Robert W. Zelnick, Entertainment Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Entertainment, General, and International · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMcdermott Will And Emery Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing entertainment in Washington since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 6
- Bar admissions
Are you Robert W. Zelnick?
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Quick answer
Robert W. Zelnick is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and International. Robert has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Entertainment · General · International
- Handles Entertainment, General, and International matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Robert W. Zelnick: Robert W. Zelnick is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and International. Robert has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Robert's practice areas in Washington
Robert concentrates on entertainment, general, international, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Entertainment
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General
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International
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IP
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Litigation
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Trademark
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Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
International cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert takes international 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.
IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Robert takes ip 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.
Biography
Robert W. Zelnick, entertainment attorney serving Washington
Robert W. Zelnick is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Entertainment, General, and International. Robert has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Robert works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on entertainment matters across the region.
Mr. Robert W. Zelnick is a lawyer practicing trademark infringement, advertising, promotions & entertainment, alcohol regulatory & distribution and 5 other areas of law. Robert received a A.B. degree from Lafayette College in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Robert practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Washington, DC.
Robert's approach to entertainment cases
Mr. Robert W. Zelnick is a lawyer practicing trademark infringement, advertising, promotions & entertainment, alcohol regulatory & distribution and 5 other areas of law. Robert received a A.B. degree from Lafayette College in 1987, and has been licensed for 36 years. Robert practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Washington, DC.
The kind of cases Robert takes
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for entertainment, general, and international matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Robert studied and practices
George Washington University Law School
J.D. · 1990
Lafayette College
A.B. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court a
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1992 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1991 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1990 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in George Washington University Law School and A.B. in Lafayette College.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in George Washington University Law School and A.B. in Lafayette College. 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
Robert's legal honors and published work
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
Robert's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Assn
membership
of the District of Columbia American Bar Assn
membership
(Member, Sections on: Litigation Patent, Trademark and Copyright) International Trademark Assn
membership
(Member, Meetings and Advanced Trial Advocacy Committees)
membership
Locations
Robert W. Zelnick's office in Washington
Robert's primary office is at The McDermott Bldg., 500 N. Capitol St., N. W., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp
The McDermott Bldg., 500 N. Capitol St., N. W.
Washington, DC 20001
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Robert W. Zelnick — 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing entertainment attorneys in Washington.
4.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert W. Zelnick claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert W. Zelnick — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new entertainment 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 entertainment attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many entertainment 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 entertainment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every entertainment 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 entertainment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert W. Zelnick
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a entertainment 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 entertainment attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do entertainment cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple entertainment 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 entertainment 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
Entertainment attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Robert handles entertainment matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified entertainment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated entertainment attorneys in District of Columbia
If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these entertainment attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Martin Jacobs
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David Franklin Freeman, Jr.
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Elizabeth Carrott Minnigh
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