
Rita M. Patel
PartnerCo-Chair, Transactions Specialists practice
- LL.M., Tax, Georgetown University 2000
with distinction - J.D., Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University 1996
Woolsack Honor Society - B.A., American University 1993
magna cum laude
Awards
- Chambers USA
- Band 3, District of Columbia Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (2021-2023)
- The Legal 500 United States
- Recommended, Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and Retirement Plans: Transactional (2018-2022)
- Recommended, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation and Retirement Plans: Design (2018-2020)
- Recommended, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (2017)
Pro Bono
Rita continues to assist immigration clients through DLA Piper's pro bono asylum program.
Prior Experience
Prior to joining the firm, Rita worked for the US Department of Justice through its Attorney General's Honor Program. Through this program, Rita practiced immigration law first as a US Immigration Court clerk and then as an attorney with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Civic and Charitable
- Board Member, Children's National Hospital (Children’s Health Board)
- Former Board Member, Street Law Board
Memberships And Affiliations
- Member, 2021 Law360 Benefits Editorial Board
- American Bar Association, Taxation Section
- Vice Chair, Executive Compensation Subcommittee
- Former Vice Chair, ERISA Litigation Subcommittee
- District of Columbia Bar Association, Taxation Section
- Former Vice Chair, Employee Benefits Subcommittee