Atty. Christopher Cestaro
Christopher Cestaro is a partner in the firm's White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice. Mr.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
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.
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About Christopher Cestaro
- 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 Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Christopher Cestaro 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.
Christopher Cestaro is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia →
White Collar Crimes in Washington
Christopher Cestaro is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar 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.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose Christopher Cestaro
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 Christopher Cestaro's practice in the field of criminal defense and white collar.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense and white collar, Christopher Cestaro 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 Christopher Cestaro attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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How People Find Christopher Cestaro Online
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Christopher Cestaro's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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