Atty. Robert P. Trout
Robert P. Trout has over 40 years' experience in civil and criminal litigation.
'Bet The Company' Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About Robert P. Trout at a Glance
Robert P. Trout is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Schertler Onorato Mead Sears & Manning. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1975). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Robert P. Trout
- Robert P. Trout has over 40 years' experience in civil and criminal litigation
- His practice has concentrated primarily on complex commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense, as well as the defense of administrative agency enforcement actions
- He began his legal career at the Department of Justice, where he served for two years in the Criminal Division, followed by four years as an Assistant United States Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
- Mr. Trout served as Associate Deputy Independent Counsel in 1995-96
- In 1996, he founded Trout Cacheris & Solomon PLLC, where he practiced until joining Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears in 2021
- One of the original members of the Steering Committee of the Litigation Section of the District of Columbia Bar, Mr. Trout served as Chair of the Litigation Section in 1984-85
- He previously served for six years, including one year as Chair, on the Attorney Grievance Committee of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
- He recently served as a member of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, which conducts evaluations of the professional qualifications of nominees to the federal bench
- He has been active in the DC Bar's efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") and he has served as a volunteer mediator for both the United States District Court and the District of Columbia Superior Court
- Mr. Trout is a member of the bars of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, and he is admitted to practice before a number of federal courts, including the U.S
- Supreme Court, the U.S
- Court of Appeals for the D.C
- Circuit, the Fourth Circuit, the Third Circuit, the Seventh Circuit, the Ninth Circuit, the Tenth Circuit, and the Federal Circuit, as well as the U.S
- Tax Court
Practice Areas Explained
Robert P. Trout's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Robert P. Trout 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.
Robert P. Trout is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia →
Business & Corporate Law in Washington
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Robert P. Trout is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in District of Columbia →
White Collar Crimes in Washington
Robert P. Trout is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in District of Columbia →
Civil Litigation in Washington
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Robert P. Trout is one of 450,750 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 Robert P. Trout
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 P. Trout's practice in the field of criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, business, and white collar, Robert P. Trout 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 Robert P. Trout 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 Robert P. Trout Handles in Washington
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Robert P. Trout 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 Robert P. Trout directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Robert P. Trout Online
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Robert P. Trout's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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