Atty. Ronald C. "Ron" Machen

Atty. Ronald C. "Ron" Machen

Ronald Machen, a member of the firm's global Management Committee and Chair of the Firm’s Litigation and Controversy Department is one of the nation's leading trial and white-collar defense lawyers. His practice focuses on government enforcement, corporate and congressional investigations, and litigating civil business disputes.

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Profile Summary

About Ronald C. "Ron" Machen at a glance

Ronald C. "Ron" Machen is a securities attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association. Educated at Harvard University (JD, 1994) and Stanford University (—, 1991). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Ronald Machen, a member of the firm's global Management Committee and Chair of the Firm’s Litigation and Controversy Department is one of the nation's leading trial and white-collar defense lawyers
  • His practice focuses on government enforcement, corporate and congressional investigations, and litigating civil business disputes
  • An experienced litigator who has tried more than 35 cases to verdict, Mr. Machen specializes in litigating complex criminal and civil actions
  • He also routinely helps clients navigate high-stakes, crisis situations that garner the attention of multiple regulators, enforcement authorities, Congress and private litigants
  • Since his return to the firm, Mr. Machen has served as an independent monitor appointed by the US Department of Justice to assess and provide recommendations regarding corporate compliance and has routinely advised public companies on how to foster a positive culture and measure the effectiveness of corporate initiatives
  • He is currently litigating matters involving the state and federal False Claims Act, alleged breaches of contract, sexual discrimination and retaliation, federal patent infringement, and consumer fraud and is also leading a number of civil rights audits on behalf of various corporations and financial institutions

Practice Areas Explained

Ronald C. "Ron" Machen's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Ronald C. "Ron" Machen handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Securities Law

Ronald C. "Ron" Machen is one of 64,529 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Ronald C. "Ron" Machen

Where is Ronald C. "Ron" Machen's law office located?
Ronald C. "Ron" Machen's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Ronald C. "Ron" Machen handle?
Ronald C. "Ron" Machen focuses on securities. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Ronald C. "Ron" Machen go to law school?
Ronald C. "Ron" Machen earned their education at (JD, 1994); (—, 1991).
How can I contact Ronald C. "Ron" Machen for a consultation?
You can contact Ronald C. "Ron" Machen 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 Ronald C. "Ron" Machen received?
Ronald C. "Ron" Machen's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:.

Practice Areas

Education

JD
Harvard University
- 1994
Stanford University
- 1991

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Securities Regulation, Washington (D.C.)
- 2025

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association

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