practices and juvenile justice reform. Additionally, her work includes a chapter in Defending Complex Drug Cases, which showcases her thought leadership in handling intricate legal issues.

Proficient in Spanish and with international exposure in South America, Lana brings a global perspective to her work. Her interpersonal and communication skills, combined with her expertise in legal research, writing, and federal court litigation, make her an asset in both domestic and international legal contexts.

Lana’s personal mission, “Experience, Compassion, & Integrity,” underscores her approach to every aspect of her work. As she seeks to transition into advisory and board roles, she aims to leverage her crisis management and PR skills to provide strategic guidance to organizations. Her vast experience as a litigator, combined with her ability to solve complex problems, positions her as a valuable contributor to any corporate or nonprofit board.

Outside of her professional life, Lana is passionate about travel, cooking, and reading, which reflect her values of exploration, creativity, and continuous learning. Her commitment to excellence, advocacy, and innovation ensures she will leave a lasting impact in any role she undertakes.

Character

Lana Manitta embodies integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence in her legal practice and professional endeavors.

Knowledge

With 29 years of experience, Lana possesses deep expertise in federal criminal defense, litigation, mediation, and crisis management.

Strategic

She excels in devising effective strategies to navigate complex legal and organizational challenges, ensuring optimal outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Communication

Lana’s exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills enable her to advocate, mediate, and collaborate effectively across diverse audiences and contexts.