Atty. McClain Thompson
McClain Thompson is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Washington office. He has litigated in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of clients like Avison Young, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Frontier Communications Corporation.
Commercial Litigation Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About McClain Thompson at a Glance
McClain Thompson is a business and litigation attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at Harvard University (J.D., 2014). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About McClain Thompson
- McClain Thompson is a litigation partner in Kirkland’s Washington office
- He has litigated in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of clients like Avison Young, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Frontier Communications Corporation
- McClain maintains an active pro bono practice
- He represented three federal prisoners in successful clemency petitions
- He currently represents a capital inmate in post-conviction proceedings in Tennessee state court
- Before joining Kirkland, McClain clerked for Judge Duane Benton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Practice Areas Explained
McClain Thompson's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases McClain Thompson handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Business & Corporate Law in Washington
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
McClain Thompson is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in District of Columbia →
Civil Litigation in Washington
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
McClain Thompson is one of 450,751 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.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose McClain Thompson
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 McClain Thompson's practice in the field of business and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business and litigation, McClain Thompson 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 McClain Thompson 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 McClain Thompson Handles in Washington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters McClain Thompson 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.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact McClain Thompson directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find McClain Thompson Online
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McClain Thompson's Practice Areas & Specializations
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