David Wachtel

David Wachtel

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Wrongful Termination, Sexual Harassment ... +2 more

1666 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC

About David

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Contracts and Agreements 20%

Negotiating employment agreements and severance agreements, from basic to complex

33 years

20%
Discrimination 20%

Race, sex, age, disability, national origin and religion

33 years

20%
Employment and Labor 20%

Discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of employment contract, workplace torts, and whistleblower protection

33 years

20%
Sexual Harassment 20%

Quid pro quo and hostile work environment

33 years

20%
Wrongful Termination 20%

Whistleblower retaliation and discrimination

33 years

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 29 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 35 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1991

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 36 years

State: California

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold, PLLC

1666 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20009

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David Wachtel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 16 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Lee | October 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Thoughtful, strategic and effective

I engaged David twice - once when higher-ups in the association for which I worked were attempting to force me out while I wanted to stay, and again when the same situation occurred years later, and I wanted out. Both times he reviewed the chronology, looked at all the angles, and gave excellent advi...ce before tackling the association on my behalf. David determined that they had been sailing close to the wind on a number of leave and disability issues, and that, combined with other issues, carried the day. I cannot thank him enough, and have recommended him to all my colleagues with workplace issues.

Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Discrimination

HIRE HIM!

Dave Wachtel has been my attorney for a long time. He is one of the smartest, toughest, and funniest lawyers you could find. I needed to find the best civil rights attorney to represent me in an EEO case against my employer and consulted with a friend who is a partner at well-respected firm tha...t represents the employer in discrimination cases. Without hesitation, my friend recommended Dave Wachtel and stated he is one of the best discrimination attorneys in this country and one he wouldn’t want to be the opposing counsel for. Best advice I have ever received. My case involved claims of sexual harassment, retaliation and hostile work environment at a Federal law enforcement agency. We won a Final Agency Decision on all claims and during subsequent settlement discussions Dave’s negotiation skills and experience resulted in a very successful settlement that far exceeded my expectations and even my employer stated I had a great attorney. Dave is everything you need and want in a discrimination attorney: experienced, brilliant, responsive, genuine, dedicated, manages expectations, patient, and most importantly, he has a sense of humor and is witty. Navigating through the EEO process is difficult and taxing and there is only one attorney you want navigating that ship through the storm and that is Dave.

Posted by anonymous | February 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

I felt fortunate to have him on my side!

A few years ago, I found myself in a complicated dispute with my employer, and it was not easy for me to secure legal representation. Most of the lawyers I consulted did not understand my case fully or else did not want to take my case given the amount of work involved and the still unpredictable out...come. My prospects looked bleak, and I was scared and worried. Fortunately, I ended up in the most capable hands of David Wachtel. He took over my complex case in the midst of the ongoing mediation process. This would have been a challenge for any attorney, particularly for the busy lawyer that Dave Wachtel is, juggling multiple clients and cases. But he quickly understood the facts of my case, cutting through the employer’s arguments and identifying the most important legal precedents to strengthen our negotiating position. It became clear that we would settle this case well, and so we did, to my satisfaction. I am not sure we would have settled so well if it had not been for Dave Wachtel’s persuasive skills and creative arguments. David Wachtel represents his clients with honesty, integrity, and dedication. He will not tell you that you have a good argument if you don’t. But he will have patience if you need time to come to terms with some difficult points, and he will carefully guide you while you take in his views on the matter based on his realistic assessments grounded in his long experience as an employment and civil rights attorney. Responsive and conscientious, he has always found time to get back to me, responding to my mails late at night, on weekends and holidays, and during his trips, especially if the matter was urgent. I highly recommend David Wachtel for any type of employment dispute and even beyond. He is knowledgeable, talented, absolutely brilliant, and deeply committed to the cause of his clients. I feel fortunate to have had this excellent, compassionate attorney on my side in the difficult situation, and I am happy with the outcome.

Posted by Steve Whiteley | January 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Job discrimination Nuclear power industry unjust discharge

David is very professional, extremely intelligent and an expert in employment law. My case was against nuclear power industry employer. David is knowledgeable in all aspects of it's many regulations and prior court rulings. David asks and respects your input while treating you with the upmost respect.... He evaluates your case carefully and thoroughly and explains everything. He then works relentless through completion. He surroundes himself with colleagues of the same values. I respect David and consider him a credit to his profession. What made it easy for me as a client he truly cared and involved you in any settlement of legal decisions. I'm very happy with the outcome.

Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2015 | Employment & Labor

Fantastic Firm

David Wachtel is a very knowledgeable attorney and his professional shows in every aspect of his work. He stood by me during an OSHA case lasting 4 years. Always on the offensive, his efforts and that of his team kept me appraised of my AIR21 case as we methodically moved through each level of the ca...se. I believe his attention to detail is unmatched in the industry. I highly recommend him!

See All Client Reviews

David Wachtel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Peter Matthew Whelan headshot
Peter Whelan

Employment and labor lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked with Dave for several years and endorse him wholeheartedly. He treats each client as the unique person they are, and crafts his strategy and approach to match the client's unique needs and the specific facts of the employment problem."

