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18 Oct, 2023 by Leslie
While I did not personally hire Kirsten to assume my case, my brief interface with her was atomic. From her website alone, I quickly gathered her polished professionalism to separate her from most others. Kirsten's response to my time-sensitive inquiry was instant, and her gentle, unassuming guidance was rock-solid. I did not feel dismissed or invisible, rather I felt safe and cradled by her knowledge-of-law, peppered with a dash of humanity. If I were in a financial position to have elected her for my case, then I would have had zero reservations doing so. There are always exceptions to every generality, and my hunches were effortlessly reinforced. A sound lawyer combines art with science, strategy with knowledge. Kirsten checks all boxes. Highly impactful!
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22 Aug, 2023 by Derek fratus
Kirsten and Amanda were extremely patient with me through out my process working with them. I have severe struggles with health conditions and they were extremely considerate in showing compassion with my issues through out the case and did everything needed to guide me in the right direction, I would definitely highly recommend her she is great to work with and her paralegal is also extremely knowledgeable and quick to respond. It's been a pleasure working with you guys. Thank you sincerely.
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01 Aug, 2023 by Brock kerr
I cannot speak highly enough of Kirstin Wilson Law and her incredible team of paralegals, Amanda and Nicole. They were an absolute godsend when they took over my case last minute after my previous attorney left his practice. From the moment Kirstin stepped in, I knew I was in good hands.
Kirstin's knowledge of NH State and Federal Law is nothing short of impressive. She was able to see through the complexities of my situation and quickly identified how my ex-wife was manipulating the legal system to her advantage. It was like she could read between the lines and anticipate every move before it even happened.
Throughout the entire process, Kirstin kept me informed and explained everything thoroughly. Her communication skills are top-notch, and I always felt well-informed and empowered to make the right decisions. The confidence and experience she exudes are truly remarkable.
What sets Kirstin apart is her sheer willpower and determination to fight for her clients' freedom and rights. I felt like she was genuinely invested in my case, and that motivated her to go above and beyond to uncover the truth and ensure justice prevailed.
If you find yourself in a tough legal situation, and you think no one can find the truth or protect your interests, I can confidently say that Kirstin Wilson Law is the firm you need. They are a powerhouse team, and I am forever grateful for their support during one of the most challenging times of my life. Thank you, Kirstin, Amanda, and Nicole, for your exceptional work!
---Brock K.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Tim
Attorneys Jim and Maureen are the greatest! Professional, brilliant and personable. Be it business or personal they are the GOAT!!!!
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19 Jul, 2024 by Lee ann poor
James Normand is a very nice attorney and person I appreciate every thing you have done for me and just wanted to say Thank-you very much
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28 Jun, 2024 by Anonymous
I was arrested for DUI first offense with a refusal of the breath test. As a result, I was facing a six-month administrative license suspension with the possibility of an additional nine months if convicted of the charge. This lengthy suspension would have made it impossible for me to keep my job, as I have an hour-long commute to work. Attorney Newman handled the case expeditiously and achieved an outstanding result. Prior to the administrative license appeal hearing, Attorney Newman worked out a plea deal with the prosecutor to drop the DUI and replace it with a reckless driving charge. On top of this, the prosecutor also agreed to waive the administrative license suspension. While I was facing up to fifteen months without a license, I ended up with only a three-month suspension and no criminal conviction, as long as I agreed to receive a drug and alcohol evaluation. This highly satisfying outcome is a testament to Attorney Newman's first-rate legal skill and long experience. I can't recommend him highly enough.
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24 Aug, 2024 by Danielle manning
Kelly was recommended to me by a coworker for a divorce lawyer. The first day I met Kelly I felt she was compassionate about my case. I expressed my concerns going into the divorce and I feel she never let those concerns be forgotten. She was very patient as unfortunately my case was lengthy. But she never stopped defending me. It's evident she cares about her clients.
