Atty. Richard E. Lear
Richard E. Lear practices primarily in the litigation area emphasizing insolvency, Chapter 11, and creditors’ rights and bankruptcy issues.
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About Richard E. Lear at a Glance
Richard E. Lear is a bankruptcy attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Holland & Knight LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar, Virginia, Virginia State Bar, New Hampshire, New Hampshire Bar Association, and Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association. Educated at University of New Hampshire (BA). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Richard E. Lear
- Richard E. Lear practices primarily in the litigation area emphasizing insolvency, Chapter 11, and creditors’ rights and bankruptcy issues
- For 25 years, Mr. Lear has served as counsel for institutional lenders, franchisors, leasing companies and landlords in connection with individual and business Chapter 11 cases and in workouts
- He has also counseled clients regarding the effect of bankruptcy and insolvency on proposed bond refundings, conventional loan refinancings and other transactions
- He also has substantial experience advising clients with respect to transactional insolvency issues, such as bankruptcy-remote structures, substantive consolidation, true sales, preference and fraudulent transfer analysis and with drafting and reviewing reasoned legal opinions on bankruptcy issues, including in connection with the securitization of financial assets
- Mr. Lear has lectured on several occasions on bankruptcy issues at various seminars sponsored by local, regional and state bar associations
- Since 2009, Mr. Lear has been an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies where he teaches a course in real estate bankruptcy in Georgetown's Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate Program
- Over the past 20 years, Mr. Lear has authored numerous articles and seminar outlines addressing bankruptcy issues
- He also founded in 1998 and is the editor of, and a regular contributor to, the Holland & Knight national Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights newsletter
- Mr. Lear served as law clerk to the Honorable Martin V. B. Bostetter, Jr., Chief Judge, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 1983-1985
Practice Areas Explained
Richard E. Lear's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Richard E. Lear handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
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.
Richard E. Lear is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy 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 Richard E. Lear
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 Richard E. Lear's practice in the field of bankruptcy.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar, Virginia, Virginia State Bar, and New Hampshire, New Hampshire Bar Association, Richard E. Lear can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Bankruptcy Practice
Concentrating on bankruptcy means Richard E. Lear's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means Richard E. Lear 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 Richard E. Lear Handles in Washington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Richard E. Lear 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 Richard E. Lear directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Richard E. Lear Online
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Richard E. Lear's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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