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Dorothea Elaine Laster, experienced Appeals, Family Law attorney in Arlington, TX with 22 reviews
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43,68
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5.0/5
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5.0
22 Reviews
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13 Jun, 2024 by Landon
My family ran into some issues with the CPS system, and Dorthea stepped in, took our case right away, we were stressed out because we knew we were innocent, but Dorthea kept her professional demeanor and listened to our story! She dealt with CPS on our behalf, walked with us through the process, and stopped the unwarranted harassments. Dorothea knows what she’s doing!!!
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10 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
I've been working with Dorothea for about a year on an appeal of a complex child custody case. First of all, Dorothea is not a "Yes-Man". She will tell you bluntly if she believes your case has slim or no odds of succeeding. And better to hear that at an initial consultation with her than after you've invested thousands of dollars just to be told 'no' by someone else. Dorothea told me the odds of success in my case were not great. It's the nature of appeals. I felt so strongly that a wrong had been done to me that I decided to proceed anyway, even with her telling me at our initial consultation that the odds were against me. As my appeal nears its conclusion, she's produced a brief for me that I'm very proud of that I feel presents the issues as succinctly as she could in only 15,000 words. After retaining her services, Dorothea put in countless hours reviewing court transcripts, thousands of pages of medical records, and interviewing witnesses. Five years had passed in between the time this case was opened and the time it went to trial. There was a lot for Dorothea to catch up on and not much time for her to get up to speed. To further complicate matters, my trial attorney had a family emergency that prevented him from being much help in the transition to Dorothea as my appellate attorney. Despite all of the obstacles and difficulties, she was able to get a grasp on what had happened. She was able to see from a legal perspective how my rights had been violated at trial whereas I had only my belief that this was not how "justice" was supposed to work. I wasn't able to see the forest for the trees until Dorothea made me step back and showed it to me. Because of her patience, her diligence, her enthusiasm for the law and for issues of social justice, I have hope where before I only had a prayer. Dorothea's mental agility and tenacity are the things I appreciate most about her in the courtroom. At every court appearance, she has always had a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C. I suspect if we ever need a Plan D, she would probably pull one of those out of her hat, too. For example, when Dorothea had critical evidence she wanted to get into the record on my behalf, she had that evidence ready to present in multiple different formats to ensure it got into the record. She didn't just give up the first time she was told 'no', as has been my experience with other attorneys, but fluidly shifted to her backup strategies to get that evidence into the record. I intend to continue working with Dorothea even after our business with the appeal is concluded and can't recommend her highly enough.
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19 Dec, 2022 by Linda
She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, focused and detailed orientated. She was also accessible with "no nonsense" persona. She creates a sense of strength and confidence.
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Ronald Paul Hall, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 1 reviews
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39,03
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5.0/5
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5.0
1 Reviews
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20 May, 2014 by Thomas
My biggest gripe about attorneys is that they at best lack customer service skills and at worst are just lazy. I've actually had issues getting some of them to accept retainer in a timely manner. I didn't have such an issue with Ron. He was very prompt in returning my first call (within 30 minutes) and after he was hired I never waited more than a few minutes if he didn't answer on my call. That being said, I was even more impressed with his knowledge of law as it pertained to my case, his obvious courthouse network, and his thoroughness in shepherding me around all of the potential pitfalls. It takes more than a big stick to be a successful attorney. One that can provide good customer service, treating everyone as a customer from the client to the folks in the system, and utilize his/her relationships is going to do very well. Arrogance destroys these traits but Ron hasn't let that affect his core values. I wish I could give more stars. I HIGHLY recommend this attorney and his firm.
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Joseph Wesley Dauphinot, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Arlington, TX with 50 reviews
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37,65
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4.8/5
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4.8
50 Reviews
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15 Aug, 2024 by Tony vilaros
Wes has handled legal issues for me multiple times. He has the finest expertise and knows the law from A to Z. He is there for his clients and will give you his utmost attention and honesty!
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03 Jun, 2024 by Jose varela
Wes Dauphinot Law Firm goes the full distance when taken on a new client. Wes has represented me so far on two occasions, both with positive outcomes. Wes is now working on my third case. When it comes to having a lawyer in your corner that actually cares, You need none other than the Dauphinot Law Firm. People always ask me do you have a lawyer? I simply respond with I have a hired gun.. 24 years I have been dealing with Wes Dauphinot, and will never go anywhere else. He has always been honest and upfront, that is hard to find these days.. If you want the best, call Wes Dauphinot Law Firm….
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30 May, 2024 by Mesh adu okai
Wes, The Dauphinot Law firm and his team are very good attorneys who cares and I highly recommend them to anyone having employment issues or is being treated unfairly by an employer. He represented me when I thought I was being treated unfairly by my employer, a big firm (corporation). He was able to get things to closure for a well deserved settlement. Satisfied client.
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Jake Hunter Wiggins, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 385 reviews
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35,40
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5.0/5
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5.0
385 Reviews
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24 Dec, 2024 by M. c.
Shane literally made Christmas for my family this year! Got a very difficult case handled and avoided jail time for my son. He and his team are great at what they do. Even when things seem hopeless, they provide the glimmer of hope that makes all the difference in these sensitive situations. If you ever find yourself facing unfortunate circumstances involving the law, retain Shane and his team. You won’t regret it!
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10 Dec, 2024 by Mike jones
Shane Lewis is a great lawer he will work your case to the fullest and be there for you every step of the way I never had a lawyer that will work with you through the hard times he is better than all the other lawyers that I did have
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02 Dec, 2024 by Arrianna johnson
Jake did a wonderful job helping me get my case dissmised Him and his team where wonderful
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Ryan Carroll Hale, experienced Appeals, Real Estate attorney in Arlington, TX with 6 reviews
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32,21
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4.6/5
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4.6
6 Reviews
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29 Nov, 2022 by Charlotte holley
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23 Feb, 2022 by Adam
Best attorney you can find. An honest and brilliant man with true integrity. Jeff Kennedy is the best choice I could have made and he immediately began fixing the most difficult period my family has gone through. Extraordinary results which I never could have imagined.
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08 Dec, 2019 by Jason lajudice
Love how this place takes care of my Speeding Tickets lol
