How much does it cost to hire Fern for a class action case?

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

Does Fern offer a free consultation?

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

How long do class action cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple class action 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. Fern gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Fern take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Fern 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 — Fern 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 Fern?

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. Fern will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Fern accepting new class action clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Fern Phillips O'Brian, Class Action Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Class Action, General, and Litigation

PartneratThompson Hine Llp

Washington, DC

Practicing class action in Washington since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Class Action General Litigation Personal Injury Product Liability

Are you Fern Phillips O'Brian?

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Quick answer

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Class Action · General · Litigation

Handles Class Action, General, and Litigation matters from Washington, DC.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Fern's practice areas in Washington

Fern concentrates on class action, general, litigation, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Fern handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Class Action cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Fern takes class action 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 Fern agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Fern takes general 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 Fern agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Fern 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 Fern agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Fern takes personal injury 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 Fern agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Fern takes product liability 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 Fern agrees to represent you.

Biography

Fern Phillips O'Brian, class action attorney serving Washington

Fern Phillips O'Brian is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Class Action, General, and Litigation. Fern has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson Hine Llp. Fern works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on class action matters across the region.

Fern Phillips O'Brian is a lawyer practicing litigation, product liability, toxic tort and 2 other areas of law. Fern received a B.A. degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978, and has been licensed for 42 years. Fern practices at Thompson Hine LLP in Washington, DC.

Working with Fern on a class action matter

Clients Fern works with

Fern reviews new inquiries case-by-case for class action, general, and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Fern studied and practices

Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. · 1983
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A. · 1978

Jurisdictions

Fern's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1985 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1984 · ACTIVE

Fern studied at J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Law school and academic background

Fern completed J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Fern runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Fern's professional memberships and bar associations

American Bar Association (Member, Litigation Section, Product Liability Committee) American Law Institute Defense Research Institute
membership

Locations

Fern Phillips O'Brian's office in Washington

Fern's primary office is at 1919 M St. N.W., Ste. 700, Washington, DC, 20036-1600. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Thompson Hine Llp

1919 M St. N.W., Ste. 700

Washington, DC 20036-1600

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Fern Phillips O'Brian

Fern has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Fern Phillips O'Brian — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Fern charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Fern'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; Fern will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a class action attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many class action 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 Fern

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every class action 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. Fern confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Fern's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many class action practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Fern Phillips O'Brian

How much does it cost to hire Fern for a class action case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Fern walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Fern offer a free consultation?
Fern charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Fern's office. Some class action attorneys offer free consults — check Fern's current terms during booking.
How long do class action cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple class action 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. Fern gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Fern take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Fern 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 — Fern 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 Fern?
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. Fern will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Fern accepting new class action clients right now?
Fern's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Class Action attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Fern handles class action matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified class action attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Fern's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these class action attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.