About Us
Champions Advocates for Justice and Fairness
SCLG combines deep legal expertise with strategic business understanding to deliver practical, results-oriented solutions for complex legal challenges. Our approach emphasizes creative problem-solving, thorough preparation, and persistent advocacy to achieve optimal outcomes for our clients.
With extensive experience in federal appellate courts, regulatory proceedings, and complex litigation, we provide sophisticated legal services while maintaining the personal attention and strategic focus that clients deserve. Our track record includes published appellate court opinions, successful recovery of substantial damages, and favorable outcomes in high-stakes constitutional and regulatory matters.
Why Choose Us?
100+ years of combined legal expertise.
Deep industry knowledge in cybersecurity and data privacy.
Business-first legal approach (we align legal solutions with business growth.
Practice Specialties
Data Privacy & Compliance
-
Challenges We Solve:GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA compliance, regulatoryaudits.
-
Industries We Serve: Tech, finance, healthcare, startups.
-
How We Help: Policy development, risk assessments, data breach response.
Cybersecurity Law
-
Legal Risks & Concerns: Data breaches, ransomware, cybersecurity governance.
-
Solutions We Provide: Legal incident response, compliance audits, vendor agreements.
Regulatory Compliance & Business Strategy
- Regulatory Frameworks We Navigate: SEC, FTC, international compliance.
-
Key Services: Corporate governance, risk mitigation, compliance training.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
-
Common Cases We Handle: Data breach lawsuits, contract disputes, regulatory enforcement
-
Process & Strategy: Proactive litigation defense and risk minimization
SaaS, Technology & Communications Law
-
Legal Challenges in SaaS: IP protection, licensing, user agreements, compliance
-
How We Help: Contract negotiation, liability limitation, software protection
International Business & Law
-
Global Expansion Risks: Cross-border transactions, privacy regulations.
-
Our Expertise: International trade laws, contracts, • licensing
Case Studies
Case Study: Merchant Account Recovery Success
Merchant Account Recovery Success Details
The Challenge
A long-standing business client faced a critical financial crisis when a large merchant account company improperly withheld over $200,000 in funds, threatening the viability of ongoing operations and creating substantial business disruption.
Our Strategy
Walter Steimel approached this complex commercial dispute with characteristic creativity and strategic thinking. Rather than pursuing conventional litigation that might have resulted in prolonged proceedings and uncertain outcomes, he identified innovative legal solutions that addressed both immediate financial needs and long-term business protection.
The Outcome
Through strategic advocacy and creative legal problem-solving, we successfully recovered the full amount of improperly held funds exceeding $200,000. This victory resolved the immediate financial crisis while establishing favorable precedents for ongoing merchant account relationships.
Client Testimonial
“Walt has been my business/corporate attorney for many years and in my former company (prior to being acquired) Walt was instrumental in releasing more than $200,000 being held unfairly by a large merchant account company. He has also represented us in smaller matters, but always demonstrated an above average ability to see through the problem quickly, come up with a creative (within the law) solution that most attorney’s would not have. Highly recommend.”
Why This Matters
This case demonstrates SCLG’s ability to deliver practical, results-oriented legal solutions in high-stakes commercial disputes. The successful recovery of substantial funds under challenging circumstances illustrates our capacity to combine legal expertise with business acumen to achieve optimal client outcomes.
Case Study: Comprehensive Trademark Portfolio Management
Comprehensive Trademark Portfolio Management Details
Overview: Walter Steimel’s extensive experience in intellectual property law is demonstrated through his representation of clients in over 70 trademark proceedings before the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, showcasing sophisticated understanding of trademark law, strategic portfolio management, and complex IP litigation.
Primary Client Relationship: Much of Mr. Steimel’s trademark work involved long-term representation of Pilgrim Telephone, Inc., a telecommunications company requiring comprehensive trademark protection for its expanding service offerings and digital presence. This sustained client relationship demonstrates SCLG’s ability to provide ongoing strategic counsel and develop deep understanding of client business needs.
FANTASY.COM Trademark Series (2002-2004)
Strategic Challenge: Pilgrim Telephone, Inc. sought to secure trademark protection for “FANTASY.COM” marks in connection with telecommunications services, facing opposition from Fantasy Inc., which held prior rights in the “FANTASY” mark. This dispute represented an early example of domain name trademark conflicts in the telecommunications industry.