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Janet K Colaneri, experienced Appeals, Civil Rights attorney in Arlington, TX with 36 reviews
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31,96
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4.8/5
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4.8
36 Reviews
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13 Dec, 2024 by Ellen page
This firm is very friendly, empathetic and professional. They went above and beyond by making amendments to my mother's will and visiting the hospital to have it signed and notarized. I would highly recommend them.
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17 Nov, 2024 by Keith whitehouse
After reviewing several estate law firms, we settled in on the Dove Law Firm LLC. Carolyn Dove provided a comfort level that we had not seen with other firms we reviewed. Her calm, professional approach matched up with her legal knowledge of estate planning. She made sure to fully research previous legal filings to include in our Living Trust. With Dove’s whole team, we now have true peace of mind that our estate has been handled properly now, and for any changes we may have going forward.
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08 Nov, 2024 by Terri willis
Everyone is so genuine and personable! It's refreshing to work with people who are both knowledgeable and truly care about the client. Thank you, Dove Firm, for assisting my family and friends!
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Eric Steven Labovitz, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 5 reviews
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28,52
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4.2/5
Avvo
4.2
5 Reviews
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29 Mar, 2022 by Elizabeth
My husband died while out of state, and he had my children with him. An in law relative had taken possession of my boys and refused to give them back. I had no idea what to do, where to start and how to proceed. Eric immediately took charge and instructed me on what to do. He was able to negotiate the return of my children and settle the matter out of court. If you need an attorney, this is the one you want. Don't settle for anything but the best.
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10 Jul, 2018 by Wendy
I can not say enough good things about Eric Labovitz and his team. I was getting a divorce, i was seeking spousal support, and i did not know where to start or what to expect. Eric Labovitz immediately made me feel at ease. Eric explained everything to me step by step, and got the ball rolling immediately. In short, Eric was able to accomplish way more for me than what was expected. Through my journey on the road to divorce, I learned that divorces take time, there is more involved than just signing papers, but compared to other reviews about other attorneys, Eric was fast. I learned that divorces can be costly, and again compared to other reviews about other attorneys, I felt the cost was more than fair. Eric is straightforward and takes the time to explain every cost.  Bottom line, if you need an attorney that is straight to the point, that is fair, and that will actually work hard, fight for you and your rights, there is no comparison. Eric Labovitz and his team is who you need!!!
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30 Jun, 2018 by Richard
Mr. Labovitzs helped me and my daughter out in court he's a awesome guy he answers any questions u have I would refer him to anybody.
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Solomon George Norred, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Arlington, TX with 103 reviews
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27,46
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4.6/5
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4.6
103 Reviews
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08 Jan, 2025 by Clarity medicine
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18 Dec, 2024 by Eddie mcclendon
I am a Texas attorney. When I needed help with an issue that impacted me personally, a trusted lawyer friend advised that I contact Warren Norred. After a quick phone call to Warren's office I was scheduled for a consultation via Zoom. At the consultation, Warren appeared on time and was a pleasure to speak with. I was given legal advice tailored to my specific issue. Warren was able to advise me from a position of great experience in the area where I needed help and because of his advice I was able to see my issue in a new light. Thank you, Warren!
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04 Nov, 2024 by Ashley marcum
Wonderful group to work with, they are very helpful and make the process as smooth as possible. They were always quick to respond when I had any kind of questions, and readily available when I needed to speak with them over the phone or in person. Highly recommend!
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Krystal Ann Bell, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Arlington, TX with 247 reviews
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23,67
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3.9/5
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3.9
247 Reviews
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07 Dec, 2024 by Golfboy p.
After getting into my car wreck, I called Jim Ross and his main concern was my well-being. Jim and his group made sure that I had everything that I needed to get better from my injuries and at no cost to me including surgeries. The entire process was made as painless as possible all the way until the end. I am very grateful for what Jim and his team did for me, I know that I couldn't have done it all on my own with our same results.. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Jim Ross for a Personal Injury Attorney. He will fight for his clients, like he fought for me!!
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06 Aug, 2024 by Gentle bear
Very good service. The service I received was great, however, the other attorney for my ex wife dragged things on for nearly a year. My lawyer Stacy Alford kept me informed. I would highly recommend Jim Ross but you best have plenty $$$$. 😃
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04 Jul, 2024 by Nancy martinez
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John William Stickels, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 1 reviews
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7,17
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1.0/5
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1.0
1 Reviews
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24 Feb, 2024 by Ty
If you want to load your case out get a maximum sentence hire John Stickels. He is arrogant and lazy. He deserves to be in prison with the men he helped convict as their defense attorney.
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Gregory Alan Eyster, experienced Appeals, Litigation attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Mark C. Watler, experienced Appeals, Lawsuit / Dispute attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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0.0/5
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Wessley T. Ball, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Melvin Keith Ogle, experienced Appeals, Insurance attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Brooke Miller Mixon, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Andrew M. Caplan, experienced Appeals, Consumer Protection attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Tanya Nicole Garrison, experienced Appeals, Litigation attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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4,00
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Leland A. Reinhard, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Samuel Stanton Tillman, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Jimmy Dwight Tom, experienced Appeals, Government attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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James Thomas Jeffrey Jr., experienced Appeals, Government attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Stanley L. Schwieger, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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William Dwight Taylor, experienced Appeals attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Leland A. Reinhard, experienced Appeals, Criminal Defense attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Frankie Adler, experienced Appeals, Child Support attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Nastasha Nicole Anderson, experienced Appeals, Government attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Emily Allison Quillen, experienced Appeals, Litigation attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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Dean M. Swanda, experienced Appeals attorney in Arlington, TX with 0 reviews
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What an Appeals Lawyer Can Do for You

