Atty. Christopher Cestaro

Atty. Christopher Cestaro

Christopher Cestaro is a partner in the firm's White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice. Mr.

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Profile Summary

About Christopher Cestaro at a glance

Christopher Cestaro is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 2004). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Christopher Cestaro is a partner in the firm's White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice
  • Mr. Cestaro’s practice focuses on white-collar criminal matters, government enforcement actions, internal corporate investigations, due diligence reviews and compliance counseling
  • Mr. Cestaro’s unique experience includes more than eight years as a federal prosecutor focused on white-collar cases, three years working as a compliance counsel for a multinational oil services company and five years working as a litigation associate at an international law firm
  • He has overseen and led matters involving conduct in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, and involving every major industry sector
  • Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Mr. Cestaro served as the Chief of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Unit of the US Department of Justice (DOJ)

Practice Areas Explained

Christopher Cestaro's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher Cestaro handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

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

Christopher Cestaro is one of 190,900 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia →

White Collar Crimes

Christopher Cestaro is one of 18,196 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

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.

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

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Christopher Cestaro

Where is Christopher Cestaro's law office located?
Christopher Cestaro's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Christopher Cestaro handle?
Christopher Cestaro focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Christopher Cestaro go to law school?
Christopher Cestaro earned their education at (J.D., 2004).
How can I contact Christopher Cestaro for a consultation?
You can contact Christopher Cestaro 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 Christopher Cestaro received?
Christopher Cestaro's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice.

Education

J.D.
University of Virginia
- 2004

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026

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