Schnapper-Casteras PLLC

In a city that thrives on innovation, policy, and advocacy, finding legal counsel that is both forward-thinking and deeply experienced is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. Schnapper-Casteras PLLC, a distinctive law firm based in Washington D.C., embodies this progressive spirit. They are not your typical firm; they position themselves as lawyers for "innovators and underdogs," serving those who are building from the ground up, solving hard problems, or challenging the status quo. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Schnapper-Casteras PLLC, highlighting their specialized practice areas, strategic location, and why they are a compelling choice for legal needs in the District of Columbia.

Schnapper-Casteras PLLC was founded in 2018 in Washington D.C. as a startup in its own right, and has since grown to operate in multiple cities, serving clients across the United States. The firm's mission is to provide creative, agile, and fervent legal representation to individuals and organizations at the cutting edge of change. Their attorneys bring a unique blend of experience from private practice, public interest law, and government service, offering a fresh perspective on complex legal issues.

Led by founder John Paul “JP” Schnapper-Casteras, the firm specializes in a range of frontier technology issues, including open source software projects, fintech, digital currencies, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and quantum computing. Beyond technology, they are also deeply involved in appellate litigation, regularly filing briefs before the Supreme Court of the United States and various courts of appeal, often concerning civil rights and securities law. JP Schnapper-Casteras himself is a highly accomplished attorney with a background that includes serving as Special Counsel for Appellate and Supreme Court Advocacy at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) and practicing in the appellate group of Sidley Austin LLP. His prior technical experience, including research at Stanford's Computer Science Department and work on open-source projects, gives the firm a unique edge in understanding the technical details behind their clients' products and projects. Schnapper-Casteras PLLC is designed for clients who are driving change and need legal partners who can keep pace with their innovation.

Location and Accessibility

Schnapper-Casteras PLLC’s headquarters is strategically located at 1717 K St NW #900, Washington, DC 20006, USA. This address places the firm firmly within the heart of Washington D.C.'s vibrant K Street corridor, an area synonymous with influential law firms, policy organizations, and business headquarters. This central location offers exceptional accessibility for clients located throughout the District of Columbia and the broader metropolitan area.

The office's position on K Street NW benefits from Washington D.C.'s robust public transportation network. It is conveniently situated within very close walking distance of several Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines). These stations provide seamless connections to virtually all parts of the city and its surrounding suburbs, making commutes straightforward for clients. Additionally, numerous Metrobus lines operate along K Street, offering further public transit options.

For clients who choose to drive, the location offers direct access to major downtown thoroughfares. While on-street parking is typically limited in this busy commercial district, there are a variety of commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1717 K Street NW, providing practical parking solutions. This prime and highly accessible location underscores Schnapper-Casteras PLLC’s commitment to providing convenient and efficient service to its diverse and forward-thinking clientele.

Services Offered

Schnapper-Casteras PLLC offers specialized legal services, particularly at the intersection of technology, advocacy, and regulation. Their practice areas are tailored to support innovators, startups, and those challenging established norms. Key services offered by the firm include:

• Startup Law: Counseling emerging companies (typically seed and Series-A stage) on formation, fundraising, and compliance across a variety of fields such as cleantech, open source software, fintech, and digital assets. They also collaborate with founders and engineers on the legal aspects of product design.

• Appellate Advocacy & Strategic Litigation: Regularly filing briefs before the Supreme Court of the United States and various federal courts of appeal. This includes significant work on civil rights and securities law, and advising national non-profits, associations, and foundations on constitutional law and litigation strategy.

• Regulatory Analysis: Helping clients synthesize and demystify complex federal rules and guidance involving agencies such as the SEC, CFTC, Treasury, OSTP, and CFPB. This includes conducting statutory and regulatory surveys, drafting comment letters, and tracking relevant Congressional legislation.

• Outside General Counsel: Providing everyday legal needs for small businesses, startups, and non-profits. This can involve drafting and negotiating contracts, administering employee incentives and equity grants, developing master service agreements, and establishing company policies and compliance programs.