An appeals lawyer specializes in representing clients in appellate courts, challenging or defending lower court decisions. If you believe that a legal error was made during your trial or that the court’s decision was unjust, an appeals lawyer can help you appeal the ruling to a higher court. They work to identify mistakes made during the trial, such as improper application of law, exclusion of key evidence, or jury misconduct. On the other hand, if you're defending a favorable judgment, an appeals lawyer can help protect the decision from being overturned.

Appeals lawyers don’t retry the case but instead focus on legal arguments and procedural issues to convince the appellate court to either overturn, modify, or uphold the lower court’s decision.

When Should I Hire an Appeals Lawyer?

Hiring an appeals lawyer is necessary when you are involved in a legal appeal, either as the appellant (the party appealing the case) or the appellee (the party defending the lower court’s ruling). Common situations in which you should hire an appeals lawyer include:

  • Appealing a conviction or ruling: If you’ve been convicted in a criminal case or lost a civil case and believe the decision was based on legal errors or improper procedures, an appeals lawyer can review the case and file an appeal on your behalf.
  • Challenging a sentence: In criminal cases, if you feel that the sentence is excessively harsh or not in line with legal standards, an appeals lawyer can work to reduce or modify the sentence.
  • Defending a lower court ruling: If the opposing party has filed an appeal to overturn a favorable ruling, an appeals lawyer can help defend the judgment and argue that the lower court’s decision should be upheld.
  • Complex legal issues: If your case involves complicated legal issues or interpretations of the law, an appeals lawyer can provide the necessary expertise to argue those points effectively before an appellate court.
  • Reviewing trial errors: Appeals lawyers can examine whether mistakes such as jury misconduct, improper exclusion or admission of evidence, or incorrect jury instructions occurred during the trial.

You should hire an appeals lawyer as soon as you decide to appeal or are informed that the other party is appealing the case, as appellate procedures are time-sensitive.

What Does an Appeals Lawyer Do?

