Firm Overview

Our primary practice areas are civil litigation, DUI defense & criminal defense, business transactions and government contracts. As many of our practice areas overlap, our attorneys bring a broad understanding of the law to all our clients' challenges. We recognize that our business clients need an attorney who understands how a business deal can erupt into a business dispute, the consequences of litigation and the alternatives and remedies available. These skills give us an advantage in crafting business deals and enforcing their terms if a dispute arises.

Similarly, an understanding of how business deals are put together helps us in crafting and negotiating settlements to civil litigation. In addition to standard business concerns, government contractors face unique problems, rules and regulations and a coordinated approach is essential to the successful resolution of any matter involving government contracts. Lastly, our criminal defense practice serves both business clients and individuals who need zealous, aggressive representation.

Griffin Whitaker is a law firm that was founded by attorneys Edward N. Griffin and me in June 2006. Our firm is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services in an efficient and effective manner that allows clients, both individuals and businesses, to fully protect and advance their legal interests while staying in budget.

Our strengths are adaptability, efficiency, and flexibility. We have the ability to leap into active litigation, get up to speed swiftly, and protect your legal interests. Our clients each have a central point of contact at our firm for coordinated, efficient solutions. Although Griffin Whitaker has core capabilities in many of the practice areas crucial to our individual and corporate clients, we are also experienced in partnering with other legal experts and counsel nationally, as well as from other countries, to help provide key expertise for clients confronting complex legal issues. By utilizing internal proficiencies and building flexible teams of external experts as needed, Griffin Whitaker can help our clients successfully resolve legal difficulties while minimizing the cost of expensive specialists.

Example cases

J was injured in an automobile accident. The other driver crossed the highway dividing line and struck J's vehicle. Both cars were traveling over 55 mph. J suffered terrible injuries during the crash, including a broken back. We filed suit and began litigation in federal court in the District of Columbia. J and her family achieved a significant recovery for her injuries.

D was struck from behind while coming to a complete stop at a four way stop sign. D's airbag went off and he suffered injuries. While D was still in shock, the at-fault driver fled the scene and was not caught. Still, we achieved recovery for D.

L was left his job after suffering humiliating insults, nasty pranks and worse behavior from his co-workers due to his sexual orientation. At one point he found razor blades in his coffee. L contacted my business partner and me and we represented him against the Company. After filing EEOC charges and a civil suit, we negotiated a successful settlement of L's claims against the Company, and L went into business for himself.

K was the only black woman at her Company. Her salary was commission based. She was successful. A new supervisor was transferred to her Company from the Parent Company. Her new supervisor began treating her differently than the white employees. He assigned her duties that interfered with her ability to earn commissions, less lucrative sales areas and berated her in front of others. K contacted my business partner and me and we represnted her against the Company. Although the case involved more subtle discrimination than some cases, the discriminatory behavior was directly affecting her ability to earn a living. The case settled before trial, and K found a new position at a successful company.

Main Office

Main
7474 Greenway Center Drive
Suite 550
Greenbelt  MD  20770

Phone
  • (888) 895-3406/ (301) 513-5080

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a free 15-minute consultation at my offices.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I represent many of my clients on a contingency fee basis.

Hourly Rates

My hourly rate is $275.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For a quick response email me at: contact@griffinwhitaker.com.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

Korean and Japanese

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

I developed my passion for civil litigation as a young associate at the offices of Wiley, Rein & Fielding, LLP.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I think that it is critically important for clients to understand the legal issues that impact their case. Without understanding your legal rights, you will not be in the best position to make informed decisions about your case. I think it is important that my clients understand their case and be involved in the decision making process.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am always willing to review client prepared documents.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am not willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves.

Josh Whitaker

Prior to co-founding Griffin Whitaker LLC, I was an attorney at the Washington, D.C., offices of Wiley, Rein & Fielding, LLP (now Wiley Rein LLP). At Wiley Rein, I advised government contractors on a host of regulatory, corporate and contractual matters. As a litigator, I worked on matters as diverse as federal and state litigation of intellectual property rights, insurance coverage, employment disputes, class action litigation, and pro bono landlord-tenant matters in the District of Columbia.

As a government contract attorney, I represented contractors on issues such as small business certification, state government procurement, commercial items procurement, internal investigations and audit matters, and other related issues. I represented contractors in administrative resolution of contract disputes for large contracts, involving claims of the millions, tens of millions, and even hundreds of millions of dollars, in issues of changed contractual conditions, intellectual property rights, and breach of contract. I also assisted non-profit organizations in obtaining tax exempt status, as well as with operational and compliance issues.

Prior to working at Wiley Rein & Fielding, I was a research assistant for Professor Steven Schooner, the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Law at George Washington University School of Law. In that position, I assisted Professor Schooner with researching, drafting, and publishing articles and other publications, including the "The Government Contracts Reference Book: A Comprehensive Guide to the Language of Procurement," (2nd ed. 1998).

My education at George Washington University Law School and my participation on Law Review and in Moot Court provided me with a valuable foundation to build my knowledge of the law. As an attorney at Wiley, Rein & Fielding, LLP, I learned to put that knowledge into practice. Now, as a partner at my own firm, I draw upon those experiences in assisting my own clients with some of the most difficult issues they will ever have to face.

Informed and knowledgeable. I want my clients to understand their case, both procedurally and substantively. Knowledge is power, and if you are informed, then you will be better able to make the decisions about your case that are going to impact you.

Honesty and Open Communications. I will be honest and open with you. Every case has its good sides and bad sides, and anything can happen at trial. You need to know both the good and the bad about your case so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Likewise, you need to be honest with me. Honesty is a two-way street and I can't give you my best advice unless you are completely honest with me.

Zealous Representation. I fight to win. I will zealously represent your legal interests, provide you with objective advice and counsel you to the best of my abilities.

Personal interests:

Football and tennis.

License
  • Bar Number: 493898
    District of Columbia , 2005
  • Bar Number:
    Maryland
Education
  • George Washington University School of Law
    Juris Doctorate , 2004
    Washington, DC
  • Johns Hopkins University
    Bachelor of Arts
    Baltimore, MD

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.

LA-WS3:DRU.1.4.1.130427.19500