Mr. Poretz received his juris doctorate from George Mason University School of Law in 2005. A seasoned trial attorney, Mr. Poretz has appeared in state and federal court hundreds of times. Mr. Poretz is effective at negotiating pre-trial settlements when needed; however, he excels at advancing his client’s interests in the courtroom.

Mr. Poretz’s trial experience began as a T. Brooke Howard Fellow with the Alexandria, Virginia Public Defender’s Office. Later, Mr. Poretz served as a judicial clerk to the Alexandria Circuit Court judges and continues to serve that Court as appointed counsel in a variety of civil and criminal cases, guardian ad litem, committee, trustee and commissioner in chancery.

Mr. Poretz has represented numerous individuals and entities in a variety of criminal, civil and administrative matters. Mr. Poretz’s institutional clients include Allstate Insurance Company, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, USF Insurance, Carolina Casualty Insurance, Balboa Insurance Group, Werner Enterprises, the State of Maryland, the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Democratic Party, United Way of the National Capital Area, and The Birchmere Music Hall. Mr. Poretz also regularly serves as local counsel in Virginia state courts and the Eastern District of Virginia.

A native of Alexandria, Mr. Poretz remains active in the community, regularly participating in a variety of pro bono matters. Mr. Poretz has served as pro bono of counsel to the Alexandria Public Defenders Office, pro bono counsel for the Legal Aid Justice Center, and has participated in numerous other charitable endeavors. Mr. Poretz is a member of the Alexandria Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar, and the District of Columbia Bar. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Alexandria Bar Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Alexandria Law Library.

Education

• J.D., George Mason University School of Law
• B.I.S., Business Legal Studies, with High Distinction, George Mason University

Bar Information

• Virginia State Bar
• District of Columbia Bar
• Eastern District of Virginia
• District of Columbia Federal Court