How much does it cost to hire Kwame for a criminal defense case?

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

Does Kwame offer a free consultation?

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

How long do criminal defense cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple criminal defense 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. Kwame gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Kwame 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 — Kwame 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 Kwame?

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

Is Kwame accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Kwame J. Manley, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar

Washington, DC

Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Washington.

Practices in

Criminal Defense White Collar

Are you Kwame J. Manley?

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.

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Quick answer

Kwame J. Manley is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.

Based in: Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Experience: attorney
Known for: Criminal Defense · White Collar

Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).

Areas of practice

Kwame's practice areas in Washington

Kwame concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kwame handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Kwame takes criminal defense 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 Kwame agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Kwame takes white collar 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 Kwame agrees to represent you.

Biography

Kwame J. Manley, criminal defense attorney serving Washington

Kwame J. Manley is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar. Kwame works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

Kwame Manley is the Global Co-Chair of the Paul Hastings Litigation Department, and the former Chair of the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice at Paul Hastings. Based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, Mr. Manley focuses his practice on white-collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and complex civil litigation.

A former federal prosecutor, Mr. Manley defends individuals and companies before various agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal and state entities. He has worked with multinational companies on all facets of FCPA and OFAC compliance and enforcement, including internal investigations, third-party due diligence, transactional due diligence, compliance audits, and corruption risk assessments. Mr. Manley has performed complex, internal investigations in over 20 countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America.

Chambers USA recently noted that Mr. Manley has “impressive experience across a range of mandates, including matters relating to FCPA and sanctions violations, as well as representing individual clients in high-profile investigations,” and that he “has excellent judgment, and a lot of credibility within the DC legal community.”

Chambers USA also noted Kwame Manley “for his experience as a DOJ-appointed monitor,” and, in their clients survey, remarked that he “is very personable and has great client relationships,” he “knows what questions need to be asked, and how to deal with regulators,” he is “an excellent practitioner,” and that, “[i]n court I was very proud he was my attorney; he took control of the whole room, and it was really something to watch.”

How Kwame handles criminal defense matters

Kwame Manley is the Global Co-Chair of the Paul Hastings Litigation Department, and the former Chair of the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice at Paul Hastings. Based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, Mr. Manley focuses his practice on white-collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and complex civil litigation. A former federal prosecutor, Mr. Manley defends…

The kind of cases Kwame takes

Kwame reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Kwame studied and practices

Harvard University
J.D. · 2001

Kwame studied at J.D. in Harvard University.

Law school and academic background

Kwame completed J.D. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kwame runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Kwame's legal honors and published work

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

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).

Locations

Kwame J. Manley's office in Washington

Kwame's primary office is at 2050 M Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

2050 M Street NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20036

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Kwame J. Manley

Kwame 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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Only verified clients who have consulted with Kwame J. Manley can leave a review.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Kwame J. Manley — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Kwame

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense 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. Kwame confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Kwame J. Manley

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

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Kwame J. Manley. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Arizona

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

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

More counsel

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