Business and Employment

Business Representation
From the forming of a business to its day-to-day workings, business owners seek advice from their legal counsel. A necessary part of being a proactive business is implementing effective procedures and programs to anticipate and resolve disputes. Ms. D’Souza develops office manuals, employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, buy-sell agreements, and stock and asset disposition agreements for our clients with this in mind. Ms. D’Souza is also available to present EEO-related trainings.

Employment Controversies
The area of employment law is rapidly expanding. Employers and employees often seek advice about the proper terms and conditions of an employment relationship and representation during mediation. Ms. D’Souza possesses extensive experience in advising clients on employment discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wage and commission, sexual harassment, reasonable accomodations for disabilities, and medical leave disputes. She often represents clients before the federal and state courts of the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia as well as administrative agencies on these issues. She also mediates employment related disputes before the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights. Clients often need advice on matters related to employment, including private disability appeals, construction liens, breach of contract, interference with business relations, defamation, and negligence claims. Ms. D’Souza is experienced in representing clients on these matters as well.

Strategic Litigation
During litigation, sound legal knowledge and skill are indispensable. Litigants usually only have one opportunity to present their case. Ms. D’Souza provides innovative ideas necessary to discover the weaknesses in an opponent’s case. With thorough preparation, she argues these facts to the court.

Sidebar Quotes
“Having never personally been involved in a legal proceeding, Gwen was extremely understanding, helpful and supportive in resolving my dispute…Gwen’s professionalism and deep understanding of the law assured me my best interests were in good hands.” (2006)

"We were impressed with the speed with which Gwen absorbed and gained an in-depth understanding of the amassed boxes of materials and evidence, and then proceeded with our case.”

Federal Sector Employees

Federal government employees face unique challenges in raising issues in the workplace. Ms. D’Souza possesses extensive experience in advising clients on employment discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wage and commission, sexual harassment, reasonable accomodations for disabilities, and medical leave disputes. She represents federal government employees before the federal courts as well as administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Strategic Litigation
During litigation, sound legal knowledge and skill are indispensable. Prepare for your day in court, by having Ms. D’Souza provide innovative ideas necessary to discover the weaknesses in the agency’s case.

Federal Disability Retirement
Ms. D'Souza can help protect your entitlement to disability retirement by processing your application for federal disability retirement. Prompt submission of an application, with the proper supporting documents, is necessary to preserve your status as an eligible federal employee. Please note that medical information submitted for social security disability claims or other insurance claims is probably insufficient for you to qualify for federal disability retirement.

Please e-mail Ms. D’Souza directly to seek advice about applying for federal disability retirement at gdsouza@dsouzalaw.com. Please remember not to use a workplace computer or a work-issued computer or personal desktop assistant (PDA) to transmit communication. Electronic mail or other communication to D'Souza Law Office, LLC resulting from your receipt of information from this site cannot be guaranteed to be confidential.

If you would like specific advice about applying for federal disability retirement, please place the word "Confidential" in the subject line of your e-mail. Also, please provide all details of your medical condition(s), including timeframe of when symptoms began, a copy of your job description, and an explanation of how your medical condition(s) affects your ability to perform your job duties.

Sidebar quotes

“Ms. D’Souza was extremely articulate and professional in her presentation. Throughout the hearing, Ms. D’Souza systematically restated and countered the majority of opposing counsel’s arguments, employing documentary evidence that was provided by myself, as well as those provided by the Agency in the discovery phase. Further, during cross-examination, Ms. D’Souza’s questioning yielded clear statements by these witnesses in support of our position.” (2008)

“Gwen is very tactful and detailed, always informative with new developments, committed to offering her clients an exceptional level of legal talent and resources…As a previous client, I applaud Ms. D'Souza's approach to legal matters, her dedication and commitment. I have been exceptionally impressed with the professional way in which Ms. D'Souza has responded to my need of legal representation.” (2006)

“Thanks. I am starting my federal disability retirement tomorrow.” (2008)

Probate and Guardianship

Estate Planning
You can provide for your loved ones by preparing a Will and/or Living Trust. During your lifetime, you can take legal steps to maximize your estate tax savings. By stating your wishes in a Will, you can also provide your loved ones with comforting direction after death. Please fill our questionnaire in advance of any conference with Ms. D’Souza.

Living Will/Advanced Directive
Providing your loved ones with the legal authority and sound direction about your health care wishes saves you and your loved ones unnecessary expenses, which will likely include a lengthy guardianship hearing in which the court will likely appoint an attorney for you at the expense of your estate. By preparing a living will, also known as an advanced directive, you can avoid this costly legal expense.

Financial Power of Attorney
Providing your loved ones with the legal authority to handle your financial affairs is an integral part of the estate planning process. Many persons suffer from illnesses, such as strokes or Alzheimer's, which impacts their ability to make day-to-day decisions about their finances. In order to avoid a costly guardianship proceeding, you can appoint an agent to make your financial decisions when you are incapable of doing so.

Guardianship
The reality is many people live busy lives in which they do not contact an attorney to prepare the proper documentation to provide their loved ones legal authority to handle financial and health matters. Without the proper documentation, it is necessary for an interested person to request the court to appoint him or her as a guardian to handle the incapacitated person’s affairs. Any interested person can request the court to be appointed as guardian. Please contact Ms. D’Souza if you would like to apply for guardianship.

Probate/Estate Administration
Please contact Ms. D’Souza about opening an estate as soon as possible. Often decisions, which have tax implications, need to be made.

Sidebar quotes
“Several months ago you suggested that I hire Gwen D'Souza to create my Advanced Directive, Will and Durable Financial Power of Attorney. Thank you so much for recommending her…Gwen is smart, supportive, and efficient. She answered my numerous questions promptly and knowledgeably.” (2006)

“Ms. D'Souza drafted wills for both my husband and I. She informed us of all of our options. She was attentive to the fact that discussing end of life issues is never easy. She worked hard to meet our needs and tailor our wills just how we wanted them. I would recommend her services to anyone.” (2006)

Criminal and Juvenile COMING SOON.

Civil Protection Orders COMING SOON.

Personal Injury COMING SOON.