WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 9, 2008 – Arent Fox LLP announced today that Maurice A. Bellan has joined the firm’s litigation department as a partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office.  Mr. Bellan, 39, has more than 11 years experience as a trial attorney in both the public and private sectors. He served as a litigator for the US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division where he coordinated the prosecution and investigation of patterns and practices of civil rights abuses by public entities throughout the country. Upon leaving the Justice Department, Mr. Bellan joined a prominent regional Mid-Atlantic law firm, where he focused his practice on commercial litigation and has served as lead counsel in federal, state and administrative court actions involving trademark infringement, construction design, whistleblower actions, contract and employment claims. He represents clients in a wide array of industries, including food service, disease control, environmental, recycling, transportation and government contracting.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Maurice join our firm, and couldn’t be more pleased” said Arent Fox chairman Marc Fleischaker. “He is a remarkably talented attorney who brings with him tremendous skill and experience that will further strengthen Arent Fox’s national litigation practice.”

Mr. Bellan is extremely active in the community, serving on the board of the Corridor Transportation Corporation and as a commissioner on the Maryland Aviation Commission. He also has given numerous presentations to national and regional organizations on US Supreme Court trends and issues.

Mr. Bellan is admitted to practice in Maryland and before the US District Court for the District of Maryland, US District Court for the District of Columbia, the US Tax Court and the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland Law School and earned his BA degree at Howard University.