Mary S Pence

anonymous · estate planning · May 2026

My husband and I were recommended by a mutually trusted friend to consult with Mr. Dana. After a few years of unsuccessful attempts that left us both frustrated over significant time and money spent we were pleased that Mr.Dana immediately grasped our individual concerns and our personal wishes. H e offered us each options and suggestions as we met privately and then jointly and over a shortened period of time .Our signed document came with complete understanding and sensitivity to the final solutions. We both would NOT hesitate to recommend the professionalism of Mr Dana who clearly takes pride in seeking the law to work in the right manner.

CG · family law · May 2026

Jonathan Dana is a superb lawyer! He helped me through one of the most challenging experiences of my life when I got divorced. I met with him almost immediately upon realizing that the marriage had ended so I was very raw with emotion, confused and nervous about my future. The first thing he did was speak to me as a person, not a client, helping me to get the divorce counselling I needed and reminding me that one day I would be just fine. Then he took care of me the client. His knowledge of the divorce laws is very deep. I had many questions over many days that he answered in depth. He gave examples of how the laws worked in my situation, outlined several course of action for me to choose from and then immediately executed on the things I decided I needed to do. He was practical when I needed him to be, relying on what was obviously many years of experience. Jonathan is also responsive; he always responded to me within hours even when I reached out to him late in the day or weekends. He was the strong advocate I needed when dealing with my ex-husband and his lawyer; being professional and polite, yet firm. I think the combination of his confidence based on many years of experience and his professional style helped to change what was initially a very contentious divorce, that could have easily ended up in court, into a straightforward fair settlement. He has proven to be right also, I am doing just fine. I highly recommend Jonathan to anyone needing a kind, caring, experienced and effective divorce lawyer.

Deborah · family law · May 2026

I have been practicing and teaching family law in DC for 20 years. When I found myself needing representation, I didn't hesitate -- I called Jonathan immediately. He was superb in every respect. Jonathan understands the practical and emotional realities of divorce, and is an incredibly reassuring sou rce of support. He's also a brilliant legal strategist. He provided me with flawless representation, and at the same time routinely suggested ways in which I could save money by having more junior associates take on less complex parts of the representation. He is honest, direct, knowledgeable, and deeply respected by the bar and the judiciary. One of the absolute best lawyers I've encountered in my many years of practice. Run, do not walk, to his office.

anonymous · family law · May 2026

Jonathan represented me in a divorce proceeding that was at times collaborative and at times contentious. He is not only a superior lawyer with both high intellect and equally keen common sense; but he also has the capacity to litigate aggressively and to bring the parties to the table. He is an ad visor, empathetic, creative and available. And he knows when to win -- which he does with ease -- and when to pull back. I can't imagine having been represented by anyone else.

Steve · family law · May 2026

Mr Dana represented me in a divorce case. Unfortunately, before I got to him, I had the experience of working with a couple of other attorneys. What a difference. I noticed immediately that Mr Dana, his associates and paralegals at FTLF - kept the case moving forward, and kept me informed. They m et deadlines and were thorough during discovery. As we entered settlement, they seemed to be consistently a step ahead of the opposition. Mr Dana returned e-mails or phone calls within an hour. When complexities of the case required a face-to-face meeting, he would make it happen and would run on time. He did a good job of laying out my options, answering my questions, and was very patient in doing so. He is personable, level headed. He does not bring any "drama" to a case ... he doesn't have to. His peers respect that he is a force to be reckoned with if the case goes to trial. He brings a thorough understanding of the law, but balances it with practical real-world (and dollars-and-cents) advice so as to keep you out of litigation and move on with your life, which is what you want when you are going through such a process. I highly recommend Mr Dana and his firm.

Hank · family law · May 2026

I worked with Sarah for over a year in the context of a divorce mediation, involving children. While not sure what to expect when we entered the process, it was something of a last ditch effort before resorting to litigation. Sarah could not have been more patient, impartial, dedicated, or understand ing when it came to the special factors influencing our case. She really took the time to get to know all parties, and to understand the issues--both technical and otherwise--that were presenting challenges in reaching an agreement. She was very knowledgeable and forthcoming in terms of technical input, as well as helpful in terms of maintaining a focus on the important family issues that are sometimes lost in these processes. Her patient but persistent guidance was crucial in securing a successful and respectful outcome. I could not recommend her services more enthusiastically. We owe her a great deal.

anonymous · family law · May 2026

Sarah Zimmerman was a tremendous help to me during the most difficult and painful period of my life. She is efficient, knowledgable and thoughtful. She was an excellent advocate for me, without giving up the collaborative spirit I felt was of primary importance to reordering our family life.

JE · family law · May 2026

In my opinion, Sarah Zimmerman is the best divorce lawyer in DC. When I first came to Sarah, I was in desperate need of immediate assistance because my attorney had quit on me and several court responses were due. Not only did I come to her under exigent circumstances, but I brought a divorce that presented extraordinary challenges because it was not limited to U.S. law and marital assets. Sarah was incredible. She picked up my case, and in spite of the short time frame, devised clever, winning strategies that worked at both the trial and appeals level in the MD courts. She adroitly anticipated opposing counsel’s moves and prepared motions ahead of time so that they could immediately be filed in court. Just as important, the U.S. court decisions had to be enforceable in two other countries each having different divorce laws. To that end, Sarah worked closely with my European attorneys to ensure success in those legal systems as well. And, even though it was outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. courts, Sarah managed to secure 85% of a World Bank pension for me! Sarah was at all times professional, respectful, and courteous. She always performed with integrity and her work product was of the highest quality. I could not have asked for better representation and never hesitate to recommend her whenever an opportunity arises.

