Leo Rin Tsao, Appellate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Government, and Litigation
Washington, DC
Practicing appellate in Washington since 1999.
- 27+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Leo Rin Tsao is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Government, and Litigation. Leo has over 27 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 27 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Government · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Government, and Litigation matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Leo Rin Tsao: Leo Rin Tsao is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Government, and Litigation. Leo has over 27 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Leo's practice areas in Washington
Leo concentrates on appellate, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Leo handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Government
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Leo 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 Leo agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Leo takes government 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 Leo agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Leo 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 Leo agrees to represent you.
Biography
Leo Rin Tsao, appellate attorney serving Washington
Leo Rin Tsao is an attorney based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Government, and Litigation. Leo has over 27 years of legal experience. Leo works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Leo Rin Tsao is a lawyer practicing government, appeals, litigation. Leo received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1992, and has been licensed for 27 years. Leo practices in Washington, DC.
Working with Leo on a appellate matter
Leo Rin Tsao is a lawyer practicing government, appeals, litigation. Leo received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1992, and has been licensed for 27 years. Leo practices in Washington, DC.
Clients Leo works with
Leo reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, government, and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Leo studied and practices
Cornell Law School
J.D. · 1998
Rutgers University
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Leo's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
2001 · ACTIVE
New York
1999 · ACTIVE
Leo studied at J.D. in Cornell Law School and B.A. in Rutgers University.
Law school and academic background
Leo completed J.D. in Cornell Law School and B.A. in Rutgers University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Leo runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Leo Rin Tsao's office in Washington
Leo's primary office is at 1400 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20005-2107. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Leo Rin Tsao
Leo 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 Leo Rin Tsao — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Leo usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Leo charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leo'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; Leo 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 Leo
Leo 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. Leo confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Leo'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 Leo Rin Tsao
How much does it cost to hire Leo for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Leo walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Leo offer a free consultation?
Leo charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leo's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Leo'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. Leo gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Leo take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Leo 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 — Leo 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 Leo?
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. Leo will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Leo accepting new appellate clients right now?
Leo'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
Leo 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.
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