Dealing with contracts is usually about as fun as watching paint dry. But here is the thing: a bad contract can ruin your year, your business, or even your bank account. Whether you are a small business owner trying to lock in a vendor or an individual facing a breach of agreement, you need someone in your corner who actually reads the fine print. That is why finding the right legal partner is not just “nice to have”—it is essential.
Since you are looking for the best in the business, we put together a list of the top players in Washington, DC. Obviously, we are a little biased (who wouldn’t be?), so we are kicking things off with our own team at Rock-Hurst Astor PLLC, but we have also included other heavy hitters in the city who know their way around a legal agreement.
Here is who you should be looking at when you need a contract lawyer in DC.
1. Rock-Hurst Astor PLLC
Look, we put ourselves first, but it is for a good reason. At Rock-Hurst Astor PLLC, we do not just “write contracts.” We build safety nets for your business. Our team specializes in Commercial and Technology Law, which means if you are dealing with SaaS agreements, vendor contracts, or complex licensing deals, we are the ones you want to call. We also handle international business matters, so if your deal crosses borders, we have you covered. We keep things practical, cost-effective, and most importantly… clear. No confusing legal language, just straight answers.
2. Tobin O’Connor Concino P.C.
If you have been around the DC business scene, you might have heard of these folks. They have been protecting businesses in the metro area for nearly twenty years. What is cool about them is that they handle the full lifecycle of a business contract. From the moment you are just a startup needing a partnership agreement to the complex merger deals later on, they are there. They are known for being approachable but tough when it counts, especially if a dispute ends up in litigation.
3. Watson & Associates, LLC
You cannot talk about DC without talking about government contracts. It is practically the local sport. Watson & Associates is a small firm, but they do serious work in this space. With Theodore Watson’s background as a federal contracting official, they know how the system really works. If you are a federal contractor dealing with a suspension or a bid protest, this is the team people turn to.
4. Brown Kiely LLP
Sometimes, things go wrong. You had a deal, and the other party decided to ignore it. That is where Brown Kiely LLP comes in. They have a strong focus on breach of contract cases. They are not just about drafting; they are about fighting for you when the agreement is broken. They are super detailed when it comes to gathering evidence—emails, invoices, you name it—to prove you suffered a loss. If you need someone to litigate a messy breakup between business partners, they are a solid choice.
5. Joel W. Anders
Experience counts for a lot… right? Joel W. Anders has been practicing for over 40 years. He handles what he calls “major contract disputes,” particularly in real estate and construction. If you have ever dealt with a construction project, you know how easily those contracts can get out of hand. Joel is known for being a skilled litigator who can handle the pressure of multi-million dollar disputes. He is old school in the best way possible—experienced and direct.
6. Greenberg & Lieberman, LLC
These guys are interesting because they sit right at the intersection of contract law and intellectual property (IP). If your contract involves a patent, a trademark, or a tech license, you need a lawyer who understands the tech as well as the law. Greenberg & Lieberman are great for creators and innovators. They do not just hand you a template; they tailor agreements to make sure your ideas are actually protected, not just your money.
7. Fox & Moghul
Startups, listen up. Fox & Moghul is a firm that seems to really “get” the entrepreneur lifestyle. They focus heavily on business formation and structuring. A lot of their work involves drafting Operating Agreements for LLCs or Founder Agreements. These are the documents that save you from a fight with your co-founder years later. They’re known for explaining tricky legal stuff in plain English, which is a big relief when you’re just starting.
8. HKM Employment Attorneys
Contracts are not always about buying and selling goods; often, they are about people. HKM is a massive name in employment law. If you are an executive negotiating a severance package or a company drafting non-compete agreements, this is their wheelhouse. Employment contracts in DC can get tricky because of local labour laws, and HKM stays focused on this space. They are a large firm with strong resources, and they know the employment landscape inside out.
9. Solon Phillips (Remus Enterprises Law Group)
Sometimes you do not want a giant firm; you want a guy who is going to pick up the phone and know your name. Solon Phillips is a highly-rated contracts lawyer who often pops up in local “best of” lists. He runs a practice that helps businesses in DC and Maryland. Clients often say he is great at telling the story behind a case or negotiation… not just the legal details.
10. Duane Morris LLP
Okay, we are ending with a giant. Duane Morris is a global firm with a powerful DC office. Why include them? Because sometimes you have a “bet the company” kind of contract involving international energy regulations or massive infrastructure projects. Their team is huge, with specialists in everything from fibre optics to government procurement. They are the heavy artillery. If your contract involves complex regulatory compliance across multiple states or countries, they have the bandwidth to handle it.
So, What Is the Next Step?
Choosing a lawyer is a personal decision. You need someone you actually like talking to, because you are going to be talking to them a lot.
If you want a team that combines deep expertise in technology and commercial law with a vibe that is actually human, we would love to chat. At Rock-Hurst Astor PLLC, we pride ourselves on being partners, not just billable hours. We handle the risk side, so you can spend your time growing the business.
Need a contract reviewed or drafted? Do not leave it to chance. Reach out to Rock-Hurst Astor PLLC today and let us make sure your paperwork is as solid as your business plan.