
John M. Pelkey, Civil Rights Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
OwneratFoster Garvey PC
Washington, DC
Practicing civil rights in Washington since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John M. Pelkey?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
John M. Pelkey is an owner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foster Garvey PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Entertainment · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John M. Pelkey: John M. Pelkey is an owner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foster Garvey PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Washington
John concentrates on civil rights, entertainment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
View other Civil Rights attorneys
Entertainment
View other Entertainment attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Civil Rights cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes entertainment 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 John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John M. Pelkey, civil rights attorney serving Washington
John M. Pelkey is an owner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Entertainment, and General. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foster Garvey PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
John M. Pelkey is a lawyer practicing communications law, first amendment law, radio law and 3 other areas of law. John M. received a degree from Georgetown University in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. John M. practices at Foster Garvey PC in Washington, DC.
Working with John on a civil rights matter
John M. Pelkey is a lawyer practicing communications law, first amendment law, radio law and 3 other areas of law. John M. received a degree from Georgetown University in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. John M. practices at Foster Garvey PC in Washington, DC.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, entertainment, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
Georgetown University
J.D. B.S.F.S. · 1975
Georgetown University
B.S.F.S. · 1972
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Virginia
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1977 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1975 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. B.S.F.S. in Georgetown University and B.S.F.S. in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. B.S.F.S. in Georgetown University and B.S.F.S. in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
John M. Pelkey's office in Washington
John's primary office is at Flour Mill Building, 1000 Potomac Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC, 20007-3501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Foster Garvey PC
Flour Mill Building, 1000 Potomac Street NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20007-3501
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John M. Pelkey — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights 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 John M. Pelkey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John M. Pelkey — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John M. Pelkey
How much does it cost to hire John for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Washington?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new civil rights clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
John handles civil rights matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in District of Columbia
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Bridget Michael Rohde
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 22

Joseph John Bottiglieri
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 20

Martin Jacobs
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 18

David Franklin Freeman, Jr.
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 16

Larry J. Stein
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 15

Elizabeth Carrott Minnigh
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 15