Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar
Washington, DC
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Washington.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
About Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer: Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Areas of practice
Jonathan's practice areas in Washington
Jonathan concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jonathan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Jonathan 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 Jonathan agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Jonathan takes white collar 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 Jonathan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer, criminal defense attorney serving Washington
Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. Jonathan works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Jonathan C. Drimmer is a partner in the firm's Washington, D.C., office, where he resolves anti-corruption, business and human rights and other complex cross-border challenges with the benefit of having sat in every chair at the table: senior legal officer for a global 500 company, federal prosecutor, and seasoned advocate. He is a frequent speaker, author, and commentator on issues related to anti-corruption and business and human rights, and represents and advises companies, individuals, multi-stakeholder initiatives, government entities and civil society organizations on both topics.
Before joining Paul Hastings, he was Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Barrick Gold, one of the world's largest mining companies, with operations on five continents. The compliance program he built at Barrick has served as an industry standard, and elements of it have largely-been duplicated by numerous other companies inside and outside of the extractive sector.
Aspects of the program he helped build at Barrick are the subject of a 2016 Harvard Business School Case Study.
Mr. Drimmer has directed hundreds of investigations around the world related to anti-corruption and human rights, as well as AML and export controls, tax controversies, environmental incidents, public disclosures, fatalities and health and safety injuries, sexual harassment and discrimination, and similar areas. He has represented companies and individuals in numerous high-profile government enforcement proceedings in the U.S. and overseas, in relation to FCPA and bribery claims, human rights issues, and a wide array of other matters. He has participated in dozens of major disputes in the U.S., Canada, and abroad, including transnational torts, anti-corruption claims, environmental cases, international arbitrations, tax disputes, construction claims, and land controversies. He has been retained as an expert witness, both in relation to anti-corruption and business and human rights, and has assisted companies in building best-in-class anti-corruption and business and human rights compliance programs.
Mr. Drimmer also has wide-ranging experience in helping companies manage multi-faceted dilemmas in overseas activities, developing and managing solutions that may encompass civil, criminal, regulatory, and political dimensions. He has designed a variety of human rights remedy programs, and has particular experience in representing companies in non-judicial and quasi-judicial legal proceedings involving human rights and transnational torts, including OECD National Contact Point disputes, claims before international human rights commissions, and inquiries by UN offices and agencies.
He previously served in the Justice Department as Deputy Director of the Criminal Division's Office of Special Investigations, where he led cross-border investigations, first-chaired numerous prosecutions, and argued federal appeals. He was a partner at an Am Law 100 law firm in Washington, D.C., a former Bristow Fellow in the Office of the U.S. Solicitor General, and a judicial clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Drimmer served on the board of directors of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights Initiative from 2012-2014, and again from 2015-2017. He served on the board of TRACE International from 2012 until 2018, and currently sits on the board of the TRACE Foundation. He is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on the Future of Good Governance, and taught international law courses at Georgetown University Law Center for nearly 20 years.
Jonathan's approach to criminal defense cases
Jonathan C. Drimmer is a partner in the firm's Washington, D.C., office, where he resolves anti-corruption, business and human rights and other complex cross-border challenges with the benefit of having sat in every chair at the table: senior legal officer for a global 500 company, federal prosecutor, and seasoned advocate. He is a frequent speaker, author, and commentator on issues related to…
The kind of cases Jonathan takes
Jonathan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Jonathan studied and practices
University of California Los Angeles
J.D. · 1993
Jonathan studied at J.D. in University of California Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Jonathan completed J.D. in University of California Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jonathan runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Jonathan's legal honors and published work
Jonathan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
Locations
Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer's office in Washington
Jonathan's primary office is at 1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer
Jonathan 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jonathan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jonathan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan'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; Jonathan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Jonathan
Jonathan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. Jonathan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jonathan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jonathan C. "Jon" Drimmer
How much does it cost to hire Jonathan for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jonathan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jonathan offer a free consultation?
Jonathan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jonathan's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. Jonathan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jonathan take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Jonathan 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 — Jonathan 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 Jonathan?
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. Jonathan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jonathan accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Jonathan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Jonathan handles criminal defense matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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