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27 Jun, 2024 by Ryan moore
Cant say nothing more than great things about kelly! She was absolutely outstanding and put mine and my daughters needs first over everything. If your looking for someone who has your best interest in mind and will fight for you, then you need kelly on your side!! would give 10 stars if i could
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11 Oct, 2021 by Kelsey glastetter
02 Nov, 2020 by David
I was referred to Attorney Samdperil after my deferred sentence was in jeopardy due to two minor offenses that came up over the summer. Atty Samdperil quickly took action and represented me in the most recent case. One of the offenses were dropped, and he managed to get the second offense lowered as to not trigger the balance of the deferred sentence. From there, Attorney Samdperil represented me again when it was time to have my deferred case suspended, which also resulted in a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Attorney Samdperil. Has great work ethic, tells it like it is, but also had no doubt he had my best interests in mind at all times.
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16 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
A few months back I found myself in legal trouble for the very first time. I was confused, lost and scared. I immediately started doing research and after reading reviews (like on this site) I reached out to Richard. He called me back right away. I had spoken to a few other attorneys while doing my research but what struck me the most about Richard was his experience. He was so level headed and even-keeled during our conversation. Also during our first chat he took interest in me the person, I wasn’t just a case to him. Our conversation gave me something I was in dire need of, hope.
Richard was also highly recommended to me by a friend who works in the industry but in another state. His firm knew of Richard and his reputation and that’s all I needed.
Richard has a way to make even the scariest of legal terms easy to understand. He always made me feel like I was his top priority and would answer even the smallest question I had right away. His knowledge of the legal system is undeniable. He outlined every step of the process for me and gave me both sides so I knew exactly what to expect at every turn.
Richard helped me get a better outcome than I could have imagined when I first got into my situation. There was never a moment of doubt with him. He has a calmness about him that is contagious and is very easy to open up to.
Finally he is not only experienced but he handles every situation with respect and class. I felt extremely confident with him representing me in my situation and I could not have asked for me. Richard is a class act and we would all be very lucky to call him a friend.
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09 Jul, 2018 by Paul
It is a good thing that Daniel Webster is no longer with us, because it would be bad news for him to learn that Richard E. Samdperil has overtaken the throne of "New Hampshire's greatest lawyer". I've been working with Richard for over a year. His expertise spans multiple levels relevant to the legal profession, while his competitors often lack greatly in certain areas.
That is to say, Richard is far more than a brilliant legal argumentator. Richard is far more than someone who can entertain anyone who watches the Supreme Court oral argument webcasts, when he makes an absolute fool out of state prosecutors on the other side who simple cannot muster the intellect to undermine Richard's powerfully simple, persuasive arguments. Far more than these tactical elements, Richard has a masterful handle on holistic legal strategy that many other attorneys lack.
Richard's expert competency in legal strategics (as opposed to solely "tactics") is absolutely necessary for clients who find themselves in far-reaching legal entanglements spanning multiple cases as in my case, and very helpful for clients in simpler cases to ensure an optimal outcome big-picture. Richard is essentially a risk-minimizer and approaches his legal profession as an outlet of veritable therapeutic life coaching for his clients: i.e., an adherence to a general principle of minimizing harm, minimizing costs, and minimizing legal impacts, instead of more typical attorney behaviors of myopically focusing on specific case tactics and racking up a good bill while so doing, with little genuine concern for the client.
Not Richard. Richard cares about his clients and is a honorable defender of the United States Constitution and the rights granted thereby to the citizens. By this service to the people, he compounds great honor to his name just as our Armed Forces defend our laws and rights in a very different fashion. Richard's practice however illuminates the oft-forgotten truth that quality, principled defense attorneys are nearly as crucial to defending our rights and liberties from domestic threats as are our good men and women in the military who defend the same from foreign threats to the same. It is therefore not excessively hyperbolic to call Richard a brilliant soldier of justice - indeed, he is just this, and much more.
I would highly recommend Richard to anyone seeking legal help in his practice areas.
