How much does it cost to hire Michael for a formation 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 formation attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do formation cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple formation 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 formation 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 Trager, Formation Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Formation, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratArnold And Porter Llp

Washington, DC

Practicing formation in Washington since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Formation General Litigation Securities White Collar Class Action

Are you Michael Trager?

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.

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Quick answer

Michael Trager is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Formation, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnold And Porter Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Formation · General · Litigation

Handles Formation, General, and Litigation matters from Washington, DC.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on formation, general, litigation, securities, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Formation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes formation 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.

Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Securities cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes securities 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.

White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael Trager — formation lawyer in Washington

Michael Trager is a lawyer practicing securities, broker-dealer regulation, insider trading and 9 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Wesleyan University in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington, DC.

Michael's approach to formation cases

Clients Michael works with

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

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Boston University
J.D. · 1985
Wesleyan University
B.A. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1989 · ACTIVE
Florida
1988 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1986 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1985 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Boston University and B.A. in Wesleyan University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Boston University and B.A. in Wesleyan University. 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

The District of Columbia Bar American Bar Association
membership

Locations

Michael Trager's office in Washington

Michael's primary office is at 601 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Arnold And Porter Llp

601 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20001

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Trager — 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 formation 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 Trager claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Trager — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new formation 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 formation attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many formation 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 formation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every formation 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 formation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Trager

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a formation 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 formation attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do formation cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple formation 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 formation clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Formation attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Michael handles formation matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified formation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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