An appeals lawyer provides specialized legal services to challenge or defend a lower court decision. Their role focuses on legal arguments, reviewing the trial record, and persuading the appellate court to either reverse or uphold the ruling. They can:

  • Review the trial record: Appeals lawyers meticulously review transcripts, evidence, and rulings from the original trial to identify any legal errors or procedural mistakes that could be grounds for appeal.
  • Prepare and file briefs: Appeals lawyers write legal briefs that present persuasive arguments to the appellate court. These briefs focus on the legal errors made during the trial and how they affected the outcome.
  • Present oral arguments: In many appeals, lawyers present oral arguments before a panel of judges, explaining why the lower court’s decision should be reversed or upheld based on legal principles.
  • Monitor case law developments: Appeals lawyers stay updated on changes in the law and precedents set by higher courts, which can be crucial in shaping the arguments they present during the appeal.
  • Provide legal advice on the likelihood of success: Appeals lawyers can offer a realistic assessment of your chances of winning the appeal based on the legal errors and evidence from the trial.

How Are Appeals Lawyers Paid?

Appeals lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the appeal and the amount of work required to prepare briefs and present arguments. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many appeals lawyers charge by the hour due to the significant amount of research, writing, and preparation involved in appeals. Hourly rates can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity.
  • Flat fee: For some straightforward appeals, a lawyer may charge a flat fee that covers all the work necessary to complete the appeal.
  • Retainer fee: In complex or high-stakes appeals, a lawyer may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers the initial stages of the appeal. The lawyer then bills against this retainer for ongoing work.

It's important to discuss fees and costs upfront with your lawyer during the initial consultation to ensure you understand the financial commitment involved.

How Much Does an Appeals Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an appeals lawyer varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the amount of work involved. General cost estimates include:

  • Straightforward appeals: For simpler appeals, such as those involving minor legal errors, fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the scope of work.
  • Complex appeals: Appeals that involve complicated legal issues, multiple grounds for appeal, or high-stakes outcomes can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000 or more, especially if the case requires extensive legal research, brief writing, and oral arguments.
  • Hourly rates: Many appeals lawyers charge hourly rates ranging from $200 to $600 per hour, with higher rates often associated with more experienced attorneys or particularly challenging cases.

Before proceeding with your appeal, it’s crucial to ask for a clear estimate of the costs involved so you can budget appropriately.

Top Questions to Ask an Appeals Lawyer

Before hiring an appeals lawyer, it’s essential to ask questions to ensure they are well-suited for your case and that you understand the appeals process. Important questions include:

  1. What experience do you have with appeals?
    Ensure the lawyer has substantial experience handling appellate cases, particularly in the area of law relevant to your case (e.g., criminal, civil, family, etc.).
  2. How do you charge for appeals?
    Ask whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a retainer, and request an estimate of the total costs for handling your appeal.
  3. What is the likelihood of success for my appeal?
    A good appeals lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses and the chances of winning the appeal.
  4. How long will the appeal process take?
    Ask for an estimate of how long the appeal process might take, from filing the initial briefs to a final decision by the appellate court.
  5. Will you personally handle my appeal?
    In larger law firms, junior attorneys or legal assistants may handle some of the research or drafting. Clarify who will be responsible for preparing and arguing your case.
  6. What is your approach to handling appeals?
    Some lawyers may be more inclined to focus on procedural issues, while others emphasize broader legal arguments. Make sure the lawyer’s approach aligns with your goals.

How to Check the Credibility of an Appeals Lawyer

To ensure that you’re hiring a reputable appeals lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for appellate experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in appellate law and have successfully handled appeals similar to yours.
  • Check client reviews and testimonials: Look for client feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to get insight into the lawyer’s track record and client satisfaction.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their expertise and success in handling appeals.
  • Look for recognition in appellate law: Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (AAAL) or awards and recognition in appellate law can indicate a lawyer’s expertise in this specialized area.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with an appeals lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Trial transcripts and court records: The lawyer will need a complete record of the original trial, including transcripts, motions, exhibits, and the final judgment or order.
  • Legal briefs from the trial: If any briefs or motions were filed during the trial, bring copies so the appeals lawyer can review the legal arguments that were presented.
  • Written decision or verdict: Bring the court’s written ruling, verdict, or decision so the lawyer can identify any potential errors or issues to raise on appeal.
  • Questions about the appeal process: Write down any questions you have about the appeal’s timeline, costs, and potential outcomes.
  • List of potential legal errors: If you believe specific mistakes were made during the trial (e.g., improper evidence, legal misinterpretations), provide a list of those issues.

Being well-prepared for your consultation allows the lawyer to assess your case more effectively and provide the best guidance on how to proceed with your appeal.

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