Atty. Barry Boss

Atty. Barry Boss

Barry Boss is co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Criminal Defense & Internal Investigations practice group, vice chair of the Commercial Litigation Department and office managing partner of the D.C. office. Prior to joining Cozen O’Connor in April 2004, Barry was an assistant federal public defender in Washington, D.C.

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'Bet The Company' Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC

Profile Summary

About Barry Boss at a Glance

Barry Boss is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Cozen O'Connor. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association. Educated at The George Washington University (J.D., 1985) and Bates College (BA, 1982). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About Barry Boss

  • Barry Boss is co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Criminal Defense & Internal Investigations practice group, vice chair of the Commercial Litigation Department and office managing partner of the D.C. office
  • Prior to joining Cozen O’Connor in April 2004, Barry was an assistant federal public defender in Washington, D.C
  • Barry focuses his practice on complex criminal matters, particularly involving allegations of white-collar crime in federal court
  • Barry has extensive jury trial and appellate experience, and has successfully defended individuals and corporations under scrutiny for a wide range of criminal activity throughout the country, including: price-fixing, money laundering, fraud, environmental offenses, gambling, bribery, corruption and racketeering
  • Barry co-authors Federal Criminal Practice, an 800 page treatise for criminal defense attorneys, and currently serves as a co-chair of the American Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section Sentencing Committee and as a member of the ABA’s Task Force on The Reform of Federal Sentencing for Economic Crimes
  • Previously, he was a co-chair of the U.S
  • Sentencing Commission's Practitioners Advisory Group
  • Barry frequently writes and speaks about criminal defense issues, and serves as a criminal law expert for national media organizations
  • The Washington Post referred to Barry as an "expert" on federal sentencing law
  • Barry earned his Bachelor of Arts from Bates College in 1982
  • He earned his law degree, with high honors, in 1985, from George Washington University, where he was a member of Order of the Coif

Practice Areas Explained

Barry Boss's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Barry Boss handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.

Criminal Defense in Washington

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Barry Boss is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia →

Business & Corporate Law in Washington

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Barry Boss is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in District of Columbia →

White Collar Crimes in Washington

Barry Boss is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in District of Columbia →

Civil Litigation in Washington

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Barry Boss is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Washington Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Barry Boss

Where is Barry Boss's law office located?
Barry Boss's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Cozen O'Connor. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Barry Boss handle?
Barry Boss focuses on criminal defense, business, white collar, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Barry Boss go to law school?
Barry Boss earned their education at (J.D., 1985); (BA, 1982).
How can I contact Barry Boss for a consultation?
You can contact Barry Boss directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Barry Boss received?
Barry Boss's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Lawyer of the Year, District of Columbia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Washington Choose Barry Boss

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Barry Boss's practice in the field of criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association, Barry Boss can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering criminal defense, business, and white collar, Barry Boss can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Washington

A Washington-based practice means Barry Boss attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Barry Boss Handles in Washington

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Barry Boss has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Barry Boss directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Barry Boss Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Washington commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Barry Boss.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Barry Boss directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
The George Washington University
- 1985
BA
Bates College
- 1982

Awards & Professional Honors

Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawyer of the Year, District of Columbia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Highly recommended as a leading lawyer, Chambers USA
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award, George Washington University Law School
- 2026

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association

Client Reviews & Ratings — Barry Boss

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