
PRACTICE AREAS
Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration, Business Formation & Succession, Special Needs Trusts, Marital Agreements, Expert Testimony, Taxation
From estates with French jewelry collections and prized stallions, to estate planning for ordinary people like us and our loved ones, Lisa can and has handled it. She brings her seemingly inexhaustible supply of legal knowledge—and her customary charm and calm—to bear for every client.
Over her 30+ years practicing trusts and estates law, she has developed extensive knowledge of planning for assisted reproductive technology, same-sex couples, closely-held businesses, incapacitated beneficiaries, and non-citizens. In the office, we count on her for input in those cases as well as for her ability to take charge of a project and get it done.
Lisa has recently taken up ballroom dancing. She claims to be a beginner, but we’re pretty sure she scores perfect 10s.
BEST WAY TO CONTACT LISA
Email [email protected]
CHRISTOPHER T. LEIGHTON
Partner

PRACTICE AREAS
Chris focuses his practice on estate planning and administration, as well as fiduciary litigation and taxation. He has a passion for working with individuals, families and family-controlled entities to create tailored tax and estate planning strategies.
Chris advises clients on the following types of matters:
- Design and preparation of comprehensive estate plans
- Formation, governance and strategic planning of closely-held businesses
- Contested guardianships, conservatorships and other fiduciary disputes
- Administration of trusts and estates
- Preparation of Federal estate and gift tax returns
- Military and Veterans’ issues
A native of the D.C area, Chris graduated from Gonzaga College High School and clerked for the Honorable Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County after law school. Chris then served eight years on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps where he served primarily as a first chair litigator in criminal, administrative and appellate matters on both sides of the aisle.
Chris continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, defending Officers and Soldiers against administrative elimination proceedings, and is never shy in leveraging his litigation experience to advocate for any of his clients. Outside of the office, Chris enjoys coaching youth sports and spending time with his wife, three children and the world’s only unaffectionate Goldendoodle.
BEST WAY TO CONTACT CHRIS
Email [email protected]
A. EVERETT HOEG, III
Attorney

PRACTICE AREAS
Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration, Business Formation & Succession, Expert Testimony, Taxation.
Everett has more than 50 years of experience representing entrepreneurs and business executives in their personal and business matters. He knows the ins and outs of business divorces and buy-sell provisions like no one else we’ve met. Everett’s practice focuses on creative estate planning, trust department representation, business succession planning, and high stakes estate and gift tax matters. He serves as an active independent trustee of a regional closely-held business, providing business advice in addition to legal counsel. In his ample free time, Everett enjoys sports and reading American history.
BEST WAY TO CONTACT EVERETT
Email [email protected]
H.L. NORWICH
Attorney at Law

Since graduating with honors from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2004, H.L. has had an eclectic career centered around tax laws, personal finance, and government relations. In addition to being a member of the District of Columbia Bar, they are a Certified Financial Planner™.
H.L. is not a litigator, preferring to focus on proactive planning and legal advice that cost-efficiently helps clients achieve their goals with minimal need to go to court. They have read every page of major federal tax legislation over the past decade, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and SECURE 1.0 and 2.0, and led myriad clients and financial advisors to make strategic shifts in response. They are also a leading expert in advanced uses of life insurance, and an innovator in financial and estate planning for blended and non-traditional families.
H.L. volunteers their leadership skills as a precinct Chief Election Officer in Loudoun County, and for St. David’s Episcopal Church, currently as a member of the rector search committee. They are the second amateur ballroom dancer to join Hughes & Leighton PLLC. Somehow, they find time to do this while supporting their daughter’s ambitions as a ballet dancer, and their son’s as a jazz musician and game coder.
AMANDA TASSA
Attorney at Law