anonymous · May 2026

Sarah Zimmerman is extremely professional, knowledgeable, detail-oriented (she does not miss a thing!), compassionate and absolutely wonderful to work with. She is very calm and attentive, and diligently works to protect her client's interests. Throughout the process, communication was great. All questions were answered promptly. Every aspect of the case was explained and discussed, and her advice was always excellent. She was available whenever I needed her; she still is. She’s fair and honest, and she truly cares. She’s remarkable. I highly recommend her.

anonymous · family law · May 2026

Sarah Zimmerman provided superb representation as my divorce attorney, ultimately crafting an air-tight, jerk-proof final agreement that will protect me and my children for years to come. She did it with such multi-faceted skill that her legal expertise alone is enough to hire her. But she also provi ded much-needed insight and sensitivity to totally support me and my confidence throughout a painful and painstaking process. I cannot recommend her more highly.

Aileen · family law · May 2026

Twice I have been in lousy situations where I needed someone to represent my best interests in uncomfortable divorce/domestic situations. The first time, 2004 was not as drawn out or messy as this most recent incident but I have to say that in both instances Mary was the absolute right person to hand le my case. Most recently (2012-13) the negotiations were fraught with emotional issues that made the process draw on much longer than originally anticipated yet Mary (and her team) paid close attention all the way and made sure I was protected and "covered." They listened carefully to what I had to say, answered my questions, and kept me informed. I doubt anyone else could have done more or been a better advocate for me and my interests.

Joe · family law · May 2026

Good friends recommended Mary to me in April 2012 when I found out my then wife wanted a quick divorce. I didn't know it at the time, but their recommendation took me to someone who is far more than the best attorney out there. I knew right away that Mary was the right attorney for me when, after hearing about my situation, she asked me to think about my where I wanted to be in five, or ten years, and how I wanted to get there with integrity, in a way that would allow me to get on with my life. Up until that point, like most people in my situation, I had been focused on the transactional side of divorce, dividing up assets and responsibilities. Mary made me see the process not as a series of transactions, but as a starting point for where I wanted to go next in my life. Suddenly, the financial issues that seemed so important became less so, because she helped me decide for myself where I wanted to go next - and so at that point, I could figure out what really mattered and make a stand for what mattered, and let go of what didn't. But don't be fooled, that didn't mean we wrote off my financial needs - no, rather, we prioritized them and decided what mattered for the long haul, and focused on that with purpose. Since my ex-wife continued to take a transactional approach, Mary continued to keep me grounded and focused on my own personal goals. We had my list of what mattered to me, and we made sure that everything we did moved us in that direction, and ignored what didn't matter. It may not have changed how my ex-wife approached the divorce, but it did help me maintain my integrity and composure through what could have been a very ugly divorce. In the end, the entire process took less than a year and was far less expensive (and was financially successful for me) than I ever thought it would be - Mary was careful to provide the advice I needed, but also very careful to not presume to act - I know of others who have gotten divorced who were stunned at the amount of time and money they put into the process - with Mary, I felt we were focused and in sync throughout the process, and that meant I came away not just feeling Mary was a skillful attorney, but also that she was an attorney who put her client's interests first at all times. She was always available, but she carefully measured her time to make sure I wasn't paying for services I didn't need. I can't recommend Mary enough - her wholistic, goal-oriented, constructive approach to dealing with divorce made what could have been a painful, drawn-out, difficult and expensive process into an ultimately positive, relatively quick and successful endeavor. If you have Mary on your side, you can't help but end up in a good place.

Michael · family law · May 2026

The situation: After finding out my wife moved out with my children while I was at work, I was referred to Mary through a close friend. I walked into Mary's office for the first time hoping for a Pitbull. My main concern was my young children. I walked out of Mary's office knowing I found the lawye r for me. An understanding and compassionate lawyer (actually a real, caring person) who turned out to be someone I will praise for my lifetime. To this day, 9 years later (2012), I am grateful to Mary for her help. She encouraged me to focus on always doing what is best for my children's well-being and putting my emotions aside. It was not easy and I was not perfect, but I am eternally grateful for the outcome. My children are happy, well adjusted young children that have not experienced witnessing conflict. They are emotionally healthy and both me and my ex get along well. We have even vacationed together with the children. Once again, it is still not easy on a daily basis but always keeping Mary's words in mind of focusing on the children has certainly made it easier and definitely more rewarding in term of my children's happiness. As for Mary's abilities as a lawyer I can say this. Mary knows the law. Mary understands people very well (both her client and the opposition) and certainly uses that to her client's advantage. Mary is very tough with a firm and serious way about her. Mary does not get intimidated but I believe intimidates the opposition. Mary does not miss a beat and when appropriate and necessary can certainly wake up a room to make a point. In the end, I can say that knowing Mary has certainly had a major, positive impact on my life. I believed in her throughout the process and followed her advice. There were certainly times that we challenged each other on strategies but we always agreed on the course of action we would take. And again, to this day, I praise Mary for her help, guidance and success with the outcome of our case. I will always be grateful for her.

anonymous · litigation · May 2026

Mary's expert handling of an incredibly frustrating situation was the saving grace that kept negotiations on track and prevented them from becoming a long-term nightmare. Her thorough understanding of the law is equaled only by her wonderful ability to understand people and how to keep them commu nicating with the goal of achieving timely, positive, fair results.