Seth P Waxman, Appellate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Chair, Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Practice GroupatWilmerhale
Washington, DC
Practicing appellate in Washington since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Seth P Waxman?
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Quick answer
Seth P Waxman is a chair, appellate and supreme court litigation practice group based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. Seth has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilmerhale. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Appellate · General · Government
- Handles Appellate, General, and Government matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Seth P Waxman: Seth P Waxman is a chair, appellate and supreme court litigation practice group based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. Seth has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilmerhale. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Seth takes on
Seth concentrates on appellate, general, government, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Seth handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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General
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Government
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IP
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Seth takes appellate 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 Seth agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Seth 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 Seth agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Seth takes government 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 Seth agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Seth 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 Seth agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Seth 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 Seth agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Seth P Waxman — appellate lawyer in Washington
Seth P Waxman is a chair, appellate and supreme court litigation practice group based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. Seth has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilmerhale. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Seth P Waxman is a lawyer practicing litigation/controversy, appellate and supreme court litigation, government and regulatory litigation and 10 other areas of law. Seth received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1973, and has been licensed for 48 years. Seth practices at WilmerHale in Washington, DC.
How Seth handles appellate matters
Seth P Waxman is a lawyer practicing litigation/controversy, appellate and supreme court litigation, government and regulatory litigation and 10 other areas of law. Seth received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1973, and has been licensed for 48 years. Seth practices at WilmerHale in Washington, DC.
Who Seth represents
Seth reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, general, and government matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Yale University
J.D. · 1977
Harvard University
A.B. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Seth's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1978 · ACTIVE
Seth studied at J.D. in Yale University and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Seth completed J.D. in Yale University and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Seth runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Seth has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Seth's professional memberships and bar associations
John F. Kennedy School of Government, Institute of Politics, Harvard University, 2001. Honorary Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, awarded 2001. Solicitor General of the United States, 1997-2001. Acting Deputy Attorney General of the United S
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Bruce J. Ennis Foundation
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Committee to Visit Harvard College
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Jewish Publication Society National Council. Master, Edward Coke Appellate Inn of Court. Phi Beta Kappa. Rockefeller Fellow. Recipient: Thomas Jefferson Medal in Law, University of Virginia, 2002
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Rex Lee Advocacy Award, Brigham Young University, 2002
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Edmund J. Randolph Award, United States Department of Justice, 2001
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Pursuit of Justice Award, International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, 2001
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American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award, 1988
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Anti-Defamation League Benjamin J. Cardozo Certificate of Merit, 1987. Law Clerk to Judge Gerhard A. Gesell, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, 1977-1978. Editor, 1975-1976, and Managing Editor, 1976-1977, Yale Law Journal. Author: "The Combatant-
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"Limits on Patentability in Life Sciences: Claims Covering Expressed Sequence Tags" (with William F. Lee, Henry N. Wixon, and Richard W. O'Neill) (Sedona 2005)
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"Free Expression in Wartime: Some Reflections on the American Experience," published by Tsinghua University (in Mandarin) (2004)
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"Justice Byron R. White, Memorial Observance," 52 Catholic U. L. Rev. 973 (2003)
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"What Kind of Immunity? Federal Officers, State Criminal Law, and the Supremacy Clause," 112 Yale L.J. (May 2003)
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"Federalism, Law Enforcement, and the Supremacy Clause: The Strange Case of Ruby Ridge," 50 U. Kan. L. Rev. 141 (2002)
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"Rebuilding Bridges: The Bar, the Bench, and the Academy," 150 Penn. L. Rev. 1905 (2002)
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"Does the Solicitor General Matter?" 52 Stan. L. Rev. 1115 (2001)
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"Defending Congress," 79 N.C. L. Rev. 1073 (2001)
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"In the Shadow of Daniel Webster: Arguing Appeals in the Twenty-First Century," The Federal Lawyer, Vol. 47, No. 10 (2000)
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"Twins at Birth: Civil Rights and the Role of the Solicitor General," 75 Ind. L.J. 1297 (2000)
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"The Physics of Persuasion: Arguing the New Deal," 88 Geo. L.J. 2399 (2000)
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"'Presenting the Case of the United States As It Should Be': The Solicitor General in Historical Context," J.S. Ct. Hist., Vol. II, at 3 (1998)
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"Balancing the See-Saw: The Religion Clauses in the Clinton Era," 99 The Jewish Lawyer, Vol. II, No. 2 (1996)
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"Enforcing a Congressional Mandate," 85 Yale L.J. 721 (1976). Member: The District of Columbia Bar
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American Bar Association
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American College of Trial Lawyers
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American Academy of Appellate Attorneys
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American Law Institute
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American Bar Foundation. Trustee: Supreme Court Historical Society
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Supreme Court Institute
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Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
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National Legal Center for the Public Interest
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Locations
Seth P Waxman's office in Washington
Seth's primary office is at 2100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC, 20037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Seth P Waxman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Seth. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate 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 Seth P Waxman claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Seth P Waxman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Seth usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Seth charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Seth'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; Seth will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Seth
Seth discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Seth confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Seth's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Seth P Waxman
How much does it cost to hire Seth for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Seth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Seth offer a free consultation?
Seth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Seth's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Seth's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Seth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Seth take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Seth 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 — Seth 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 Seth?
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. Seth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Seth accepting new appellate clients right now?
Seth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Seth handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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