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Amanda is a proud alumnus of Bishop Ireton High School, Virginia Tech, and Catholic University School of Law. Early in her legal career, Amanda developed a love for litigation and accepted a position as a prosecutor with the City of Alexandria Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. During her time in public service, Amanda earned a reputation for integrity, compassion, and a keen understanding of complex legal issues.
After a distinguished career in public service, Amanda transitioned to private practice to bring a wealth of legal expertise and dedication to individuals and families in need of thoughtful estate planning. With a unique perspective shaped by years of public service, Amanda approaches estate planning with a commitment to integrity, fairness, and a deep understanding of each client’s personal needs and goals.
Outside of work, Amanda cherishes time spent with her husband and kids, especially enjoying family sports activities that keep everyone active and connected.
RYAN MAZALATIS
Associate Attorney

Ryan supports the Hughes & Leighton PLLC team with focused research in each of the firm’s core practice areas – estate planning, probate and trust administration, and federal estate and gift tax matters. Ryan also assists the firm with the drafting of estate planning documents and the preparation of tax returns.
Originally from the Charleston area, Ryan is a double Hoya, having attended both college and law school at Georgetown University. Ryan majored in Spanish and attained fluency studying at the Universidad de San Francisco in Quito, Ecuador. At Georgetown Law, Ryan worked as a Student Attorney in the Georgetown Law Center’s Health Justice Alliance Law Clinic, helping clients with sensitive medical issues access public benefits and housing. During his time at Hughes & Leighton PLLC, Ryan has developed a passion for connecting with clients and translating their unique circumstances into effective estate plans tailored to their needs.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys reading books on history, trying new foods, traveling to new places, and spending time with his friends, family, and two cats.
SUSANNAH BUSH
Senior Paralegal

Susannah has nine years of experience in the legal field with the last six focused exclusively on estate planning and administration. She takes pride in helping our clients navigate the difficult processes and conversations surrounding the loss of a loved one with patience and empathy. Susannah engages with the probate office and commissioner of accounts on behalf of the firm’s clients and assists in the preparation of affidavits, inventories, and accountings. Further, Susannah enjoys assisting attorneys in the drafting of estate plans tailored to each client’s unique situation. She has worked for attorneys licensed in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Growing up as a U.S. Army brat, Susannah has had the good fortune to living all over the world. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a dual degree in Political Science and Jewish Studies and a minor in International Studies. She has called the DMV home for the last eight years.
Outside of the office, Susannah enjoys spending time with her golden retriever and rescue cat, yoga, running, rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies and South Carolina Gamecocks, and writing for a local lifestyle magazine.
MEGAN MASHAL
Executive Assistant

Megan has over six years of experience working in administrative roles within the legal field with a strong focus on trusts and estates. She is skilled at anticipating the needs of the partners, attorneys, staff, and clients alike, ensuring smooth operations across the firm.
As the primary support for Lisa Hughes, Megan also serves as the firm’s versatile “jack-of-all-trades,” stepping in wherever needed to keep things running seamlessly.
A California native and proud alum of University of California, Santa Barbara, Megan brings her warm and sunny “So-Cal” attitude to the firm and all its clients.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys exploring the endless museums, restaurants and festivals around DC and hitting her daily goal of 10,000 steps.
BRITTANY SHELLEY
Executive Assistant

Brittany serves as an Executive Assistant and Junior Paralegal at Hughes & Leighton PLLC, where she plays a key role in providing high-level administrative support while assisting with critical legal functions and continues learning the ropes as our newest Paralegal.
Brittany is an Alexandria native, graduating from T.C. Williams High School and travelling down south to attend Coastal Carolina University. Outside of work Brittany enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew, friends and family, and her best bud, Spike.
JESSICA HAGEDON
Legal Operations Specialist

Jessica brings a unique blend of multitasking abilities, investigative experience, and community relations to our law office. Jessica is responsible for streamlining office procedures, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service. Her empathetic nature and strong communication skills make her a vital part of our team, as she understands the importance of creating a welcoming and efficient environment for both clients and staff.
Before joining our team, Jessica dedicated several years to managing a bustling household as a stay-at-home mom while she lived overseas. Previously, Jessica served in law enforcement, where she developed a strong foundation in legal procedures. Her background as a Special Agent and Special Investigator has equipped her with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to integrity.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid reader. She also dedicates time to volunteering with her children’s school PTA and a local animal rescue group.