How much does it cost to hire David for a formation case?

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

Does David offer a free consultation?

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

How long do formation cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple formation 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Washington?

David 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 — David 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 David?

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

Is David accepting new formation clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David Farrell Smith, Formation Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Formation, General, and Government

MemberatCozen Oconnor

Washington, DC

Practicing formation in Washington since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Formation General Government International Maritime

Are you David Farrell Smith?

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Quick answer

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Formation · General · Government

Handles Formation, General, and Government matters from Washington, DC.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Washington

David concentrates on formation, general, government, international, and maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Formation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

David takes formation 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 David agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

International cases in Washington, District of Columbia

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

Maritime cases in Washington, District of Columbia

David takes maritime 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 David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David Farrell Smith, formation attorney serving Washington

David Farrell Smith is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Formation, General, and Government. David has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cozen Oconnor. David works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on formation matters across the region.

Mr. David Farrell Smith is a lawyer practicing administrative law, antitrust & trade law, corporate & incorporation and 3 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Duke University in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. David practices at Cozen O'Connor in Washington, DC.

David's approach to formation cases

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for formation, general, and government matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

George Washington University
J.D. · 1981
Duke University
B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in George Washington University and B.A. in Duke University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in George Washington University and B.A. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

David Farrell Smith's office in Washington

David's primary office is at 1200 19th St., NW 3rd Fl., Washington, DC, 20036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cozen Oconnor

1200 19th St., NW 3rd Fl.

Washington, DC 20036

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David Farrell Smith

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire David Farrell Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a formation attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many formation 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 David

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every formation 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many formation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Farrell Smith

How much does it cost to hire David for a formation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some formation attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do formation cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple formation 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Washington?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new formation clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Formation attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

David handles formation matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified formation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these formation attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.