August 1, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC –Williams Mullen attorneys James A. "Trey" Blalock III and Mary Ann Mancini have been recognized among the area's "Legal Elite" by Washington SmartCEO magazine.

James A. "Trey" Blalock III, a partner in the firm's Business Section, has more than 21 years of experience working on corporate and securities matters, mergers and acquisitions, and structured finance transactions, primarily for companies in the financial services, health care, technology, government contracting, energy and manufacturing sectors. He advises senior management on negotiation strategy, business implementation, risk assessment, corporate governance and disclosure matters. He has been involved in transactions that range from initial and secondary public offerings of common and preferred stock, partnership units and limited liability company interests to asset acquisitions/dispositions, restructurings, leveraged buy-outs, tender offers and asset securitizations. Mr. Blalock was named to Washington SmartCEO's list of Legal Elite in 2005, and he was recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a finalist for "Top Lawyer in Corporate Finance."

Mary Ann Mancini, a partner in the firm's Estate Planning Section, is experienced in planning for the closely-held business owner and in handling the business succession and estate planning issues faced by entrepreneurs and their families. Her practice includes entity planning, structuring and formation; the protection and preservation of client assets; and the disposition of retirement and other compensation related benefits, such as employer stock and stock options. She has substantial experience representing clients in estate and gift tax matters before the Internal Revenue Service. She has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as a top trusts and estates attorney for the past two years. Ms. Mancini is a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, an international association of lawyers who have been recognized as outstanding practitioners in the field.

Washington SmartCEO contacted thousands of attorneys and executives in Greater Washington to nominate the top attorneys in the region based on their achievements and leadership in their fields. The winners were announced in the publication's August 2006 issue.

Williams Mullen provides comprehensive legal services to regional, national and international clients. With 250 attorneys and offices throughout Virginia, Washington, D.C. and London, we deliver innovative solutions to support our clients' diverse business activities. Close working relationships with clients have been the foundation of Williams Mullen's progressive approach to law practice since the firm was founded nearly 100 years ago.


For more information, please contact:

Charleen M. Pine
Two James Center
1021 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 783-6521
Fax: (804) 783-6507
cpine@williamsmullen.com