Atty. John Edward Schmidtlein

Atty. John Edward Schmidtlein

Mr. John Edward Schmidtlein is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, appeals, bankruptcy & debt and 4 other areas of law.

Washington Washington 33 yrs experience 33 year
Call (771) 328-7561 Book Appointment

Admiralty & Maritime & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 33+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About John Edward Schmidtlein at a Glance

John Edward Schmidtlein is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Williams And Connolly Llp. They have 33+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1993. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, bankruptcy, litigation, appellate, and entertainment. Admitted to practice in California (1993) and District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia and Fourth Circuits U.S. District C (1994). Educated at Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1992) and Brown University (A.B., 1988). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About John Edward Schmidtlein

  • Mr. John Edward Schmidtlein is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, appeals, bankruptcy & debt and 4 other areas of law
  • John received a A.B. degree from Brown University in 1988, and has been licensed for 33 years
  • John practices at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, DC

Practice Areas Explained

John Edward Schmidtlein's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Edward Schmidtlein 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.

John Edward Schmidtlein is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia →

Bankruptcy & Debt in Washington

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

John Edward Schmidtlein is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in District of Columbia →

Civil Litigation in Washington

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

John Edward Schmidtlein is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →

Appellate Practice in Washington

Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.

John Edward Schmidtlein is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in District of Columbia →

Entertainment & Sports Law in Washington

Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.

John Edward Schmidtlein is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment 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 John Edward Schmidtlein

Where is John Edward Schmidtlein's law office located?
John Edward Schmidtlein's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Williams And Connolly Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John Edward Schmidtlein handle?
John Edward Schmidtlein focuses on criminal defense, bankruptcy, litigation, appellate, entertainment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
How long has John Edward Schmidtlein practiced law?
John Edward Schmidtlein has 33+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1993.
Where did John Edward Schmidtlein go to law school?
John Edward Schmidtlein earned their education at (J.D., 1992); (A.B., 1988).
How can I contact John Edward Schmidtlein for a consultation?
You can contact John Edward Schmidtlein 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 John Edward Schmidtlein received?
John Edward Schmidtlein's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Washington Choose John Edward Schmidtlein

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 John Edward Schmidtlein's practice in the field of criminal defense, bankruptcy, litigation, appellate, and entertainment.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

John Edward Schmidtlein brings 33+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in California and District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia and Fourth Circuits U.S. District C, John Edward Schmidtlein can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering criminal defense, bankruptcy, and litigation, John Edward Schmidtlein 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 John Edward Schmidtlein 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 John Edward Schmidtlein Handles in Washington

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters John Edward Schmidtlein 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.

Chapter 7 liquidation
Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 repayment plans
Bankruptcy
Debt negotiation
Bankruptcy
Creditor harassment defense
Bankruptcy

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact John Edward Schmidtlein directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find John Edward Schmidtlein 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 John Edward Schmidtlein.

John Edward Schmidtlein attorney John Edward Schmidtlein lawyer John Edward Schmidtlein Washington John Edward Schmidtlein District of Columbia John Edward Schmidtlein reviews John Edward Schmidtlein contact Williams And Connolly Llp law firm criminal defense attorney in Washington criminal defense lawyer Washington best criminal defense attorney Washington top rated criminal defense lawyer near me criminal defense attorney District of Columbia find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

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 John Edward Schmidtlein directly.

John Edward Schmidtlein's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Georgetown University Law Center
- 1992
A.B.
Brown University
- 1988

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1993
District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia and Fourth Circuits U.S. District C
Admitted: 1994

Client Reviews & Ratings — John Edward Schmidtlein

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