Legal Complexity: The proceedings involved multiple related applications and opposition proceedings, requiring sophisticated coordination of legal strategies across several simultaneous TTAB proceedings. The cases addressed fundamental questions about the relationship between domain names and trademark rights, particularly in the context of telecommunications services.
Strategic Approach: Mr. Steimel developed a comprehensive legal strategy that addressed both the technical trademark law issues and the broader business implications of domain name protection in the emerging internet economy. The approach required careful analysis of likelihood of confusion factors, the relationship between domain names and service marks, and the specific requirements for telecommunications industry trademark protection.
TALK Series Trademark Portfolio (2002-2003)
Portfolio Strategy: Pilgrim Telephone, Inc. sought to develop a comprehensive trademark portfolio around variations of “TALK” marks, including “#TALK,” “*TALK,” “**TALK,” and “STAR TALK.” This strategic approach demonstrated sophisticated understanding of trademark portfolio development and the importance of securing protection for related marks.
Opposition Challenges: The trademark applications faced opposition from major corporations including Mattel, Inc. and Preferred Voice, Inc., requiring sophisticated legal advocacy against well-resourced opponents with extensive IP portfolios. These proceedings demonstrated SCLG’s ability to compete effectively against major corporate legal teams.
Symbol Mark Expertise: The cases involved complex issues related to symbol marks and non-traditional trademark elements, requiring specialized knowledge of USPTO examination procedures and the unique challenges associated with protecting marks containing symbols and special characters.
Strategic Coordination: Managing multiple related proceedings simultaneously required sophisticated case management and strategic coordination to ensure consistent legal positions across all proceedings while addressing the specific challenges presented by each opposition.
Broader IP Portfolio Management
Long-term Client Relationships: Mr. Steimel’s trademark practice demonstrates the ability to develop sustained client relationships and provide ongoing strategic counsel for IP portfolio development. The multi-year representation of Pilgrim Telephone, Inc. across numerous proceedings shows SCLG’s capacity for comprehensive, long-term legal support.
Industry Expertise: The concentration of trademark work in the telecommunications industry demonstrates deep understanding of industry-specific IP challenges, including the intersection of telecommunications services, internet domain names, and traditional trademark protection.
Strategic Business Understanding: The trademark portfolio work reflects sophisticated understanding of business strategy and the role of intellectual property in supporting business development, market positioning, and competitive advantage in rapidly evolving technology sectors.
Case Study: Fourth Circuit Privacy Rights Victory
Fourth Circuit Privacy Rights Victory Details
Case: Doe v. Sidar, No. 23-1177 (4th Cir. 2024)
The Challenge
A sexual assault victim sought to pursue civil claims against her attacker while maintaining anonymity throughout the proceedings. The case was complicated by the defendant’s default judgment status and a district court’s last-minute order requiring identity disclosure just eleven days before trial.
Our Strategy
Working as co-counsel with Thomas F. Urban II of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, Walter Steimel developed a comprehensive legal strategy addressing multiple complex constitutional and procedural issues. We successfully established the defendant’s liability through default judgment after he refused to provide a DNA sample and failed to mount any defense.
The Victory
The Fourth Circuit issued a published opinion protecting the victim’s anonymity and establishing important legal precedent for sexual assault victim privacy rights. The court held that it was “conclusively established that Cenk Sidar raped Jane Doe” and found that the district court had exceeded its discretion in requiring identity disclosure.
Legal Precedent
The Fourth Circuit’s published decision creates binding precedent for protecting sexual assault victim privacy rights in civil litigation. The court’s analysis addressed three critical areas:
1.Privacy Interest Analysis: The court found that the case involved “intimate details of Doe’s sexual assault by Sidar and resulting psychological trauma.”
2.Fairness Considerations: The appellate court rejected flawed analysis suggesting that anonymity was inherently unfair to the defendant.
3.Default Judgment Impact: The court emphasized that the defendant’s established liability significantly reduced any potential unfairness from continued anonymity.
Significance
This published Fourth Circuit opinion demonstrates SCLG’s ability to achieve not only individual client victories but also broader legal precedents that benefit future litigants facing similar challenges.
