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Hilary Stephen Cairnie, Business Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment Contracts, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratTroutman Pepper Locke

Washington, DC

Practicing business in Washington since 1989.

37+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
5
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Hilary Stephen Cairnie is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, Employment Contracts, and General. Hilary has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Troutman Pepper Locke. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Washington, DC
Experience
over 37 years
Known for
Business · Employment Contracts · General
  • Handles Business, Employment Contracts, and General matters from Washington, DC.
  • Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Hilary Stephen Cairnie: Hilary Stephen Cairnie is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, Employment Contracts, and General. Hilary has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Troutman Pepper Locke. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Hilary Stephen Cairnie

Hilary concentrates on business, employment contracts, general, government, and international. Each area below outlines the kind of case Hilary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Hilary takes business 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 Hilary agrees to represent you.

Employment Contracts cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Hilary takes employment contracts 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 Hilary agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Hilary 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 Hilary agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Hilary 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 Hilary agrees to represent you.

International cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Hilary 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 Hilary agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Hilary Stephen Cairnie — Over 37 years of District of Columbia business experience

Hilary Stephen Cairnie is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Business, Employment Contracts, and General. Hilary has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Troutman Pepper Locke. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Hilary Stephen Cairnie is a lawyer practicing business, government contracts, government policy and 8 other areas of law. Hilary received a S.M. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981, and has been licensed for 37 years. Hilary practices at Troutman Pepper Locke in Washington, DC.

Working with Hilary on a business matter

Mr. Hilary Stephen Cairnie is a lawyer practicing business, government contracts, government policy and 8 other areas of law. Hilary received a S.M. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981, and has been licensed for 37 years. Hilary practices at Troutman Pepper Locke in Washington, DC.

Who Hilary represents

Hilary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment contracts, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Hilary Stephen Cairnie's legal education and bar admissions

  • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

    J.D. · 1989

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    S.M. Purdue · 1981

Jurisdictions

Hilary's state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Federa

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1990 · ACTIVE

  • Virginia

    1989 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1989 · ACTIVE

Hilary studied at J.D. in Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and S.M. Purdue in Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Law school and academic background

Hilary completed J.D. in Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and S.M. Purdue in Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Hilary runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Hilary Stephen Cairnie

Hilary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Hilary Stephen Cairnie's office in Washington

Hilary's primary office is at Hamilton Square, 401 9th St., N.W., Ste. 1000, Washington, DC, 20004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Troutman Pepper Locke

Hamilton Square, 401 9th St., N.W., Ste. 1000

Washington, DC 20004

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Hilary Stephen Cairnie — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Hilary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business 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 Hilary Stephen Cairnie claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Hilary Stephen Cairnie — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Hilary

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Hilary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Hilary Stephen Cairnie

  • How much does it cost to hire Hilary for a business case?

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

  • Does Hilary offer a free consultation?

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

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

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

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

    Hilary 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 — Hilary 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 Hilary?

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

  • Is Hilary accepting new business clients right now?

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

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

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