Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary, Employment Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Employment and Litigation
Washington, DC
Practicing employment in Washington since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. Gregory has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals (2026).
About Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary: Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. Gregory has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Gregory takes on
Gregory concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gregory handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Gregory takes employment 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 Gregory agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Gregory 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 Gregory agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary — employment lawyer in Washington
Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. Gregory has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP.
Gregory McGillivary is the managing partner of McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP. He has over 30 years of experience litigating, arbitrating, settling, and most importantly, winning multi-million-dollar cases on behalf of unions and individual workers who have been wrongly denied pay and benefits. He has represented tens of thousands of workers in a multitude of industries in both the public and private sector through all levels of the judiciary system and in arbitration. In addition to litigation, Greg has served as a negotiator to help obtain collective bargaining agreements for union members. He is an expert on wage and hour law as well as federal employee statutory benefits. He has a proven track record of winning cases with violations of minimum wage, overtime pay, shift differentials, hazardous duty pay requirements, and improper pay rates.
Greg pursues each and every case with a relentless drive to persevere until justice is achieved. Greg is the Editor-in-Chief on the Treatise published by Bloomberg/BNA Book “State Wage and Hour Laws”, which is now in its Third Edition, which covers how he has an unwavering awareness and incredibly firm grasp of the equal pay act and worker pay laws present in all 50 states, including those in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The Daily Labor Report’s recent profile on Greg shows how his passion for labor and employment law came as a product of his upbringing. Both of his grandfathers were union wood products workers who suffered workplace injuries. As mentioned in the book “Top Lawyers: The Secrets to Their Success,” Greg McGillivary knew “he wanted to pursue a career in the legal sector at a young age, and he knew he wanted to help employees who fall victim to unfair treatment in the workplace.” This early drive allowed Greg to devote his entire educational and professional career to the advancement of his labor and employment law knowledge and expertise.
Greg’s pursuit of justice extends beyond labor and employment law. He serves on the Board of Directors of Freedom Now, a human rights organization that fights for victims of human rights violations around the world. Greg, along with fellow MSE partner Reid Coploff, were also the co-recipients of the American Bar Association's 2015 Frances Perkins Public Service Award for their pro bono work on behalf of three labor activists in Vietnam who were unjustly and arbitrarily imprisoned by the Vietnamese Government.
In addition, Greg serves on the Board of Governors of the University Club of Washington, D.C. and is the chair of the executive committee as well as a past president of the Club.
Gregory's approach to employment cases
Gregory McGillivary is the managing partner of McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP. He has over 30 years of experience litigating, arbitrating, settling, and most importantly, winning multi-million-dollar cases on behalf of unions and individual workers who have been wrongly denied pay and benefits. He has represented tens of thousands of workers in a multitude of industries in both the public and…
Clients Gregory works with
Gregory reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Oregon
J.D. · 1983
Northwestern University
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Gregory's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1987 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1986 · ACTIVE
Washington
1984 · ACTIVE
Gregory studied at J.D. in University of Oregon and B.A. in Northwestern University.
Law school and academic background
Gregory completed J.D. in University of Oregon and B.A. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gregory runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Gregory has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Union
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — American Bar Association's 2015 Frances Perkins Public Service Award
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Union (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — American Bar Association's 2015 Frances Perkins Public Service Award (2026).
Locations
Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary's office in Washington
Gregory's primary office is at 1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, District of Columbia, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP
1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary
Gregory has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Gregory usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Gregory charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gregory'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; Gregory will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 Gregory
Gregory discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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. Gregory confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Gregory's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Gregory K. "Greg" McGillivary
How much does it cost to hire Gregory for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Gregory walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Gregory offer a free consultation?
Gregory charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Gregory's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Gregory's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple employment 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. Gregory gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Gregory take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Gregory 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 — Gregory 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 Gregory?
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. Gregory will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Gregory accepting new employment clients right now?
Gregory's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Gregory handles employment matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in District of Columbia
If Gregory's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Steven A Fredley
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 29

Bridget Michael Rohde
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 22

Rosa M. Koppel
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 22

Cameron Hajaran Tousi
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 21

Joseph John Bottiglieri
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 20

David Franklin Freeman, Jr.
Washington, District of Columbia
5.0· 16