Sam Kalen, Civil Rights Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Sam concentrates on civil rights, environmental, general, government, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sam handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Civil Rights

  View other Civil Rights attorneys

• Environmental

  View other Environmental attorneys

• General

  View other General attorneys

• Government

  View other Government attorneys

• Zoning

  View other Zoning attorneys

Sam's primary office is at 1050 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Seventh Fl., Washington, DC, 20007-3877. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

Sam discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Sam for a civil rights case?

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

• Does Sam offer a free consultation?

  Sam charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sam's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Sam's current terms during booking.

• How long do civil rights cases in District of Columbia typically take?

  Simple civil rights 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. Sam gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Sam take my case if I'm outside Washington?

  Sam 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 — Sam 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 Sam?

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

• Is Sam accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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