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Renee Glover Chantler, experienced Appeals, Business attorney in San Mateo, CA with 29 reviews
Average
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40,53
star star star star star
4.8/5
Avvo
5.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.8
28 Reviews
star star star star star
20 Jan, 2025 by Jesse lares
Carmen and team are great. I am trying to help my aging folks navigate thru complicated legal issues and she was very patient and explained everything for them to understand.
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star star star star star
28 Nov, 2024 by Martha cervantes
Carmen Rosas, has tended to our living trust needs. She was kind, respectful and especially patient in explaining procedures and details to us. We would highly recommend her services to friends and family.
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star star star star star
11 Sep, 2024 by Elaine fonseca, realtor
I'm a bay area real estate broker/agent. I've referred Carmen to a few of my clients. All of which would tell me she would never return their calls or they could never connect with her. Should have learned then but instead I decided I should give her a try myself for my estate planning documents especially since we had done some events together. Never did I think my estate planning documents would take over a year to complete. I signed our engagement letter 6/3/22, the first payment link was sent to me on 6/4/22 (quick turnaround). I had an in-person meeting with her on 7/28/22 after rescheduling on my end a few times due to personal reasons. Soon after I provided all of my documents to her and we scheduled a follow up meeting for 9/22/22. I didn’t hear anything back from her until 11/14/22, with another payment link for another service she provided. At that moment I inquired about finalizing my trust documents, her office told me they were going to mail them to me the following week. One month goes by and I inquire again on 12/6/22. She claims she is onboarding new team members and has been understaffed. On 12/20/22 I ask her if she was able to find an attorney out of state to put my properties in the trust. She claimed she did and that she would have the deeds ready the following week. January came and went and zero communication from her or her office. I inquired again on 2/3/23 - following up on the mobile notary to sign & finalize trust documents. Another person in her office responds back and I finally get a mobile notary scheduled for 2/9/23. I assumed this was it and I was just waiting around for my executed county stamped documents to get mailed back to me. Well June comes around and I still haven’t received anything back. I inquire again on 6/6/23. She says she is checking with her assistant. No communication again until I inquire again on 6/27/23. One property was finally taken care of and confirmed received by the county on 7/11/23. The other property was finally taken care of in late Sept 2023. My frustration is the lack of customer service/communication. I understand small businesses tend to get understaffed or are going through business changes but if my services are paid for and I have to constantly be contacting you for an update and most of the time you don’t respond, then there is something wrong! This tells me this business doesn’t value its clients. Posting this review now in case this will help others determine whether to use her services or not. I also know other small businesses that have used her & have had a similar or worser experience so that tells me I’m not the only one.
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Sean Michael Jacobson, experienced Appeals, Litigation attorney in San Mateo, CA with 22 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
26,79
star star star star star
4.5/5
Google Maps
4.5
22 Reviews
star star star star star
01 Jul, 2024 by Mohammad super
Overcharging. Not working on your case
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star star star star star
01 Jul, 2024 by Nader sadegh
Be careful, this place is a Scam. They will over charge you and they promise they going to win the case and they will leave you in the middle of the case. So shady business.
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star star star star star
20 Jun, 2024 by Pamela sandhu
Mr. Assad Stephan is an excellent attorney that I have trusted with my clients and my own family. He has a wealth of knowledge of property law, provides expert contract reviews and advice and is the attorney you can trust if you have a legal dispute. I highly recommend Allen Stephan and Baker for property related legal services.
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Todd Holton Master, experienced Appeals, Government attorney in San Mateo, CA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Madhavi Subhash Patankar, experienced Appeals, Intellectual Property attorney in San Mateo, CA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Valerie Tallant McGinty, experienced Appeals attorney in San Mateo, CA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Mark Louis Javitch, experienced Appeals, Civil Rights attorney in San Mateo, CA with 0 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Stephanie Laura Zeller, experienced Appeals, Class Action attorney in San Mateo, CA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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Evangeline Cheung, experienced Appeals, Insurance attorney in San Mateo, CA with 0 reviews
Below Average
info
Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
star star star star star
0.0/5
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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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