Robert P. Trout, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation
Washington, DC
Trusted business attorney serving Washington.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Robert P. Trout is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · Litigation
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026).
About Robert P. Trout: Robert P. Trout is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Robert takes on
Robert concentrates on business, criminal defense, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert takes criminal defense 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Robert P. Trout — business lawyer in Washington
Robert P. Trout is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation.
Robert P. Trout has over 40 years' experience in civil and criminal litigation. His practice has concentrated primarily on complex commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense, as well as the defense of administrative agency enforcement actions. He began his legal career at the Department of Justice, where he served for two years in the Criminal Division, followed by four years as an Assistant United States Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Trout served as Associate Deputy Independent Counsel in 1995-96. In 1996, he founded Trout Cacheris & Solomon PLLC, where he practiced until joining Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears in 2021.
One of the original members of the Steering Committee of the Litigation Section of the District of Columbia Bar, Mr. Trout served as Chair of the Litigation Section in 1984-85. He previously served for six years, including one year as Chair, on the Attorney Grievance Committee of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He recently served as a member of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, which conducts evaluations of the professional qualifications of nominees to the federal bench. He has been active in the DC Bar's efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") and he has served as a volunteer mediator for both the United States District Court and the District of Columbia Superior Court. Mr. Trout is a member of the bars of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, and he is admitted to practice before a number of federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the Fourth Circuit, the Third Circuit, the Seventh Circuit, the Ninth Circuit, the Tenth Circuit, and the Federal Circuit, as well as the U.S. Tax Court.
Working with Robert on a business matter
Robert P. Trout has over 40 years' experience in civil and criminal litigation. His practice has concentrated primarily on complex commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense, as well as the defense of administrative agency enforcement actions. He began his legal career at the Department of Justice, where he served for two years in the Criminal Division, followed by four years as an…
Clients Robert works with
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Virginia
J.D. · 1975
Robert studied at J.D. in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Robert has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities (2026).
Locations
Robert P. Trout's office in Washington
Robert's primary office is at 555 13th Street, N.W., Suite 500 West, Washington, District of Columbia, 20004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
555 13th Street, N.W., Suite 500 West
Washington, District of Columbia 20004
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Client reviews of Robert P. Trout
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Robert P. Trout — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert 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 Robert
Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert'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 Robert P. Trout
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new business clients right now?
Robert'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
Robert 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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