Hopkins & Sutter

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal practice, particularly in a dynamic center like Washington D.C., law firms frequently adapt, grow, and sometimes merge to enhance their capabilities and reach. While the name "Hopkins & Sutter" might refer to a historical entity, understanding its past influence provides valuable context for the sophisticated legal services available to individuals and businesses in the District of Columbia today. Historically, Hopkins & Sutter was a significant law firm with a notable presence in Washington D.C., known for its expertise in specialized areas of law. Its legacy is now integrated into a larger, modern legal framework, but its contributions to legal practice in the capital are part of the rich tapestry of the city's legal history.

Hopkins & Sutter was originally a Chicago-based law firm, established in 1921 by Albert Hopkins and Harry Sutter. Albert Hopkins had a background with the Interstate Commerce Commission and the predecessor to the Internal Revenue Service, while Harry Sutter was a tax counsel for Guaranty Trust Company of New York. This foundational expertise immediately positioned the firm in critical areas of federal regulation and finance. The firm quickly expanded its reach, opening an office in Washington D.C. in 1923. This early presence in the nation's capital underscored its commitment to areas where federal policy and regulation played a crucial role. For decades, Hopkins & Sutter was recognized for its deep knowledge in tax law, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance work. In 1997, the firm further expanded by acquiring a lobbying and public policy law firm, demonstrating its adaptability and responsiveness to the changing needs of its clientele. In 2000, Hopkins & Sutter merged with Foley & Lardner, a move that saw all of its 130 attorneys join the national firm, extending the reach and depth of their combined legal services. While Hopkins & Sutter as an independent entity no longer exists, its historical specialization and D.C. presence contributed to the legal expertise that continues to serve the District.

Understanding this background helps locals appreciate the evolution of legal services in Washington D.C. and how specialized expertise, once housed within a distinct firm, often transitions and strengthens larger legal entities, ensuring that the legacy of skilled legal counsel continues to benefit the community.

Location and Accessibility

The address provided for "Hopkins & Sutter" is 888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW #740, Washington, DC 20006, USA. This location is significant and highly accessible for anyone in the District of Columbia.

888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW (formerly 16th Street NW) is a prominent and centrally located address in downtown Washington D.C. This area is a hub of governmental, legal, and business activity, making it exceptionally convenient for clients. Its position just a few blocks from the White House ensures its prominence and ease of recognition.

The accessibility of this location is superb due to Washington D.C.'s robust public transportation network. The nearest Metro stations, McPherson Square (serving the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines) and Farragut West (also on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines), are both within a very short walking distance. Farragut North (on the Red Line) is also conveniently accessible. These stations provide comprehensive transit options for individuals commuting from various parts of DC, as well as from suburban Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, numerous Metrobus routes frequently operate along 16th Street and surrounding avenues, offering further direct access.

For clients who choose to drive, while street parking in central Washington D.C. can sometimes be a challenge, there are typically several commercial parking garages available within a reasonable proximity to 888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW. This strategic and well-connected location underscores the firm's (or its successor's) commitment to providing convenient access to high-caliber legal services in the nation's capital.

Services Offered

Given that "Hopkins & Sutter" as an independent entity merged with Foley & Lardner in 2000, the services offered under the historical name reflect its former specializations, which have since been integrated and potentially expanded within the larger firm. Historically, Hopkins & Sutter was recognized for its deep expertise in:

• Tax Law: This was a foundational area for the firm, including compliance, planning, and dispute resolution, particularly with federal tax authorities. One of the founders, Harry Sutter, was a tax counsel, and the firm had expertise with the predecessor to the IRS.
• Insurance Law: Representing clients in various insurance-related legal matters.
• Public Policy Law: Engaging in legal aspects related to public policy, which included lobbying and advising on government affairs, a strength that was further solidified by a 1997 acquisition.
• Transportation Finance Work: Addressing legal and financial issues specific to the transportation sector.
• Regulatory Compliance: Given the founders' backgrounds with the Interstate Commerce Commission and the IRS, the firm likely offered services guiding clients through federal regulatory frameworks.
• General Commercial Litigation: As a full-service law firm of its time, it would have handled various commercial disputes for businesses.

While these were the historical areas of strength for Hopkins & Sutter, clients seeking similar expertise today in Washington D.C. would typically look to the comprehensive offerings of Foley & Lardner, which absorbed and built upon this legacy, offering a broad spectrum of legal services across corporate, litigation, regulatory, and intellectual property domains.

