William Rakestraw Cowden, Civil Rights Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

William concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, health care, personal injury, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Civil Rights

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• Criminal Defense

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• Health Care

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• Personal Injury

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• White Collar

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William's primary office is at 1750 K St NW Ste 900, Washington, DC, 20006-2317. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

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

• How much does it cost to hire William for a civil rights case?

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

• Does William offer a free consultation?

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

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

  Simple civil rights 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

  William 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 — William 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 William?

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

• Is William accepting new civil rights clients right now?

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