The work of a federal criminal defense firm is carried out by the people who do it. Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., is a small, focused team built around federal criminal defense, appeals, and post-conviction relief. This page introduces each member of that team.
If you are facing a federal investigation or charge, or are considering an appeal or post-conviction motion, we offer a paid, one-hour initial consultation to review the matter and the options.
What This Page Covers
Elizabeth Franklin-Best — Principal Attorney
Elizabeth Franklin-Best is our principal attorney. Over more than two decades of federal criminal defense and appellate practice, she has earned admission to the U.S. Supreme Court and all twelve regional U.S. Courts of Appeals, and she is a member of the South Carolina and New York state bars. She carries two national recognitions in 2026: a Best Lawyers in America listing in Appellate Practice and a Chambers USA ranking for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations. The author of Reversing Your Criminal Conviction, she leads our federal trial, appellate, and post-conviction work.
Christopher Zoukis — Managing Director
Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, is our Managing Director and a nationally recognized authority on federal prison policy — designation, sentence computation, discipline, the First Step Act, and reentry. He is the author of multiple books on the federal prison system. Christopher leads our strategic direction and operations.
LaDonna Falvey — Lead Paralegal and Firm Administrator
LaDonna Falvey is our Lead Paralegal and Firm Administrator. She brings more than 15 years of award-winning investigative journalism, along with paralegal training, and she supports our appellate briefs, post-conviction motions, and compassionate release petitions.
Kimberly Zoukis — Operations Manager
Kimberly Zoukis is our Operations Manager. She oversees client care, intake, and day-to-day firm operations, and has been with our firm and its predecessors since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C.?
Our firm is led by principal attorney Elizabeth Franklin-Best, who has practiced federal criminal defense and appellate law for more than two decades and is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and all 12 U.S. Courts of Appeals. Her white-collar work is ranked by Chambers USA in its 2026 guide for Litigation: White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations.
Who will handle my federal case?
Federal trial, appellate, and post-conviction matters are led by our principal attorney, Elizabeth Franklin-Best, with support from our paralegal and operations team. The specific staffing of a matter is discussed during the initial consultation.
How do I get in touch with the team?
The best first step is to schedule a paid, one-hour initial consultation through our booking page. You can also reach us through our Contact page.
Talk With a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a federal investigation or charge — or are considering an appeal or post-conviction motion — we offer a paid, one-hour initial consultation to review the matter and the path forward.