McClain Thompson, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
focused on Business and Litigation
Washington, DC
Trusted business attorney serving Washington.
Practices in
Are you McClain Thompson?
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Quick answer
McClain Thompson is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Litigation
- Handles Business and Litigation matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About McClain Thompson: McClain Thompson is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters McClain takes on
McClain concentrates on business and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case McClain handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia
McClain 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 McClain agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
McClain 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 McClain agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet McClain Thompson — business lawyer in Washington
McClain Thompson is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.
McClain Thompson is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Washington office.
He has litigated in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of clients like Avison Young, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Frontier Communications Corporation.
McClain maintains an active pro bono practice. He represented three federal prisoners in successful clemency petitions. He currently represents a capital inmate in post-conviction proceedings in Tennessee state court.
Before joining Kirkland, McClain clerked for Judge Duane Benton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Working with McClain on a business matter
McClain Thompson is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Washington office. He has litigated in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of clients like Avison Young, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Frontier Communications Corporation. McClain maintains an active pro bono practice. He represented three federal prisoners in successful clemency petitions.…
Who McClain represents
McClain reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard University
J.D. · 2014
McClain studied at J.D. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
McClain completed J.D. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice McClain runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
McClain has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
Locations
McClain Thompson's office in Washington
McClain's primary office is at 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of McClain Thompson
McClain has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire McClain Thompson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with McClain usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
McClain charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain McClain'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; McClain will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 McClain
McClain discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. McClain confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
McClain's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about McClain Thompson
How much does it cost to hire McClain for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. McClain walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does McClain offer a free consultation?
McClain charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain McClain's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check McClain's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple business 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. McClain gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can McClain take my case if I'm outside Washington?
McClain 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 — McClain 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 McClain?
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. McClain will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is McClain accepting new business clients right now?
McClain's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
McClain handles business matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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