
Stephen Otto Hessler, Construction Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Landlord/Tenant · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatOffit Kurman
Washington, DC
Practicing construction in Washington since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Stephen Otto Hessler?
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Quick answer
Stephen Otto Hessler is a principal based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Landlord/Tenant. Stephen has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Offit Kurman. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Construction · Estate Litigation · Landlord/Tenant
- Handles Construction, Estate Litigation, and Landlord/Tenant matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Stephen Otto Hessler: Stephen Otto Hessler is a principal based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Landlord/Tenant. Stephen has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Offit Kurman. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Stephen takes on
Stephen concentrates on construction, estate litigation, landlord/tenant, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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Estate Litigation
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Landlord/Tenant
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Real Estate
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Construction cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Stephen takes construction 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Stephen takes estate 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Landlord/Tenant cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Stephen takes landlord/tenant 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Stephen takes real estate 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Stephen Otto Hessler — construction lawyer in Washington
Stephen Otto Hessler is a principal based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Construction, Estate Litigation, and Landlord/Tenant. Stephen has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Offit Kurman. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Stephen Otto Hessler is a lawyer practicing construction law, landlord representation, real estate law and transactions and 2 other areas of law. Stephen received a A.B. degree from Muhlenberg College in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Stephen practices at Offit Kurman in Washington, DC.
Working with Stephen on a construction matter
Mr. Stephen Otto Hessler is a lawyer practicing construction law, landlord representation, real estate law and transactions and 2 other areas of law. Stephen received a A.B. degree from Muhlenberg College in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Stephen practices at Offit Kurman in Washington, DC.
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, estate litigation, and landlord/tenant matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
George Washington University National Law Center
J.D. · 1975
Muhlenberg College
A.B. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1977 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1976 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1976 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1975 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in George Washington University National Law Center and A.B. in Muhlenberg College.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in George Washington University National Law Center and A.B. in Muhlenberg College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations
The District of Columbia Bar Virginia State Bar American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Stephen Otto Hessler's office in Washington
Stephen's primary office is at 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen Otto Hessler — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in Washington.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Otto Hessler claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephen Otto Hessler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen Otto Hessler
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple construction 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?
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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new construction clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Stephen handles construction matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in District of Columbia
If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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