About David
David Wachtel is an attorney specializing in employment law and civil rights, boasting over 30 years of experience in the field. He serves as a partner at Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold, PLLC, located at 1666 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20009. The firm is dedicated to representing employees in various legal matters, including discrimination cases, severance negotiations, and providing essential advice on employment law compliance. His experience allows him to navigate complex legal fields effectively. Admitted to practice in the District of Columbia since 1991, California since 1990, and Maryland since 1997, Mr. Wachtel has established a broad jurisdictional reach. His qualifications extend to the U.S.
Courts of Appeals for the 4th and 7th Circuits, as well as the District of Columbia Circuit. Additionally, he is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the District of Columbia, Maryland, and the Central District of California. This diverse admission enables him to represent clients across multiple jurisdictions, enhancing his ability to advocate for employee rights. Mr. Wachtel earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986. During his time in law school, he served as an editor of the Texas Law Review, showcasing his commitment to legal scholarship and excellence.
His practice areas encompass many employment law issues, including employee benefits, employment contracts, employment discrimination, ERISA, overtime and unpaid wages, sexual harassment, whistleblower cases, and wrongful termination. In civil rights, he addresses matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), discrimination, fair housing, and police misconduct, among others. Since 2004, Mr. Wachtel has been recognized as one of Washington's best civil rights lawyers. He has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2010 to 2025, reflecting his sustained excellence in the field. Additionally, he is a member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a prestigious organization that honors outstanding practitioners. His accolades also include recognition by Washingtonian Magazine as a top lawyer in Washington, DC, further solidifying his reputation in the legal community.
Beyond his practice, Mr. Wachtel is actively involved in legal education and advocacy. He is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association (MWELA). He has authored articles on various employment law topics and has been quoted by reputable publications such as Employment Law Daily, Life Hacker, and Investors Business Daily. Furthermore, he has conducted Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes and webinars focused on the Americans with Disabilities Act and technology and privacy issues in employment law, demonstrating his commitment to educating both clients and fellow attorneys.
