Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs, General Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, DC
Trusted general attorney serving Washington.
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Quick answer
Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on General.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- General
- Handles General matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law (2026).
About Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs: Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on General.
Areas of practice
Jerald's practice areas in Washington
Jerald concentrates on general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jerald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Jerald 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 Jerald agrees to represent you.
Biography
Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs, general attorney serving Washington
Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on General. Jerald works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on general matters across the region.
Jerald A Jacobs is a Washington attorney and head of the Nonprofit Organizations practice of the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP law firm. That practice annually provides legal counseling and advocacy for over 150 national trade associations, professional societies, cause organizations, and charities. He is also head of the 75-attorney Public Practices and Public Policy Sections of the firm. His practice includes antitrust and trade regulation, health law, litigation, nonprofit corporate governance and transactions, federal income tax exemption, and federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting nonprofit organizations.
Mr. Jacobs is General Counsel for the American Society of Association Executives, the 22,000-member national professional society of nonprofit organization staff executives. He founded ASAE’s 4,000-member Legal Section, and for the past ten years he has been the keynote speaker at its Legal Symposium. He has received ASAE’s Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor presented to associate members of the Society.
Mr. Jacobs book credits include Association Law Handbook, 4th ed. (2007) and its biennial supplement Association Law Update (2009); Certification and Accreditation Law Handbook, 2nd ed. (2004; with Jefferson C. Glassie); Associations and the Law (2002); Federal Lobbying Law Handbook, 2nd ed. (1993); and Legal Risk Management for Associations (1995; with David W. Ogden).
Mr. Jacobs has advised the governments of the European Union and the Peoples Republic of China on nonprofit/nongovernmental organization issues.
Mr. Jacobs holds undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown University. He has served as an adjunct professor in the area of nonprofit organization law at The George Washington University. He is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia, before several federal district and circuit courts, and before the U.S. Supreme Court.How Jerald handles general matters
Jerald A Jacobs is a Washington attorney and head of the Nonprofit Organizations practice of the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP law firm. That practice annually provides legal counseling and advocacy for over 150 national trade associations, professional societies, cause organizations, and charities. He is also head of the 75-attorney Public Practices and Public Policy Sections of the firm.…
Who Jerald represents
Jerald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Jerald studied and practices
Georgetown University
— · 1967
Jerald studied at — in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
Jerald completed — in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jerald runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Jerald's legal honors and published work
Jerald has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Catholic Charities D.C. Award
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Barker Foundation Award
2026
Best Lawyers in America — ASAE Distinguished Service Award
2026
Best Lawyers in America — ABA Outstanding Nonprofit Lawyer
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Nonprofit / Charities Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Catholic Charities D.C. Award (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Barker Foundation Award (2026).
Locations
Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs's office in Washington
Jerald's primary office is at 1200 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jerald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jerald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jerald'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; Jerald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Jerald
Jerald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Jerald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jerald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jerald A. "Jerry" Jacobs
How much does it cost to hire Jerald for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jerald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jerald offer a free consultation?
Jerald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jerald's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Jerald's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple general 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. Jerald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jerald take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Jerald 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 — Jerald 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 Jerald?
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. Jerald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jerald accepting new general clients right now?
Jerald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Jerald handles general matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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