Joshua N Rose headshot
Joshua Rose

Employment and labor lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Dave for more than 10 years and have known him for 30. He is smart, honest, well versed in the law and dedicated to protecting employee rights"

Michael E. Aleo headshot
Michael Aleo

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Excellent lawyer, dedicated to his clients, zealous, and level headed."

Emma Anamaria Andersson headshot
Emma Andersson

Civil rights lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Dave Wachtel without reservation. He is an unusual lawyer insofar as he combines extreme intelligence, practical know-how and savvy, deep commitment to his clients, and remarkable efficiency. It is rare and invaluable to find a lawyer like him."

Douglas C Herbert headshot
Douglas Herbert

Employment and labor lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"David and I have both worked together and been opposing counsel. When I have a tough employment law issue I need to discuss, I call David. David is smart, tough, and hardworking. He gives his all for his clients. David is primarily an employee-side attorney, but also benefits from his representation of some management-side clients. David is my top choice for employment law referrals in the DC area. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Peter Matthew Whelan headshot
Peter Whelan

Employment and labor lawyer

Edgar F Ndjatou headshot
Edgar Ndjatou

Employment and labor lawyer

Joshua N Rose headshot
Joshua Rose

Employment and labor lawyer

Michael E. Aleo headshot
Michael Aleo

Employment and labor lawyer

Douglas C Herbert headshot
Douglas Herbert

Employment and labor lawyer

John F Karl Jr. headshot
John Karl

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Law Dragon, One of the 500 top employment lawyers for employees in the United States

2020

Top Lawyer -- Employment Law, Washingtonian Magazine

2018

500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers, Lawdragon

2017

Admitted to CLEL, College of Labor & Employment Lawyers (CLEL)

2017

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Superlawyers

2016

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Superlawyers

2016

Civil Rights, Employment, Best Lawyers

2015

Civil Rights, Best Lawyers

2015

Client's Choice, Avvo

2015

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Superlawyers

2014

Civil Rights, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Super Lawyers

2013

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Super Lawyers

2013

Civil Rights, Best Lawyers in America

2012

Civil Rights, Best Lawyers in America

2012

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Super Lawyers

2011

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Super Lawyers

2011

Civil Rights, Best Lawyers in America

2010

Employment Litigation -- Plaintiff, Super Lawyers

2010

Civil Rights, Best Lawyers in America

2009

Civil Righs, Best Lawyers in America

2009

Best Civil Rights and Employment Lawyers in Washington, Washingtonian Magazine

2007

Best Civil Rights Lawyers in Washington, Washingtonian Magazine

2004

Best civil rights attorneys in Washington, Washingtonian Magazine

1989

Outstanding Notes Editor, Texas Law Review

1988

Outstanding Research, Texas Law Review

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Partner, Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold, PLLC

2005 - 2016

Partner, Bernabei & Wachtel, PLLC

1993 - 2005

Member, Rose & Rose, PC

1992 - 1993

Associate, Weinberg, Bergeson & Newman

1989 - 1991

Associate, O'Melveny & Myers, LLP

Associations

1997 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

1996 - Present

Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association

Member

1990 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Quindley v. Lynch (DOJ)

Final Agency Decision found discrimination and retaliation on all counts and awarded promotion, damages, and fees

Budzynski v. Burns (NRC)

After trial, awarding promotion, back pay, and attorney’s fees

Hilton v. Transcom, Inc. et al

Employer's partial motion to dismiss denied. Case has been resolved.

Solomon v. Vilsack (US Dept. of Agriculture)

The DC Circuit vacated summary judgment.

Newkirk v. Berry

Ruling for the Employee

Smith v. England, Department of the Navy

EEOC, on appeal, ruled for my client

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

University of Texas School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor with honors

1984

Washington University in St. Louis

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Annual Convention

Addressing Smart Technology: Ethical and Evidentiary Issues

2014

Webcast

Sexual Orientation and Identity in Employment Law

2014

Labor & Employment Section

Smart Phone Discovery, Privacy, and Practice -- a Braver Newish World

2012

Webcast

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Drones and Privacy

2012

Seminar on Issues in the Administration of Justice

Litigating a Civil Case -- Summary Judgment and Pretrial Issues

2012

Seminar on Issues in the Administration of Justice

Summary Judgment Motions and Pretrial Issues

2011

2005

National Institute of Business Management

Age Discrimination--Supreme Court Spurs New Litigation

Publications

2011

2009

Policy & Practice Amended Disabilities Act Widens Protection

2007

Policy & Practice Interactive Process for Hiring the Disabled

2006

The HR Specialist What Does Broad New Definition of ‘Retaliation’ Mean to You?

1999

You & the Law Shop Smart for Insurance Against Employee Bias Claims

1999

You & The Law Managing Your Employees' Emotional Disability Claims,

1998

You & the Law Sexual Harassment: Supreme Court Says You're Safe if You Exercise "Reasonable Care." What Does That Mean?

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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