Marc A Borbely

Marc A Borbely

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Landlord or tenant Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Landlord & Tenant

1115 Massachusetts Ave NW #300, Washington, DC

About Marc

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Landlord or Tenant 100%

I assist tenants in disputes with current or former landlords.

18 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 120-250 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 17 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2008

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

D.C. Tenants' Rights Center

1115 Massachusetts Ave NW #300, Washington, DC, 20005

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Marc A Borbely's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

72 Client Reviews

Showing 26 - 30 of 72 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate

Truly exceptional

We worked with Marc on a TOPA case where our landlord was planning to sell the house we lived in. His advice was invaluable and helped us finally purchase the house using our TOPA rights.

Marc Borbely

Replied last March 14, 2018

I'm so glad! Hopefully you know about this already, but the D.C. Council is on track to eliminate TOPA rights for most tenants in single-family homes, and severely curtail them for all other tenants in single-family homes. The Council’s first vote last week was in favor of the bill. Councilmembers have mostly been hearing from realtors and owners for whom TOPA is a burden, and less from tenants, for whom TOPA provides valuable rights. The final Council vote is scheduled for April 10, 2018. Councilmembers especially need hear from tenants of single-family homes who have used TOPA to purchase. There's a list of Councilmembers' contact info here: http://www.dctenants.com/node/156

Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

Trusted lawyer

Marc represented us for nearly two years. We cannot recommend him and his firm highly enough. He is a compassionate advisor and tough opponent. He fights for tenant’s rights, and wins. We are a couple who had our second baby on the way and found ourselves facing a lead paint issue with a landlord.... We needed expert guidance and advice on our rights during a scary and confusing time. Marc and his firm aided us in negotiations to remediate health and safety issues. When the landlord failed to meet their obligations, Marc guided us through litigation and settlement, and secured commitments that resulted in safety improvements for tenants in the future. Marc was a champion when our family needed one. Even when we doubted ourselves, Marc helped us stay grounded with his knowledge of the law. That was invaluable when we at times felt intimidated and scared. He was realistic in his assessment at each stage with what we could achieve, what the costs would entail, and what the risks were. It always remained our choice, when, how, and if to proceed. There was never any pressure, other than his desire that we make decisions in our self-interest and within our level of comfort. Marc’s firm is amazing. His colleagues have a lot of heart and sharp legal minds. We learned a tremendous amount working with him and his office, and would recommend them to anyone seeking the protection and safety of the law.

Posted by Dennis | October 27, 2017 | Landlord & Tenant

Marc gives expert legal guidance that I, as a tenant, know I can trust

I consulted Marc on a recent bothersome issue with a landlord. I went to Marc because I knew he provides expert, conscientious guidance. He did so in our recent phone call. Several others described the issue as murky as it went into mostly unchartered territory: DC's marijuana law and the conflicts w...ith federal law. Add to that DC's status as being subject to congressional oversight and that makes it a touchy political issue. Marc carefully listened to me outlining the issue -- and he asked thoughtful questions that helped cut to the crux of the issue, and it helped guide us to where we wanted to go, in a responsible, constructive way that passes muster legally. Marc was conscientious, constructive and insightful -- and he provided me with informed, wise guidance. I like that Marc's practice -- the DC Tenants' Rights Center -- exclusively serves tenants' interests and with a community-minded purpose. He has admirably built an impressive community resource with highly qualified, knowledgeable attorneys committed to the public interest. Marc has both political and personal integrity. I highly recommend the DCTRC to folks who may need such services.

Posted by anonymous | December 06, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant

OUTSTANDING ATTORNEY!

This is a Grade "A" Law Team! Marc Borbely worked with me for approximately 2 years on my case. It was a case where TOPA RIGHTS were not provided to me in accordance with the law. The process morphed into an Eviction Case. Marc worked indefatigably on my case. He was always available to respond... on the day of my calls or e mails. Occasionally, he went beyond the call of duty to reply after regular business hours. This made me feel secure, trusting and confident which is key in fighting for one's rights and peace of mind. Although Marc had other cases running simultaneously, he was dedicated to the details of my case. He was prompt on all time sensitive matters, Usually, he astonished me on the technicalities he discovered and prepared clear and reasonable arguments that were not difficult to follow. He always got every leg of his job done on time. He provided me with high quality legal advise and always protected my rights during negotiations and litigation. Not only is he an ace of knowledge on Landlord/Tenant Law, he and his team actually care and do everything they can for you. Upon first meeting him, you will find Marc is approachable and straightforward about the agreement contract between the client and The Tenants' Right Center. You don't feel like you are signing something you don't understand. Its very 'inexpensive' for the load of research and representation they do for you! In the court room Marc is supremely prepared. I watched pretentious overpaid attorneys tire easily during long negotiations. In comparison, Marc never lost his stamina and humbly weathered aggression from the opposing parties. His remarkable composure and respect in and out of the courtroom is his truest asset. I cannot tell you how pleased I was with the outcome of my case. It was a tumultuous journey and The Tenants' Rights Center guided me through to a successful ending! Put your trust in this team. You will be completely satisfied.