Features / Highlights

Schnapper-Casteras PLLC distinguishes itself through several unique features and highlights, setting it apart in the Washington D.C. legal landscape:

• Focus on Innovation and Disruption: The firm is specifically designed to cater to startups and entities operating at the "cutting edge of change," particularly in frontier technologies like AI, fintech, and digital assets. They are keenly interested in the technical details of clients' products and projects.

• High-Stakes Appellate Expertise: With extensive experience filing briefs in the Supreme Court and federal appellate courts, including on critical issues like civil rights and constitutional law, the firm demonstrates a powerful capacity for high-level advocacy.

• Government and Public Interest Background: The attorneys’ diverse backgrounds, including prior roles in public interest law (like the NAACP LDF) and government service, provide invaluable insight into regulatory bodies and the broader policy landscape.

• Strategic and Pragmatic Approach: The firm strives to provide creative, agile, and fervent legal representation, always aiming for practical solutions that align with client objectives, whether they are challenging the status quo or building new ventures.

• Thought Leadership: Founder JP Schnapper-Casteras is a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and a recognized voice on financial technology, central bank digital currency, and cryptocurrency, contributing to policy discussions and publications.

• Client-Centric Philosophy: The firm positions itself as a partner to "innovators and underdogs," suggesting a personalized and empathetic approach to client relationships. They immerse themselves in the technical details, demonstrating a commitment to understanding clients' core missions.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly specialized and professional legal service provider, Schnapper-Casteras PLLC does not typically offer public promotions or discounts in the manner of retail businesses. Legal fees are generally structured to reflect the complexity of the legal issues, the expertise required, and the time and resources invested in delivering tailored solutions for each client.

However, prospective clients are encouraged to contact Schnapper-Casteras PLLC directly to discuss their specific legal needs, especially those related to startups, appellate matters, or regulatory challenges in frontier technology spaces. During an initial consultation, the firm's attorneys can provide an assessment of your situation, discuss potential strategies, and transparently outline their fee structure. This direct communication ensures that clients have a clear understanding of the engagement terms and can make informed decisions about their legal representation. The firm's value proposition is built on specialized expertise and effective advocacy, rather than promotional incentives.

Contact Information

For innovators, startups, non-profits, or individuals in the District of Columbia seeking cutting-edge legal counsel in startup law, appellate advocacy, or regulatory analysis, Schnapper-Casteras PLLC’s Washington D.C. office can be reached through the following details:

Address: 1717 K St NW #900, Washington, DC 20006, USA

Phone: (202) 630-3644

Mobile Phone: +1 202-630-3644

It is recommended to call ahead to schedule an appointment or to inquire about the best way to connect with the appropriate legal professional for your specific needs. This will help ensure an efficient and focused initial discussion.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents and businesses in the District of Columbia, Schnapper-Casteras PLLC presents a uniquely suitable legal partner, especially for those at the forefront of innovation or in need of high-level appellate advocacy. Its prime location on K Street NW offers exceptional accessibility, placing the firm in the heart of D.C.'s legal and policy-making ecosystem, a critical advantage for their specialized practice areas.

What truly sets Schnapper-Casteras PLLC apart is its distinct focus on "innovators and underdogs" and its deep expertise in frontier technology, startup law, and complex appellate and regulatory matters. In a city where startups are burgeoning and regulatory landscapes are constantly shifting, having a legal team that not only understands the law but also the underlying technology and policy implications is invaluable. The firm's background in both public interest and private practice, combined with a proven track record of significant appellate work, means that clients in D.C. can access sophisticated legal strategies and dedicated advocacy, whether they are building a new venture, navigating complex regulations, or challenging an adverse ruling. For those who dare to innovate or to question the status quo in the District of Columbia, Schnapper-Casteras PLLC offers the forward-thinking and effective legal partnership needed to succeed.