Features / Highlights

While Hopkins & Sutter as a standalone entity is historical, its legacy and the expertise it contributed to the legal landscape in Washington D.C. can be highlighted by several key features:

• Pioneering Presence in Washington D.C.: The firm established a D.C. office as early as 1923, demonstrating foresight in recognizing the capital's importance for legal practice, especially in federal and regulatory matters.
• Specialized Expertise: It was renowned for its deep specialization in critical areas such as tax law, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance, showcasing a focus on complex, regulated industries.
• Influential Attorneys: The firm attracted notable legal talent; for instance, Barack Obama served as a summer associate in its Chicago office in the 1990 class, and Samuel K. Skinner (former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and White House Chief of Staff) was also associated with the firm.
• Strategic Growth through Acquisition: The acquisition of a lobbying and public policy law firm in 1997 highlighted its adaptability and commitment to enhancing its capabilities in key D.C.-centric practice areas.
• Contribution to a Larger Legacy: Its merger with Foley & Lardner in 2000 ensured that its historical expertise and attorneys became part of a larger, national firm, contributing to a broader and more diverse legal service offering that continues to serve clients in Washington D.C.
• Reputation for Handling Complex Matters: The nature of its core practice areas (tax, public policy, transportation finance) suggests a firm adept at navigating intricate legal and regulatory challenges, which would have been a significant draw for clients.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a historically significant firm that played a role in shaping the legal services available in Washington D.C.

Promotions or Special Offers

As "Hopkins & Sutter" merged with Foley & Lardner in 2000 and no longer operates as an independent entity, there are no specific "promotions" or "special offers" under the Hopkins & Sutter name.

However, in the context of high-level legal services provided by firms that have absorbed such legacies, the typical approach for prospective clients involves:

• Initial Consultations: Reputable law firms, including those that have inherited the expertise of firms like Hopkins & Sutter, often offer initial consultations to discuss a potential client's legal needs. While not always free, these consultations are crucial for:
  • Assessing the complexity and scope of the legal issue.
  • Determining if the firm's specialized expertise aligns with the client's requirements.
  • Understanding the potential legal strategies and estimated timelines.
  • Discussing fee structures and engagement terms.

For those seeking the kind of sophisticated legal expertise once offered by Hopkins & Sutter, contacting a major law firm with a strong Washington D.C. presence and specializations in tax, regulatory, or public policy law would be the appropriate step. These firms focus on providing tailored legal solutions rather than generalized promotional offers.

Contact Information

It is important to note that "Hopkins & Sutter" merged with Foley & Lardner in 2000. Therefore, the contact information provided likely refers to the former address or a historical listing. For current legal services that might continue the legacy of expertise in areas like tax, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance within Washington D.C., one would typically contact Foley & Lardner or another firm that has absorbed such specializations.

The provided contact information is:

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

Phone: (202) 835-8040

Mobile Phone: +1 202-835-8040

While these contact details are provided, anyone seeking legal assistance based on the historical "Hopkins & Sutter" should be aware of the firm's merger and consider directing inquiries to Foley & Lardner or a firm with current expertise in the relevant practice areas at this address.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

While "Hopkins & Sutter" as a standalone entity is a part of Washington D.C.'s rich legal history, its former presence and the nature of its practice areas highlight why its legacy, now integrated into larger firms, remains suitable and beneficial for locals. The firm’s historical office at 888 Black Lives Matter Plz NW #740, located in the heart of downtown D.C., speaks volumes about its strategic positioning. This prime location ensures exceptional accessibility via the city's extensive Metro and bus networks, making it convenient for residents and businesses across the District to engage with high-caliber legal services.

The historical specialization of Hopkins & Sutter in areas like tax law, insurance, public policy, and transportation finance underscores the type of sophisticated legal expertise that has long served the unique needs of Washington D.C. This focus on federal and regulatory matters is particularly vital in a city that is the nexus of national policy and governance. Although the firm merged into Foley & Lardner, the continuity of such specialized legal knowledge within a prominent D.C. address means that locals continue to have access to deep expertise in these critical areas. For anyone in Washington D.C. facing complex tax issues, navigating intricate public policy landscapes, or dealing with specialized financial regulations, the historical foundation laid by firms like Hopkins & Sutter contributes to the robust and expert legal support available today in the nation's capital. This legacy ensures that D.C. residents and businesses can find skilled legal professionals well-versed in the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the city's unique legal environment.