Francis D Carter, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatZuckerman Spaeder Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing business in Washington since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Francis D Carter?
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Quick answer
Francis D Carter is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Francis has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuckerman Spaeder Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Business · Civil Rights · Criminal Defense
- Handles Business, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Francis D Carter: Francis D Carter is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Francis has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuckerman Spaeder Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Francis takes on
Francis concentrates on business, civil rights, criminal defense, employment, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Employment
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Francis takes business 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Francis takes civil rights 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Francis takes criminal defense 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Francis takes employment 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Francis takes family law 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 Francis agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Francis D Carter — business lawyer in Washington
Francis D Carter is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Francis has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuckerman Spaeder Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Francis D Carter is a lawyer practicing complex civil, criminal practice, litigation in all courts and 6 other areas of law. Francis received a A.B. degree from Villanova University in 1968, and has been licensed for 53 years. Francis practices at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in Washington, DC.
Francis's approach to business cases
Francis D Carter is a lawyer practicing complex civil, criminal practice, litigation in all courts and 6 other areas of law. Francis received a A.B. degree from Villanova University in 1968, and has been licensed for 53 years. Francis practices at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in Washington, DC.
The kind of cases Francis takes
Francis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, civil rights, and criminal defense matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
George Washington University
J.D. · 1972
Villanova University
A.B. · 1968
Jurisdictions
Francis's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1980 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1973 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1973 · ACTIVE
Francis studied at J.D. in George Washington University and A.B. in Villanova University.
Law school and academic background
Francis completed J.D. in George Washington University and A.B. in Villanova University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francis runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Francis has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Francis's professional memberships and bar associations
District of Columbia Bar
Member, Board on Professional Responsibility, 1985-1993 Secretary, 1980-1981 Member, Nominating Committee, 1978 Chairman, 1998 Member, Executive Committee and Board of Governors, 1999-2005) Bar Association of the District of Columbia (Member, Executive Co · membership
Locations
Francis D Carter's office in Washington
Francis's primary office is at 1800 M Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20036-5802. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Zuckerman Spaeder Llp
1800 M Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036-5802
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Francis D Carter — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Francis. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Washington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Francis D Carter claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Francis D Carter — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francis usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Francis charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis'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; Francis will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Francis
Francis discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Francis confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Francis's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Francis D Carter
How much does it cost to hire Francis for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francis walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francis offer a free consultation?
Francis charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francis's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Francis's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple business 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. Francis gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francis take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Francis 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 — Francis 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 Francis?
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. Francis will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francis accepting new business clients right now?
Francis's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Francis handles business matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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