About Geoffrey

Geoffrey M. Klineberg is a partner at Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C., a prominent law firm based in Washington, D.C. This firm specializes in appellate litigation and administrative law, areas where Klineberg has cultivated extensive expertise since he joined in 1995. His practice primarily focuses on representing clients in complex legal matters before federal agencies and courts, showcasing his ability to navigate intricate legal fields effectively. In 2019, Klineberg was elected president-elect of the District of Columbia Bar for the 2019–2020 term — He officially assumed office on June 11, 2019, and his term as president commenced in 2020. Klineberg's leadership extended beyond his presidency, as he served a third year as immediate past president. His commitment to the legal community is further evidenced by his role as chair of the Committee on Grievances of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

He contributed to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession. Klineberg’s legal career is distinguished by significant clerkships that have shaped his understanding of the law. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable José A. Cabranes on the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. Additionally, he clerked for the Honorable Patricia M — Wald on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Most notably, he had the privilege of serving as a law clerk to Associate Justice Harry A.

Blackmun on the U.S. Supreme Court — These experiences provided Klineberg with a unique perspective on judicial processes and appellate advocacy. Beyond his legal practice, Klineberg has been actively involved in various professional activities that demonstrate his commitment to the field. From 2012 to 2013, he served as Counselor on International Law in the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Legal Adviser. In this capacity, he provided legal advice on numerous litigation matters, further broadening his expertise in international law. He has also been a member of the D.C. Court of Appeals Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law, advising clients on the applicability of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Klineberg’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, magna cum laude, from Princeton University. He furthered his studies with a Master of Philosophy in International Relations with distinction from Balliol College, Oxford University. Klineberg earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he served as an Articles Editor on the Yale Law Journal. His contributions to the legal profession have not gone unnoticed; he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer from 2014 to 2025, reflecting his standing in the legal community and his dedication to excellence in the practice of law.

Education

Yale Law School

J.D. (1990)

1987

University of Oxford

M.Phil. (1987) | International Relations and Affairs

1985

Princeton University

A.B. (1985) | International Relations and Affairs

1981

Languages

French (Spoken)

Experience

President

D.C. Bar
2020

Counselor on International Law, Office of the Legal Adviser

U.S. Department of State
2012

Partner

Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C.
1995

Special Assistant to the Deputy Lawyer General

U.S. Department of Justice
1993

Law Clerk to the Honorable Harry A. Blackmun

Supreme Court of the United States
1992

Law Clerk to the Honorable Patricia M. Wald

Company NameU.S. Court of Appeals
1991

Law Clerk to the Honorable José A. Cabranes

U.S. District Court
1990

Accepted Jurisdictions

District of Columbia

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia U.S. District Court · Admitted 1994
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit U.S. Circuit Court · Admitted 1994
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court · Admitted 1998

Types of Cases Handled

Appellate Litigation Administrative Law

Legal Services Scope

Trial Appellate

Professional Associations

District of Columbia Bar

has membership 1994 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 1615 M St NW Washington DC 20036

Sources

Information is based on available sources as of February 19, 2026.