Austen Kolb Townsend, Employment Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Austen concentrates on employment, employment contracts, health care, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Austen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Employment

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• Employment Contracts

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• Health Care

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• Litigation

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Austen's primary office is at Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Office of The General, Washington, DC, 20002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Austen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Austen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Austen for a employment case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Austen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Austen offer a free consultation?

  Austen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Austen's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Austen's current terms during booking.

• How long do employment cases in District of Columbia typically take?

  Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Austen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Austen take my case if I'm outside Washington?

  Austen is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Austen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Austen?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Austen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Austen accepting new employment clients right now?

  Austen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.