Established 1989 · Washington D.C.

Trusted Legal
Excellence
Since 1989

Hamilton & Reed delivers authoritative legal counsel to individuals, families, and corporations. With 35 years of courtroom and boardroom experience, we protect what matters most.

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Cases Won
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Years Active
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Client Satisfaction

Our Practice Areas

Comprehensive legal representation across the full spectrum of your needs — from boardroom negotiations to family court proceedings.

Corporate Law

Mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and regulatory compliance for businesses at every stage of growth.

Real Estate Law

Residential and commercial transactions, title disputes, leasing agreements, zoning issues, and property litigation handled with precision.

Family Law

Divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, adoption, prenuptial agreements, and domestic relations matters handled with sensitivity.

Employment Law

Workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, non-compete clauses, executive compensation, and EEOC compliance for employers and employees.

Civil Litigation

Aggressive courtroom representation in complex civil disputes, tort claims, breach of contract actions, and multi-party litigation.

Contract Review

Thorough analysis and drafting of commercial contracts, NDAs, partnership agreements, and service contracts to safeguard your interests.

"Justice is the constant and perpetual will to render to every man his due."
— Justinian I

A Legacy of Legal Integrity

Founded in 1989 by Charles Hamilton and Margaret Reed, our firm was built on a single conviction: that every client deserves the level of representation typically reserved for the largest corporations. From a two-attorney practice in Georgetown, we have grown into one of Washington D.C.'s most respected full-service law firms.

Today, Hamilton & Reed employs 18 attorneys across six practice areas, supported by a dedicated team of paralegals and legal analysts. We have litigated landmark cases before the D.C. Circuit and counseled Fortune 500 companies through their most consequential transactions.

ABA Board Certified
All senior partners hold ABA board certifications in their respective practice areas.
Super Lawyers Recognized
Four attorneys recognized in the 2024 Super Lawyers list for the Mid-Atlantic region.
Martindale-Hubbell AA+
Highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards for 20+ consecutive years.
Pro Bono Commitment
Over 2,400 pro bono hours contributed annually to underserved D.C. communities.
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Why Clients Choose Hamilton & Reed

We combine the resources of a large firm with the responsiveness and personal attention of a boutique practice.

Strategic Thinking

We assess risk and opportunity holistically — every legal strategy is designed around your long-term goals, not just immediate outcomes.

Clear Communication

We eliminate legal jargon and keep you fully informed at every stage. You will always understand your position and available options.

Responsive Service

Our attorneys respond to client inquiries within 24 hours. Urgent matters receive same-day attention from your designated lead attorney.

Transparent Billing

Detailed billing statements, fixed-fee options for standard matters, and no surprise invoices. You always know what you are paying for.

Meet the Legal Team

Our attorneys bring decades of courtroom experience and academic excellence to every matter they handle.

Charles A. Hamilton

Founding Partner · Corporate Law

Harvard Law School graduate and former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission counsel. Charles has advised on over $4.2 billion in M&A transactions over his 35-year career.

Corporate M&A SEC Compliance Governance

Margaret E. Reed

Founding Partner · Family & Civil Law

Yale Law School, Order of the Coif. Margaret is a nationally recognized authority in high-net-worth family law and has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association for 12 consecutive years.

Family Law Civil Litigation Mediation

Jonathan D. Mercer

Senior Partner · Real Estate & Employment

Georgetown University Law Center. Jonathan leads our real estate and employment practice groups. He has successfully negotiated commercial property portfolios exceeding $800 million in value.

Real Estate Employment Contracts

Case Highlights & Firm Achievements

$2.7B+
In Recovered Damages
1,400+
Successful Cases
340+
Corporate Clients
47
Industry Awards
Corporate · 2023

Meridian Capital v. NovaTech Industries

Successfully defended NovaTech against a $180M shareholder derivative lawsuit, achieving full dismissal at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Real Estate · 2022

Arlington Mixed-Use Development

Structured and closed a $340M commercial real estate portfolio transaction spanning 14 properties across the greater D.C. metro area.

Employment · 2024

Class Action: Patterson v. Global Retail Corp.

Lead counsel in a 2,300-member wage theft class action, securing a $47.5M settlement — the largest employment settlement in D.C. in 2024.

What Our Clients Say

"Hamilton & Reed guided us through a complex acquisition that three other firms declined to take on. Charles Hamilton's knowledge of SEC regulations saved our company from a potentially devastating compliance error. Their fees were competitive and entirely transparent from day one."
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Robert Kessler
CEO, Kessler-Dolan Technologies
"Going through a divorce with significant assets was terrifying. Margaret Reed treated my case with extraordinary care and professionalism. She was always reachable, never made me feel like just another client, and the outcome exceeded everything I hoped for. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
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Sandra Pemberton
Private Client · Family Law
"Jonathan Mercer and his team handled a contentious commercial lease dispute that had dragged on for two years before we hired them. Within four months they reached a settlement that was far better than what we thought possible. Exceptional strategic lawyers."
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Thomas Whitmore
Director, Whitmore & Associates Commercial Group

Ready to Speak with an Attorney?

Every legal matter is time-sensitive. Book a confidential consultation today and let our experienced team evaluate your situation at no obligation.

All consultations are strictly confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

Office Location & Hours

Main Office

1200 K Street NW, Suite 1800
Washington, D.C. 20005
United States
+1 (202) 555-0199

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday By Appointment Only
Sunday Closed
Emergency legal matters: 24-hour answering service available.
1200 K Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
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"The initial consultation is your opportunity to understand your legal position fully — and ours to understand how we can best serve you. There is no pressure, no obligation."

— Charles Hamilton, Founding Partner

Accreditations

ABA Certified
Super Lawyers 2024
Martindale AA+
DC Bar Certified