Atty. Robert A. Dormer
Robert A. Dormer is one of three founding members of Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.
FDA Law Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About Robert A. Dormer at a Glance
Robert A. Dormer is an attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, DC and United States, Federal. Educated at University of Virginia (JD, 1979) and Dartmouth College (BA). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — FDA Law (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Robert A. Dormer
- Robert A. Dormer is one of three founding members of Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C
- He has been an integral part of the firm’s growth and expansion in all areas of FDA law
- He advises clients on a wide range of issues throughout the product lifecycle including development and approval, compliance, and enforcement
- From 1976 to 1979, Mr. Dormer served in FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel
- He was an Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement and Associate Chief Counsel for Radiological Health
- Mr. Dormer was responsible for counseling what was then known as the Bureau of Radiological Health, which is now part of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health
- He also represented the FDA in civil and criminal litigation throughout the country
- Prior to joining the FDA, he served as an attorney for the White House Special Action Office on Drug Abuse Prevention
- Mr. Dormer regularly counsels pharmaceutical clients on Hatch-Waxman patent and exclusivity issues, orphan drugs, and biosimilar regulation and policy
- He also has extensive expertise with post-marketing issues such as advertising and promotion, and good manufacturing practices for drugs and medical devices
- Mr. Dormer is the author of three book chapters on food and drug law as well as numerous published articles
- He regularly speaks on food and drug law at legal and regulatory conferences and provides expert testimony
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 Robert A. Dormer
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 Robert A. Dormer's practice.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in District of Columbia, DC and United States, Federal, Robert A. Dormer can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means Robert A. Dormer 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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Robert A. Dormer's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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