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08 Feb, 2019 by Rob lavallee
If you want an amazing lawyer, this is the person you go to. Sven was able to defend me and win at trial, it was a totally amazing feeling to see the tears stop from my worried mothers eyes. I am a law abiding citizen but if the instance ever came up where I needed a lawyer again, Sven would be the person I would use hands down! Thank you so much.
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13 Jun, 2015 by Therese
My first contact with Sven was in 2007. He has represented me on 2 different cases. From the beginning, I had extreme confidence in him & I knew he was just the attorney I needed & to hire him. Although he made no promises to me, somehow I knew that he would represent me to the best of his ability & my case would end victoriously.
He was/ is very professional, efficient & extremely knowledgeable in his field. He really knows his stuff. He conducted/conducts himself in an ethical & honest manner. He not only had/has high standards, he had/has integrity. Rest assured that once he takes your case, he will represent you with zeal, confidence, knowledge, honesty, integrity & lots of hard work. He will do the very best job he can for you, I guarantee it..
Both of my cases looked bleak & hopeless due to the unusual circumstances that occurred, but the end result(s) ended victoriously. Although both cases took a long time for the end result, Sven worked hard & played the game(s) that frequently occurred/occurs in the judicial system arena with extreme professionalism, integrity, knowledge & patience,
I would not hesitate to hire him again if I needed to. His fee(s) may be a little on the high side, or expensive, but he is well worth it. I would highly recommend Sven Wiberg to anyone who needs representation, as he is an exceptional attorney!!
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02 Nov, 2024 by Barbara
I have just gone through a challenging time following a traumatizing, tragic auto/motorcycle accident that led to 14 months of legal proceedings, culminating in a trial at Concord District Court in October 2024. I was charged with vehicular assault as a Class A misdemeanor, which could have resultedin a year in jail, significant fines, and more. Ted Lothstein was recommended to me by lawyer friends of my brother who were familiar with his work.
From the very beginning, Ted demonstrated a strong belief in my understanding of the accident. Over the months we worked together, which included a fatality hearing at the DMV, he was consistently responsive to my questions and concerns. His explanations were clear, and he communicated quickly and compassionately. Ted dedicated considerable time to phone calls, often including my brother, to discuss my case and help us navigate the process.
Ted was clear in stating the various possible outcomes and the various timelines I could expect for receiving decisions. He provided honest assessments of the most likely results and outlined his strategy for the trial in case the judge ruled against me.
His preparation for both the DMV hearings and the district court trial was thorough. He shared with me through either, or both, emails and phone conversations, all the communication he was having with the judge, prosecutor, and hearing officer. He was prepared at both the hearing and trial with his arguments and crucial evidence, including videos of the cyclist prior to the accident as well as the accident itself. Additionally, he had maps to help clarify the scene of the accident.
Furthermore, he hired an exceptionally experienced accident reconstructionist and maintained communication both with him and a key witness who had provided dashcam footage. Ted invested significant time in preparing both witnesses for the DMV hearing and the trial. During the trial, I was particularly impressed by his questioning of all witnesses. He was respectful to everyone I felt.
Ultimately, I was found not guilty. I highly recommend Ted for his skills, hard work, responsiveness, professionalism, communication abilities, organization, preparedness, dedication, and compassion.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Anonymous
I was represented by attorney Doty in an administrative matter before a licensing board. She was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and diligent in her work to obtain the best possible outcome and help me with my situation. She made sure to word things in a way that felt natural to me but also never strayed into gray areas. She took the time to understand my situation and made sure to represent it honestly and factually. She is honest and above board, and I'd recommend her in a heartbeat.
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01 Sep, 2024 by Ryan
Attorney Ted Lothstein was incredibly diligent in helping me achieve the best possible outcome for my case. He was quick to answer and return my calls and never made me feel judged or culpable. As an out of state DUI, he was very knowledgeable on all the workings and proceedings of my situation and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking good legal counsel.
Thanks Ted
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05 Dec, 2024 by Scott h.
In September 2024, I received notice of a professional ethics complaint against my medical license before the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). I retained Attorney Doty and her team to represent me in what was essentially a civil ethics matter. By November 2024,Attorney Doty had successfully negotiated a settlement that preserved my professional standing and left no significant marks on my record.
