Experienced | Efficient | Compassionate

profile

Mikhail N. Lopez

Biography

Mikhail “Misha” Lopez returned to Northern Virginia after graduating from Berkeley Law in 2011 and passing the California Bar Exam that same year. After returning to Northern Virginia, Misha began working as a legal intern at a boutique criminal defense and general civil litigation firm in Fairfax, Virginia, while studying for the Virginia Bar, which he passed in 2012.

After receiving his license to practice law in 2012, Misha initially handled a broad range of criminal and civil matters. When Lee Lopez Law PLLC was founded in 2019, Misha narrowed his litigation practice to four core areas: family law, criminal defense, protective order litigation, and appeals to the Court of Appeals of Virginia and Supreme Court of Virginia. Since 2012, Misha has litigated hundreds of cases to conclusion as lead counsel, often serving as sole counsel even in complex multi-day jury and bench trials.

Misha has substantial experience handling family law disputes involving business interests, real estate, retirement accounts, federal employee and military benefits, and support issues involving self-employed individuals and high-income earners. His custody and visitation practice includes matters involving allegations of parental alienation, domestic violence, abuse of spouses or children, and mental health concerns. He also handles protective order matters, which can have substantial and long-lasting consequences for custody, visitation, divorce, and other areas of an individual’s life. His criminal defense experience ranges from minor traffic matters to complex misdemeanor and felony cases, with particular experience in cases involving allegations of assault and domestic violence. His work across family law, criminal defense, and protective order litigation gives him a broader perspective on how the outcome of one proceeding can affect related matters.

Misha’s experience in and out of court allows him to evaluate each case from both legal and practical perspectives, develop case-specific strategies, and prepare each matter for negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. He tailors his strategy to the needs of the case and the client rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Knowing the law, understanding the rules of court, and having the experience to develop effective case strategies are only part of the equation. Preparation, attention to detail, and dedication to each client’s case are just as important. Misha devotes the time necessary to ensure that each client’s case is fully prepared for negotiation with the opposing party or counsel or for presentation to a judge, mediator, arbitrator, or other neutral.

Misha takes every case seriously and personally handles all aspects of his cases to ensure that nothing is missed. In a world of complexity, details matter—especially when facts can be disputed, misunderstood, or manipulated. He pays close attention to the details of each client’s circumstances and works to present the facts clearly, credibly, and in a manner appropriate to the legal posture of the case.

Lee Lopez Law PLLC primarily serves clients in Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Alexandria, and Prince William County. Misha also represents clients in other Virginia jurisdictions when appropriate.

Contact Misha Lopez at Lee Lopez Law PLLC to discuss how he can help protect your rights and interests.

Education

  • University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Berkeley, California
    • Juris Doctorate - 2011
  • College of William & Mary
    • B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 2007
    • Major: English

Classes & Seminars

  • Presenter, Microsoft for Lawyers CLE, 2015
  • Presenter, Basics for Personal Injury CLE, 2016
  • Editor – Criminal Law Book, 2017
  • Presenter, Marijuana Laws in the DMV CLE, 2018
  • Presenter, Marijuana in DC, VA, and MD CLE, 2019

Professional Associations

  • Fairfax Bar Association, 2012 to Present
  • Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia, 2013 to Present
  • Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia, President, 2016 to 2018
  • Hispanic Bar Association of Virginia, Treasurer, 2014 to 2015
  • Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013 to Present

Practice Areas

  • Traffic Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Family Law

Bar Admissions

  • Virginia, 2012
  • Virginia Supreme Court
  • Court of Appeals of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit

Honors

  • Virginia Super Lawyers, 2025 & 2026
  • Super Lawyers; Virginia Rising Star, 2016 - 2024