Ris Lacoste After years away from the local dining scene, the former 1789 chef is getting closer to opening her new place in DC’s West End.

Robert Bennett After 20 years at Skadden, Arps, the legendary white-collar defender jumped to Hogan & Hartson in September, making him the latest of a string of litigation partners to depart Skadden this year.

Helen Mirren The famed British actress (and dame) has been the toast of the town while starring in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s sold-out production of Phèdre.

Van Jones The Obama “green-jobs czar” became one of the first casualties of the administration when he resigned after controversial old comments resurfaced.

Casey Wilson The Alexandria native—and daughter of Republican political consultant Paul Wilson—was recently let go after two seasons on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. What’s it really like working on the show?

Christopher Nassetta The head of Hilton Hotels is moving into his new corporate headquarters in Tysons Corner, bringing approximately 300 jobs to the region.

This article first appeared in the October 2009 issue of The Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.