Throughout the process, Attorney Doty was exceptionally helpful, maintaining clear and consistent communication. She promptly returned my phone calls and emails, keeping me up-to-date every step of the way. More importantly, her and her team's careful handling of the case ensured the matter was resolved within the terms of her initial retainer, reflecting both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
I am grateful for the outstanding service and outcome delivered by Attorney Doty, and I would highly recommend her to anyone facing a similar professional licensing challenge.
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02 Feb, 2024 by Anonymous
Richard represented me on a DUI charge. He was very supportive, understanding and great at his job! We had a positive outcome and I am extremely grateful for his support and dedication to my case.
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05 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
I chose to have Richard represent me and I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. You can tell he knows what he’s doing and cares about his clients.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Eric randolph
25 Jul, 2024 by Juan valdez
Hands down best lawyers around. They are not cheap, but they are worth every penny.
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11 Jun, 2023 by Emma rosen
Relevant to Jonathan Ross - cannot speak for other attorneys at the firm.
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24 Mar, 2015 by Soudie
I have had the privilege of watching Behzad work and can tell you, without reservation, that there are few criminal defense lawyers in the country who are better than him. If anyone I cared about was ever in trouble in the New England area, I would recommend Behzad. He is brilliant, hard-working and effective.
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28 Jan, 2015 by Jefflevin
Attorney Mirhashem and I worked together at the NH Public Defender and at the Federal Defender Office. He is hardworking, knowledgeable, trustworthy, reliable, and conscientious, and he fights hard for every client. You can't find a better lawyer than Behzad Mirhashem. I highly recommend his services.
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30 Sep, 2024 by Helena vicente
27 Sep, 2024 by Daniel guilfuchi
A Neighbor cut down my trees in Connecticut and Attorney Piedra and Christine were immensely helpful!
They were very clear with communication every step of the way and Attny Piedra even got back to me during odd hours.
I would highly recommend Attny Piedra as I could not have asked for anything to have been handled differently.
Very professional, prompt, and clear in every regard. Christine is very responsive and immensely helpful. In dealing with Christine she is very insightful and knowledgeable and was a pleasure to deal with when Attny Piedra was unavailable.
If you’re dealing with a timber trespass or someone who cut down your trees without your permission, you’ve them a call and ask for Attorney Piedra! Even if you’re out of state.
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12 Sep, 2024 by Alex taubes
Excellent attorneys
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03 Jan, 2025 by Amanda brockel
The attorney that helped my son is so amazing. My son was hit by a car January 1st 2014 and he helped my son in so many ways. I would definitely recommend this Company.
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19 Aug, 2024 by Diane nettleton
If you are looking for and injury attorney this is the one . They were very informative kind amazing people to work with. Whenever you had a question, all you had to do is call or email and Deborah /Charles got right back to me immediately . I would definitely recommend this law office for any Injury .
Thanks again for all your amazing support and help with my case .
Diane Nettleton
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10 Aug, 2024 by Maria vazquez villa
I highly recommend, Charles was great to work with and always kept me informed about my case.
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24 Sep, 2024 by Jeff krouk
Brian Kelly, Excellent Estate Planning assistance
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24 Sep, 2024 by Alyssa
Attorney Barker is the best! He is down to earth, smart, kind, generous, easy to work with, and will do his ALL to ensure a great outcome. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to him for his help.
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08 Jul, 2024 by Robbin goulet
I have written only a few reviews in my lifetime - this is one of them! The reason I don't post is that I do not like to nor do I desire to take my time in doing so. For Andrea Nelson, Esq., this is an exception. In late 2019, Andrea presented me with eight estate and personal planning documents. She communicated with me and prepared them in a very professional manner and was so competent in doing so. I am a 60+ year old female aerospace engineer, single parent and brought some complexities for examination in the design of my Revocable Trust. I feel assured all said documents are compliant with the laws and comprehensive for meeting my needs. Andrea was very patient and efficient in answering numerous questions/scenarios and addressing my concerns. Ms. Nelson was not only very knowledgeable and responsive but was truly a joy to work with. I am appreciative of her work, the products she delivered and her continuing support. I plan on staying with Andrea Nelson and Hamblett & Kerrigan and have recommended her service to several of my friends. One more thing of note, the cost for these documents was definitely reasonable and well worth it - she even took care of the change in registering the homestead deed for minimal cost. Thank you Andrea!
