
David Blair Killalea, Bankruptcy Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Chapter 7, and Consumer
Partner, LitigationatManatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Washington, DC
Practicing bankruptcy in Washington since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you David Blair Killalea?
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Quick answer
David Blair Killalea is a partner, litigation based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 7, and Consumer. David has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Chapter 7 · Consumer
- Handles Bankruptcy, Chapter 7, and Consumer matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About David Blair Killalea: David Blair Killalea is a partner, litigation based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 7, and Consumer. David has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David Blair Killalea
David concentrates on bankruptcy, chapter 7, consumer, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Chapter 7
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Consumer
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Class Action
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Bankruptcy cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes bankruptcy matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Chapter 7 cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes chapter 7 matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes consumer matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes insurance matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David Blair Killalea — Over 38 years of District of Columbia bankruptcy experience
David Blair Killalea is a partner, litigation based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 7, and Consumer. David has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
David Blair Killalea is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy / chapter 7, insurance recovery, litigation and 1 other area of law. David received a B.A. degree from Virginia Tech in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. David practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Washington, DC.
How David handles bankruptcy matters
David Blair Killalea is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy / chapter 7, insurance recovery, litigation and 1 other area of law. David received a B.A. degree from Virginia Tech in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. David practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Washington, DC.
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, chapter 7, and consumer matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
David Blair Killalea's legal education and bar admissions
University of Virginia School of Law J.D. 1988 Executive Editor University of Virginia School of Law J.D. Journal of Law and Politics
—
Virginia Tech
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1989 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1988 · ACTIVE
David studied at — in University of Virginia School of Law J.D. 1988 Executive Editor University of Virginia School of Law J.D. Journal of Law and Politics and B.A. in Virginia Tech.
Law school and academic background
David completed — in University of Virginia School of Law J.D. 1988 Executive Editor University of Virginia School of Law J.D. Journal of Law and Politics and B.A. in Virginia Tech. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
Membership Activities Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Virginia
membership
Locations
David Blair Killalea's office in Washington
David's primary office is at One Metro Center, 700 12th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
One Metro Center, 700 12th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David Blair Killalea — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David Blair Killalea
How much does it cost to hire David for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Washington?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
David handles bankruptcy matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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