John Townsend Rich, Appellate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratGoodwin Procter LLP
Washington, DC
Practicing appellate in Washington since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John Townsend Rich?
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Quick answer
John Townsend Rich is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. John has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goodwin Procter LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · General
- Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Townsend Rich: John Townsend Rich is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. John has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goodwin Procter LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John Townsend Rich
John concentrates on appellate, business, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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General
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John takes appellate 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.
Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John 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 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.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John Townsend Rich — Over 56 years of District of Columbia appellate experience
John Townsend Rich is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. John has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goodwin Procter LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Townsend Rich is a lawyer practicing appellate litigation, antitrust & competition, business litigation. John received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1965, and has been licensed for 56 years. John practices at Goodwin Procter LLP in Washington, DC.
How John handles appellate matters
John Townsend Rich is a lawyer practicing appellate litigation, antitrust & competition, business litigation. John received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1965, and has been licensed for 56 years. John practices at Goodwin Procter LLP in Washington, DC.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
John Townsend Rich's legal education and bar admissions
Yale University Law School
LL.B. · 1969
Harvard University
B.A. · 1965
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1972 · ACTIVE
New York U.S. Suprem
1970 · ACTIVE
John studied at LL.B. in Yale University Law School and B.A. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
John completed LL.B. in Yale University Law School and B.A. in Harvard 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of John Townsend Rich
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 Townsend Rich's office in Washington
John's primary office is at 901 New York Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Townsend Rich — 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 appellate 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 Townsend Rich claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Townsend Rich — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Townsend Rich
How much does it cost to hire John for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple appellate 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
John handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in District of Columbia
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Joseph John Bottiglieri
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Martin Jacobs
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David Franklin Freeman, Jr.
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