How much does it cost to hire David for a appellate case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does David offer a free consultation?

David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in Texas typically take?

Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Houston?

David is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is David accepting new appellate clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

David Lawrence Merkley, Appellate Attorney in Houston

Quick answer

David Lawrence Merkley is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Construction. David has over 29 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Houston, TX
Experience: over 29 years
Known for: Appellate · Civil Rights · Construction

Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Construction matters from Houston, TX.
Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Houston

David concentrates on appellate, civil rights, construction, employment, and environmental. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Houston, Texas

David takes appellate matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Houston, Texas

David takes civil rights matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Houston, Texas

David takes construction matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Houston, Texas

David takes employment matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Houston, Texas

David takes environmental matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David Lawrence Merkley, appellate attorney serving Houston

David Lawrence Merkley is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Construction. David has over 29 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. David works from Houston, Texas and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Mr. David Lawrence Merkley is a lawyer practicing constitutional law / civil rights, administrative and public, appellate law and 16 other areas of law. David received a degree from Senior Notes and Comment Editor and Assistant Managing Editor, Baylor Law Review, and has been licensed for 29 years. David practices in Houston, TX.

How David handles appellate matters

Mr. David Lawrence Merkley is a lawyer practicing constitutional law / civil rights, administrative and public, appellate law and 16 other areas of law. David received a degree from Senior Notes and Comment Editor and Assistant Managing Editor, Baylor Law Review, and has been licensed for 29 years. David practices in Houston, TX.

Who David represents

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and construction matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

Baylor University School of Law
Juris Doctor · 1986
Senior Notes and Comment Editor and Assistant Managing Editor, Baylor Law Review Baylor Order of Barristers Brigham Young University
Bachelor · 1993

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

State Bar of Texas A
1997 · ACTIVE

David studied at Juris Doctor in Baylor University School of Law and Bachelor in Senior Notes and Comment Editor and Assistant Managing Editor, Baylor Law Review Baylor Order of Barristers Brigham Young University.

Law school and academic background

David completed Juris Doctor in Baylor University School of Law and Bachelor in Senior Notes and Comment Editor and Assistant Managing Editor, Baylor Law Review Baylor Order of Barristers Brigham Young University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

David Lawrence Merkley's office in Houston

David's primary office is at 333 Clay Street Suite 4950, Houston, TX, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

333 Clay Street Suite 4950

Houston, TX 77002

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Lawrence Merkley — 4.4/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Houston.

4.4

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Lawrence Merkley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Lawrence Merkley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Lawrence Merkley

How much does it cost to hire David for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Texas typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Houston?
David is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new appellate clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Texas residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like David Lawrence Merkley. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Is there a time limit to appeal a small claims decision in Texas?
I took my landlord to small claims court in Houston over a security deposit issue, and I lost the case. I feel the judge misunderstood the facts presented. I want to know how long
1 verified answer · Appellate · Texas
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

David handles appellate matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

David Lawrence Merkley, Appellate Attorney in Houston, Texas

Quick answer