Our Attorneys:

Walter E. Diercks

Walter E. Diercks advises clients on a wide range of corporate, commercial and regulatory issues. In addition, his practice includes client representation in media matters, including print, broadcast, Internet and outdoor advertising. He also represents clients in complex civil and white collar criminal litigation in federal and state courts, both at the trial and appellate levels.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Diercks served as General Counsel and Secretary of the Washington Star newspaper from 1977 until the paper ceased publication in 1981. As the Star’s General Counsel, he provided pre-publication review of articles and managed the paper’s litigation. He also supervised the company’s pension and health and welfare plans, and he negotiated contracts and leases for the company. Previously, he was Deputy Assistant Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection where he implemented the Commission’s first trade regulation rule enforcement program. Mr. Diercks brings to his practice firsthand experience as a chemical engineer and his quick grasp of complicated technical matters.

Practice Specialty Areas

Business Transactions
Communications
Corporate Law
Litigation (First and Fifth Amendment)
Litigation (Civil and Commercial)
Media (Print, Broadcast, Internet)
Outdoor Advertising

Admissions

District of Columbia
Virginia
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
U.S. District Court for the District of the District of Columbia
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Education

J.D. The University of Virginia, 1972
Bachelor’s of Chemical Engineering (B.Ch.E.), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1967

Professional and Civic Affiliations

American Bar Association
Federal Communications Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
Virginia State Bar Association
Federal American Inn of Court, Master
Alpha-1 Kids, Advisory Board member