How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael B. Waitzkin, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatJames & Hoffman, P.C.

Washington, DC

Practicing business in Washington since 1974.

52+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Business General Government

Are you Michael B. Waitzkin?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Michael B. Waitzkin is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Government. Michael has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James & Hoffman, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 52 years
Known for: Business · General · Government

Handles Business, General, and Government matters from Washington, DC.
Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on business, general, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael B. Waitzkin — business lawyer in Washington

Michael B. Waitzkin graduated from the University of Virginia (BA 1971, Echols Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa), where he studied government and political philosophy. He received his law degree from Stanford University (JD 1974) and was a Fellow in Law, Science and Medicine at Yale Law School (LLM 1975).

He began his legal career at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, where he represented indigent criminal defendants in trial and appellate proceedings and served as Chief of the Trial Division. He worked for Sen. Edward Kennedy is his 1980 presidential campaign and has worked on numerous campaigns since that time. He entered private practice in 1981 and has extensive litigation experience in trial and appellate courts throughout the country, as well as before administrative agencies and in congressional inquiries.

He served as Special Counsel to the President in the White House Counsel’s Office (1997-98), where his principal responsibilities included management of numerous congressional and grand jury inquiries.

For the past decade, his practice has primarily focused on providing strategic counsel to the biomedical research community, including academics, government officials, private companies and non-profits. He has regularly lectured and taught at universities and professional training programs throughout the country.

He is a Senior Fellow in the Health Sector Management Program at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. He has served on numerous non-profit and public boards, including the Board of Visitors of the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke. He is currently on the Board of Visitors at Stanford Law School, where he serves on the Law, Science and Technology Advisory Board. He is the principal at Catawba Consulting.

How Michael handles business matters

Michael (Buz) Waitzkin’s varied legal career has taken him through the criminal and civil courts to the White House counsel’s office and the classrooms and boardrooms of the nation’s premier universities. Michael B. Waitzkin graduated from the University of Virginia (BA 1971, Echols Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa), where he studied government and political philosophy. He received his law degree from…

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and government matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Stanford University
J.D. Yale · 1974
University of Virginia
B.A. Government · 1971

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
1981 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1975 · ACTIVE
California
1974 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. Yale in Stanford University and B.A. Government in University of Virginia.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. Yale in Stanford University and B.A. Government in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

District of Columbia Bar State Bar of California
membership

Locations

Michael B. Waitzkin's office in Washington

Michael's primary office is at 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

James & Hoffman, P.C.

1629 K Street, NW, Suite 1050

Washington, DC 20006

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael B. Waitzkin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Michael B. Waitzkin claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael B. Waitzkin — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael 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 Michael

Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael B. Waitzkin

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Michael B. Waitzkin. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Michael 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.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.