Case Study: Virginia Court of Appeals Procedural Law Expertise
Virginia Court of Appeals Procedural Law Expertise Details:
Case: Sidar v. Doe (Virginia Court of Appeals, 2024)
Procedural Complexity: In a related proceeding to the Fourth Circuit case, Walter Steimel demonstrated sophisticated understanding of Virginia appellate procedure and attorney’s fees law in a complex case involving recently amended court rules and clerk procedural errors.
Legal Challenge: After achieving victory in the underlying sexual assault case, the client sought appellate attorney’s fees under Virginia Rule 1:1A. However, a circuit court clerk’s error in refusing to accept the timely filing created a substantial procedural challenge that required expert navigation of Virginia appellate law.
Strategic Advocacy: Mr. Steimel’s approach to this procedural challenge demonstrated several key aspects of sophisticated appellate practice:
Direct Agency Coordination: When faced with the clerk’s refusal to accept the filing, Mr. Steimel took the initiative to contact the Supreme Court of Virginia clerk directly to resolve the procedural impasse, demonstrating practical problem-solving skills and thorough understanding of court operations.
Regulatory Interpretation: The case required detailed analysis of recently amended Rule 1:1A, including complex interpretation of terms such as “final appellate judgment” versus “mandate,” showcasing Mr. Steimel’s expertise in procedural law and regulatory interpretation.
Client Advocacy: Despite the ultimate adverse ruling, Mr. Steimel’s advocacy highlighted the substantial hardship created by the clerk’s error and argued for the court’s discretion to extend filing deadlines under Rule 1:9, demonstrating persistent advocacy for client interests.
Professional Insight: Mr. Steimel’s commentary on the case revealed important insights about the lack of guidance for attorneys facing similar procedural challenges, contributing to broader understanding of appellate practice issues and potential reforms needed in court procedures.
Legal Significance: While the Virginia Court of Appeals ultimately ruled against the client due to the strict interpretation of the amended rule, the case demonstrates SCLG’s willingness to pursue complex procedural challenges and advocate for clients even in difficult circumstances. The court’s acknowledgment that the clerk’s error created “substantial hardship” validates the legitimacy of the legal challenge and Mr. Steimel’s advocacy efforts.
Case Study: DC Circuit Telecommunications Expertise
DC Circuit Telecommunications Expertise Details
Case: Chadmoore Communications, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission, No. 96-1061 (D.C. Cir. 1997)
The Challenge
Chadmoore Communications sought an extended implementation period to complete construction of an ambitious wide-area specialized mobile radio system comprising 2,312 stations across 26 states. The case arose during a critical transition in telecommunications regulation as the FCC implemented new competitive bidding systems.
Complex Legal Issues
The case required sophisticated understanding of:
•Administrative law principles and agency discretion
•Telecommunications regulatory frameworks
•Spectrum allocation and licensing procedures
•The intersection of old and new regulatory regimes
Our Representation
Walter Steimel served as co-counsel in this sophisticated telecommunications regulatory matter before the prestigious D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, addressing fundamental questions about regulatory transition periods and the balance between protecting existing licensees and implementing new competitive frameworks.
Professional Significance
Representation before the D.C. Circuit in complex telecommunications regulatory matters represents the highest level of federal appellate practice. The court’s detailed analysis demonstrates the sophisticated legal advocacy provided in this challenging regulatory environment.
Industry Impact
The case contributed to the broader development of telecommunications regulatory law during a critical industry evolution period, addressing fundamental questions about regulatory transitions and competitive framework implementation.
Case Study: First Amendment and Digital Platform Law
First Amendment and Digital Platform Law Details
Case: EIN Presswire First Amendment Litigation (2025)
Contemporary Legal Challenge: In a recent case highlighting the intersection of First Amendment rights and digital platform regulation, Walter Steimel represents EIN Presswire in complex constitutional litigation involving online criticism of judicial officials and the delicate balance between free speech protections and judicial system integrity.
Legal Framework: The case involves a federal judge’s dismissal of a First Amendment claim against a state judiciary spokesperson who requested removal of online content criticizing a judge. The legal challenge addresses fundamental questions about the scope of First Amendment protections in digital environments and the appropriate limits on criticism of judicial officials.
