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Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears LLP

United States 2025

Overview

Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears, LLP, is an established boutique litigation firm located in Washington, D.C. Founding partners David Schertler and Danny Onorato, both former federal prosecutors, are widely recognized as among the top white-collar and non-white-collar criminal defense attorneys in the Washington area and nationwide. They regularly represent individuals and entities in criminal investigations and proceedings in the United States and abroad, including corporate internal investigations, agency enforcement matters, and high-profile trials. Within their firm, Mr. Schertler and Mr. Onorato have assembled a team of accomplished attorneys who include practitioners in complex civil litigation, False Claims Act litigation, antitrust and securities litigation and enforcement, and federal and state appellate litigation.

Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears and its attorneys have been recognized within the Bar and among their peers for their legal skills and trial successes. The firm has repeatedly earned a prestigious "first tier" ranking from Best Law Firms for its white-collar and non-white-collar criminal defense practice. In addition, Mr. Schertler, Mr. Onorato, and other firm lawyers have been recognized as outstanding lawyers in their fields in numerous professional surveys, including Best Lawyers in America, Washingtonian magazine's "Best Lawyers" and "Top 30 Lawyers" lists, and "Super Lawyers." Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears takes pride in these accolades and in representing its clients with zeal, efficiency, and integrity.

Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
19
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
8

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Regional

Washington, D.C.

Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Criminal Defense: General Practice
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Securities

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
National Ranking
Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Regional

Washington, D.C.

Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Criminal Defense: General Practice
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
Washington, D.C.
Litigation - Securities

Practice Areas

Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 5 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Antitrust Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Civil Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  • Fraud
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - Patent
  • Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
  • Litigation - Securities
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Qui Tam Law
  • Sports Law
  • Tax Law
  • White-Collar Criminal Defense

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Schertler Onorato Mead & Sears LLP proudly has 8 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Offices & Contacts

Washington, DC
555 13th Street, N.W., Suite 500 West
Washington, DC 20004
United States
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