Jones Day partners Debra Belott and Michael Riess have been named to The National Law Journal's "2021 D.C. Rising Stars" list, which recognizes the Washington, D.C. region's 40 most promising lawyers age 40 and under.
The lawyers named to the list are selected by the publication's editors because they have wielded influence in their practice areas in the D.C. area and beyond, and have demonstrated a combination of exceptional skill in litigation or transactional work and significant community impact through sustained pro bono and other public service.
Ms. Belott is a partner in the Firm's Business & Tort Litigation Practice, in which she represents a number of the Firm's largest clients in major bet-the-company litigation. She has handled commercial contract disputes, antitrust merger litigation, insurance recovery matters, and IP infringement claims. Ms. Belott is also co-sponsor of Jones Day's Black Lawyers Group and a member of the Washington Committee on Diversity, and maintains an active pro bono practice through the D.C. Children's Law Center and the Clemency Project.
Mr. Riess is a partner in the Firm's Financial Markets Practice, where he represents lenders in all aspects of real estate lending, both secured and unsecured. He has successfully negotiated and closed billions of dollars of transactions on behalf of multiple major financial institutions, and also has significant experience in the area of distressed real estate. Mr. Riess has played a key role in Jones Day's recruitment and hiring, served as chair of an associate training committee, and is actively involved in the Firm's diversity efforts and in championing LGBTQ issues.
Ms. Belott and Mr. Riess will be honored alongside the other lawyers selected for "2021 D.C. Rising Stars" at an event on October 20th scheduled to take place at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.