Richard Edwin Lear, Bankruptcy Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratHolland And Knight Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing bankruptcy in Washington since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Richard Edwin Lear?
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Quick answer
Richard Edwin Lear is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Entertainment, and General. Richard has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Holland And Knight Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Entertainment · General
- Handles Bankruptcy, Entertainment, and General matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Edwin Lear: Richard Edwin Lear is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Entertainment, and General. Richard has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Holland And Knight Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Richard Edwin Lear
Richard concentrates on bankruptcy, entertainment, general, health care, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Entertainment
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General
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Bankruptcy cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Richard takes bankruptcy 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Richard takes entertainment 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Richard takes health care 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Richard 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 Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Richard Edwin Lear — Over 43 years of District of Columbia bankruptcy experience
Richard Edwin Lear is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Entertainment, and General. Richard has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Holland And Knight Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Richard Edwin Lear is a lawyer practicing health care, construction & development, advertising and 2 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of New Hampshire, and has been licensed for 43 years. Richard practices at Holland & Knight LLP in Washington, DC.
How Richard handles bankruptcy matters
Mr. Richard Edwin Lear is a lawyer practicing health care, construction & development, advertising and 2 other areas of law. Richard received a B.A. degree from University of New Hampshire, and has been licensed for 43 years. Richard practices at Holland & Knight LLP in Washington, DC.
The kind of cases Richard takes
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, entertainment, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Richard Edwin Lear's legal education and bar admissions
Washington & Lee University School of Law J.D.
—
University of New Hampshire B.A. magna cum laude
—
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1986 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1985 · ACTIVE
New Hampshire
1983 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at — in Washington & Lee University School of Law J.D. and — in University of New Hampshire B.A. magna cum laude.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed — in Washington & Lee University School of Law J.D. and — in University of New Hampshire B.A. magna cum laude. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Richard Edwin Lear
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Richard Edwin Lear's office in Washington
Richard's primary office is at 800 17th St. N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington, DC, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Holland And Knight Llp
800 17th St. N.W., Ste. 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Richard Edwin Lear — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy 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 Richard Edwin Lear claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Edwin Lear — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Edwin Lear
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Richard 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 — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Richard handles bankruptcy matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in District of Columbia
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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