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27 Jan, 2025 by Mark mckeen
Hudkins & O'Neil were absolutely incredible to work with throughout the estate planning process. Candice was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and just a pleasure to work with. I can't recommend them highly enough!
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24 Jan, 2025 by Justin svirsky
I've had the pleasure of working with Candice O'Neil at Hudkins & O'Neil, LLC, and I can't recommend her highly enough. Candice is not only incredibly professional but also deeply involved in the Hampton community. Her dedication to her clients is evident in every interaction.
Beyond her legal expertise, Candice's positive demeanor and genuine commitment to helping others make her a standout attorney. Whether you're seeking legal counsel or looking for a firm that truly values its clients, I wholeheartedly endorse Hudkins & O'Neil, LLC, and especially Candice O'Neil, for their outstanding service and community spirit.
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21 Jan, 2025 by Brian strukel
It was a pleasure working with Hudkins & O'neil. Their team is thorough, professional and incredibly friendly. Their team simplified a complex process which made us feel comfortable from start to finish.
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24 Feb, 2023 by Sean
I had the pleasure of working with Daniel on a trademark case, and I was lucky to have found him. If given the opportunity, do not hesitate to work with him. Law, in general, is confusing, and Daniel could have easily added random billable hours for things that would not have helped our case. But Daniel always did what was in our best interest and showed such integrity when we worked with him.
Additionally, Daniel always made himself available and explained everything in a way that was easy for me to understand. Most importantly, though, Daniel is a good person. He is someone whom I would want by my side in any case because I can trust that he is giving honest advice. Furthermore, he always delivered work on time and thought outside of the box.
I can't thank him enough for all of his help, and I will be recommending him to all of my business associates.
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12 Nov, 2024 by James huddleston
Had the audacity to respond TWO MONTHS after I initially contacted them to say they were "unable" to take my case (a simple civil matter). I had clearly found another attorney to work with by the time they responded. Classic "big law" bureaucracy where clients are nothing more than numbers on a screen. I would only contact them as a last resort if you can find no one else to take your case.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Kaan kucukkaya
Hello to everyone!
We applied to green card with Shaheen & Gordon, P.A with Mr. Ron Abramson and everything was perfect. He listen you carefully, tell you everything you need to know and take care of your application carefully with his team. Thank you Lindsey and Tania ! You are the friendliest and helpful even for a smallest issue. Thank you for the best consultation, My case just approved in 7 months. We are appreciated for everything. We highly recommend !
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17 Oct, 2024 by Kimberly g
Impressive location on Elm Street in Manchester.
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05 Dec, 2024 by Alex l.m
I highly recommend Nick to anybody that needs any legal services! Very nice guy and is super responsive and very clear at explaining each and every detail you may or may not know about your case. He gets the job done!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Matthew shibles
After struggling to initially find a firm that would take on my case as my injuries didn’t appear to be “severe”, and the car was fixable, Wright accepted my case with some realistic expectations. Later Sabin Maxwell would take over once we were ready to proceed, and was entirely kind and informative throughout. All staff at the office are nice and helpful people. I was very thrilled with the outcome, and the speed at which things occurred once I reached my “medical end point”. Would recommend to anyone.
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20 May, 2024 by Ken patria
I had the opportunity to work with the firm for a time sensitive case. They were more than willing to help me out on a very short notice. They stayed in constant communication and made sure I didn’t stress about anything. I ended up winning my case without any problems. I would without a doubt recommend using the firm if you are looking for professionalism and kindness.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
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:
-
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.). -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