Posted by anonymous | December 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Debt Collection

Thrilled with the level of service and compassion. 5 + stars

Working with Marc was fantastic. He took the time to understand what my desired outcome was, gave me options and then we made it happen. During the process he helped me represent myself in court (to keep costs down), he represented me in mediation, drafted several settlement agreements which he nego...tiated on my behalf (with my approval), and even dealt with the collection agency on my behalf (with my approval). I cannot say how much I appreciate the legal assistance he provided. It literally changed my life for the better. I highly recommend his services and his staff. Marc was concise, detailed, thorough, and genuinely concerned while remaining as professional as possible.

See All Client Reviews

Marc A Borbely's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Marc
Brendan J. Klaproth headshot
Brendan Klaproth

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marc is an excellent attorney. His practice focusing on tenant rights is a great service to the residents of the District of Columbia. Working in the same building, I have had the opportunity to talk litigation strategy with Marc. He's a great attorney, and I highly recommend him to a tenant seeking representation."

Aaron G. Sokolow headshot
Aaron Sokolow

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Marc has been opposing counsel in multiple landlord and tenant disputes. He is well-versed in this area of law and excels at representing tenants."

Steven Andrew Krieger headshot
Steven Krieger

Landlord or tenant lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Borbely is an excellent attorney and has the only private firm in DC that exclusively represents tenants. If you are a tenant and have unfortunately found yourself in some type of legal trouble, you won't go wrong with Mr. Borbely as your attorney."

Dorene Mary Haney headshot
Dorene Haney

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marc is a zealous and knowledgeable advocate for tenants, well-known and respected in the DC Landlord-Tenant field. His DC Tenant Rights Center is a great resource for tenants in the District of Columbia."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Michael Forster headshot
Michael Forster

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marc has many years of experience in DC Landlord/Tenant court and conducts himself with a high level of professionalism and integrity. He also takes a novel approach to reduce his fees for lower-income clients."

Patricia Abbott Lammi headshot
Patricia Lammi

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marc is a passionate and talented attorney. He has subject matter expertise in landlord/tenant law, and I frequently turned to him for advice and help on my own landlord/tenant cases. I endorse this lawyer."

Emilie M Fairbanks headshot
Emilie Fairbanks

Landlord or tenant lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Marc was easy to work with, we were able to resolve matters in ways that were beneficial to both of our clients. Marc works very hard for his clients and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a tenant choose him as their lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Edward J Cordone headshot
Edward Cordone

Landlord or tenant lawyer

William Patrick Cannon III headshot
William Cannon

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Aaron G. Sokolow headshot
Aaron Sokolow

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Brendan J. Klaproth headshot
Brendan Klaproth

Litigation lawyer

Dorene Mary Haney headshot
Dorene Haney

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Patricia Abbott Lammi headshot
Patricia Lammi

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Emilie M Fairbanks headshot
Emilie Fairbanks

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Howard C. Westwood Fellowship, Neighborhood Legal Services Program

2008

'I'll Be There' Award, D.C. Jobs with Justice

2008

Public Interest Fellowship, Fredrick B. Abramson Memorial Foundation

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Principal, D.C. Tenants' Rights Center

2008 - 2012

Staff Attorney, Neighborhoood Legal Services Program

Associations

2008 - Present

American Civil Liberties Union

Member

2008 - Present

Washington Council of Lawyers

Member

2008 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

2017 - 2019

District of Columbia Bar, Courts, Lawyers and the Administration of Justice Community

Co-chair

2016 - 2017

District of Columbia Bar, Practice Management Service Committee

Member

2013 - 2020

Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Member

2013 - 2014

District of Columbia Bar, Real Estate, Housing and Land Use Section

Landlord-Tenant Subcommittee Co-Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Highland Dwellings Together We Stand Legal Action Group vs. D.C. Housing Authority

Successful settlement.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

Yale University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2011

2011 Annual Housing Policy Conference Public Housing Demolition or Disposition

Languages

French

German

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution