Hopkins & Sutter

In the dynamic and often intricate legal landscape of Washington, DC, a city renowned for its policy-making and regulatory complexities, firms with a long-standing history and deep-seated expertise stand out. Among these, the name Hopkins & Sutter carries a significant legacy, having played a role in shaping legal practice in the nation's capital for decades. While the firm as an independent entity evolved through mergers, its historical presence and specialized knowledge continue to be a testament to its impact on the legal community.

Established by Albert Hopkins and Harry Sutter, the firm first opened its Washington, DC office in 1923. Both founders brought impressive backgrounds: Hopkins from the Interstate Commerce Commission and the predecessor to the Internal Revenue Service, and Sutter as tax counsel to a major trust company. This foundational expertise immediately positioned Hopkins & Sutter as a prominent player in specialized areas of law. The firm became known for its profound knowledge in tax, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance work. This deep historical root in key areas of law that directly impact Washington, DC, and the nation, signifies a firm built on specialized insight and high-level legal strategy.

This article will explore the historical significance and areas of expertise associated with Hopkins & Sutter in Washington, DC, highlighting their central location, the types of legal services they were known for, and why their legacy continues to be relevant for locals interested in the District's legal heritage.

Location and Accessibility

The office associated with the legacy of Hopkins & Sutter is located at 888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW #740, Washington, DC 20006, USA. This address places the firm's historical presence in a highly symbolic and central area of downtown Washington, DC. Such a location is typical for prominent law firms in the nation's capital, offering unparalleled accessibility and a prestigious address within the city's legal and political core.

Being situated in downtown Washington, DC, the location benefits from the city's extensive and efficient public transportation system. Multiple Metro stations are within easy walking distance, including Farragut West and McPherson Square, providing convenient access via several Metro lines. Numerous bus routes also serve this vibrant area, making it easy for clients and professionals to reach the location from various parts of the District and beyond. While parking can be challenging in any major urban center, several parking garages are available in the vicinity. This central and well-connected location underscores the historical firm's role in the heart of DC's legal and policy-making activities, reinforcing its importance as a significant entity in the city's professional landscape.

Services Offered (Historical Focus)

• Tax Law:

  A foundational area of expertise for the firm, dating back to its origins with Harry Sutter's background as tax counsel. This included complex tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution.

• Insurance Law:

  Providing legal counsel on various aspects of insurance, likely including regulatory matters, policy interpretation, and litigation within the insurance sector.

• Public Policy:

  Engaging in legal and strategic work related to public policy, advising clients on legislative and regulatory developments. This area was enhanced by the acquisition of a lobbying and public policy firm in 1997.

• Transportation Finance Work:

  Leveraging Albert Hopkins's background with the Interstate Commerce Commission, the firm specialized in the financial and regulatory aspects of the transportation industry.

• Commercial Relations (Contract and Fraud):

  Addressing disputes and providing counsel related to commercial agreements and allegations of fraud.

• Energy Regulation:

  Navigating the legal and regulatory framework governing the energy sector.

• Media Law:

  Providing legal services pertinent to the media industry, likely including issues of intellectual property, content regulation, and defamation.

• RICO and Antitrust:

  Handling complex litigation and advisory roles concerning Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and antitrust matters.

It is important to note that while the Hopkins & Sutter name is associated with a rich history of legal services, the original firm merged with Foley & Lardner in 2000. Therefore, the services listed reflect the historical specializations of the firm prior to its merger.

Features / Highlights (Historical Significance)

• Founding in 1923:

  The firm's establishment in Washington, DC, in 1923, positions it as a historically significant entity in the city's legal landscape, predating many contemporary firms.

• Expertise from Founding Partners:

  The backgrounds of Albert Hopkins (Interstate Commerce Commission, IRS predecessor) and Harry Sutter (tax counsel for Guaranty Trust Company of New York) immediately instilled the firm with high-level expertise in tax, regulatory, and financial law.

• Focus on Niche and Complex Areas:

  Hopkins & Sutter distinguished itself by specializing in complex areas such as tax, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance, rather than offering a general practice. This specialized focus allowed them to build deep expertise.

• Expansion and Strategic Acquisitions:

  The firm's growth included opening an office in Detroit, Michigan, and strategically acquiring the lobbying and public policy firm of Leonard, Ralston, Sutter & Remington in 1997, further enhancing its capabilities in areas crucial to Washington, DC.

• Impactful Legal Work:

  The firm was involved in significant cases addressing diverse substantive areas, including commercial relations, insurance insolvency, ERISA, energy regulation, media law, RICO, and antitrust, showcasing its broad influence on legal outcomes.

• Merger with Foley & Lardner:

  The merger with the national firm Foley & Lardner in 2000, with all 130 of its attorneys joining, marked a significant chapter, demonstrating the value and reputation Hopkins & Sutter had built over its nearly eight decades of independent operation.

• Legacy of Notable Attorneys:

  The firm was home to notable attorneys who made significant contributions to their respective fields, further solidifying its historical importance. For instance, William P. Sutter, son of founder Harry Sutter, was renowned for his work in federal tax law and estate administration, and later played a pivotal role as a trustee for a charitable trust dedicated to biomedical research.

Promotions or Special Offers

Given that Hopkins & Sutter as an independent entity merged with Foley & Lardner in 2000, there are no current promotions or special offers to report for Hopkins & Sutter itself. Law firms, particularly those with a history of specialization in complex corporate, regulatory, and policy-driven legal fields, typically do not engage in promotional offers in the way a retail business might. Their value is derived from the depth of their expertise, their track record of successful outcomes, and their ability to navigate intricate legal challenges for their clients.

When seeking legal services in areas historically covered by firms like Hopkins & Sutter, potential clients would typically engage through direct consultation to discuss specific legal needs. The focus would be on assessing the complexity of the case, the required legal strategy, and the expertise needed to achieve the desired outcomes, rather than introductory discounts.

For individuals or entities in Washington, DC, seeking legal assistance in areas previously covered by Hopkins & Sutter, it would be advisable to research the current offerings of Foley & Lardner or other firms specializing in tax law, public policy, insurance, and transportation finance to understand their current engagement models and fee structures.

Contact Information

While Hopkins & Sutter as an independent firm merged in 2000, the provided address and phone numbers are associated with its historical presence and would have been points of contact for clients in Washington, DC.

• Address:

  888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW #740, Washington, DC 20006, USA

• Phone:

  (202) 835-8040

• Mobile Phone:

  +1 202-835-8040

For current legal needs, individuals and businesses in Washington, DC, are encouraged to directly contact contemporary firms specializing in the areas of tax law, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance. The provided contact details represent a historical reference for a firm that played a significant role in the legal landscape of the District.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals (Historical Perspective)

While Hopkins & Sutter as an independent firm is no longer operating under that name due to its merger in 2000, its historical presence and legacy offer valuable insights for locals in Washington, DC. Understanding the contributions and specializations of such a firm helps to appreciate the rich legal history and the evolution of legal practice in the District.

From a historical perspective, Hopkins & Sutter was exceptionally suitable for locals and indeed the broader national community due to several key factors. Firstly, its establishment in Washington, DC, in 1923, right in the heart of what is now recognized as 888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW, positioned it at the nexus of power and policy. This prime location ensured direct engagement with federal agencies and policy-makers, which was crucial for its specializations in tax, public policy, and transportation finance. For local businesses and individuals with interests tied to federal regulations or national policy, this accessibility to high-level expertise was invaluable.

Secondly, the firm’s deep and specialized expertise in niche areas made it a go-to resource for complex legal challenges. Albert Hopkins and Harry Sutter's backgrounds instilled a strong foundation in tax law, insurance, and regulatory matters. This specialization meant that clients weren't receiving general advice but highly informed and strategic counsel on issues that had significant national implications. For locals, this translated to access to top-tier legal minds who understood the intricacies of the very laws and policies being shaped in their city.

The firm's long history, its strategic growth through acquisitions, and its impact on various legal fields, including complex commercial litigation, demonstrated its capability and influence. The fact that all 130 of its attorneys joined Foley & Lardner in 2000 speaks volumes about the quality and talent associated with Hopkins & Sutter. For historical context, the firm's legacy showcases the kind of specialized, influential legal practices that have long thrived in Washington, DC, and continue to be essential for navigating its unique legal environment. Understanding this past helps locals appreciate the current legal landscape and the caliber of expertise available in the District.