
R Laird Hart, Appellate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Of CounselatCovington And Burling Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing appellate in Washington since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you R Laird Hart?
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Quick answer
R Laird Hart is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. R has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Covington And Burling Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Appellate · General · Government
- Handles Appellate, General, and Government matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About R Laird Hart: R Laird Hart is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. R has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Covington And Burling Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by R Laird Hart
R concentrates on appellate, general, government, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case R handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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General
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Government
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Tax
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ADR
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Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
R takes appellate 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 R agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
R 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 R agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia
R 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 R agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Washington, District of Columbia
R takes insurance 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 R agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
R 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 R agrees to represent you.
Biography
About R Laird Hart — Over 45 years of District of Columbia appellate experience
R Laird Hart is an of counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. R has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Covington And Burling Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
R Laird Hart is a lawyer practicing tax, government contracts, federal-state programs and 7 other areas of law. R received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. R practices at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, DC.
How R handles appellate matters
R Laird Hart is a lawyer practicing tax, government contracts, federal-state programs and 7 other areas of law. R received a A.B. degree from Princeton University in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. R practices at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, DC.
The kind of cases R takes
R reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, general, and government matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
R Laird Hart's legal education and bar admissions
Yale Law School
JD · 1980
Princeton University
A.B. Daily · 1975
Jurisdictions
R's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE
R studied at JD in Yale Law School and A.B. Daily in Princeton University.
Law school and academic background
R completed JD in Yale Law School and A.B. Daily in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice R runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of R Laird Hart
R has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
R Laird Hart's office in Washington
R's primary office is at One CityCenter, 850 Tenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Covington And Burling Llp
One CityCenter, 850 Tenth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of R Laird Hart — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of R. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Washington.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once R Laird Hart claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire R Laird Hart — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with R usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
R charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain R'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; R will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 R
R discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. R confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
R's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about R Laird Hart
How much does it cost to hire R for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. R walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does R offer a free consultation?
R charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain R's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check R's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple appellate 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. R gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can R take my case if I'm outside Washington?
R 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 — R 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 R?
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. R will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is R accepting new appellate clients right now?
R's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
R handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in District of Columbia
If R's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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