Strategic Considerations: Mr. Steimel’s representation of EIN Presswire in this matter demonstrates several key aspects of contemporary constitutional law practice:
Digital Platform Expertise: The case requires sophisticated understanding of how traditional First Amendment principles apply to digital platforms and online content distribution, reflecting SCLG’s expertise in emerging technology law issues.
Constitutional Law Advocacy: The litigation involves complex constitutional analysis and the application of established First Amendment precedents to novel digital communication contexts, demonstrating SCLG’s capacity for sophisticated constitutional advocacy.
Media and Press Relations: Representation of EIN Presswire, a press release distribution service, demonstrates understanding of media industry legal needs and the specific constitutional protections applicable to press and media organizations.
Judicial System Sensitivity: The case requires careful navigation of the sensitive balance between protecting free speech rights and maintaining appropriate respect for judicial institutions, demonstrating sophisticated understanding of constitutional law nuances.
Legal Significance: The case addresses what legal commentators have described as a “razor-thin line” in First Amendment jurisprudence, highlighting the complex constitutional questions that arise when traditional free speech principles intersect with digital communication platforms and judicial system integrity concerns.
Professional Recognition: Mr. Steimel’s involvement in this high-profile constitutional matter demonstrates SCLG’s recognition as capable counsel for complex First Amendment challenges and digital platform legal issues.
Successful Case Studies
$200,000+ successfully recovered in merchant account dispute
•70+ trademark proceedings before USPTO TTAB
•Published appellate opinions in federal courts
•5.0/5.0 Avvo rating reflecting consistent client satisfaction
•43+ years of legal experience across multiple practice areas
Business Law Client
“Walt has been my business/corporate attorney for many years and in my former company (prior to being acquired) Walt was instrumental in releasing more than $200,000 being held unfairly by a large merchant account company. He has also represented us in smaller matters, but always demonstrated an above average ability to see through the problem quickly, come up with a creative (within the law) solution that most attorney’s would not have. Highly recommend.”
– Anonymous Business Client (March 2016)
Walter A. Steimel Jr.
CEO & Founder
Walter E. Steimel Jr. leads Steimel Counselors Law Group PLLC (SCLG) with over four decades of distinguished legal experience in complex federal matters, constitutional law, and sophisticated business litigation. Based in Washington D.C.’s prestigious Pennsylvania Avenue corridor, SCLG provides exceptional legal services to clients facing challenging legal issues across multiple practice areas.
A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1981), Mr. Steimel brings unique expertise to complex matters requiring strategic advocacy and creative problem-solving. Licensed in both the District of Columbia and Texas, with additional language capabilities in French and Spanish, he serves diverse client needs across multiple jurisdictions.
Beyond his practice, Mr. Steimel contributes to legal education as an Adjunct Professor at Catholic University and Visiting Professor at Texas Christian University, sharing his extensive practical experience with future legal professionals and maintaining current expertise across evolving areas of law.
OUR Record
Why choose SCLGrp
SCLGrp’s success stories span multiple practice areas and demonstrate consistent achievement of favorable outcomes for clients facing complex legal challenges. Our track record includes published appellate court opinions, substantial damage recoveries, and successful resolution of sophisticated regulatory and constitutional matters.
Strategic Location
Our Pennsylvania Avenue location in Washington D.C. provides optimal access to federal agencies, courts, and the broader regulatory and legal infrastructure essential for effective representation in complex federal matters.
Comprehensive Expertise
SCLG’s practice areas span multiple sophisticated legal disciplines, enabling comprehensive service delivery for complex matters that cross traditional practice area boundaries. This breadth of expertise allows us to provide integrated legal solutions rather than requiring clients to coordinate multiple specialized counse
Federal Focus
Our concentration on federal law matters, including appellate practice, regulatory compliance, and constitutional law, provides deep expertise in areas requiring sophisticated understanding of federal legal frameworks and procedures.
Client-Centered Approach
SCLG’s track record of sustained client relationships and successful outcomes demonstrates a client-centered approach that prioritizes practical results and strategic business understanding alongside legal expertise.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Legal Experts
Contact Info
Phone
(251) 341-1211
wes@sclgrp.com
Address
1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004-1017, USA
Contact Us
Free Consulting
Our Blog
Legal Insights Hub
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.