Michael Clay Fellows, Appellate Attorney in Opelika, Alabama
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Construction · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
37th Judicial Circuit, Family Court
Opelika, AL
Practicing appellate in Opelika since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael Clay Fellows?
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Quick answer
Michael Clay Fellows is a 37th judicial circuit, family court based in Opelika, AL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 29 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Opelika, AL
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Construction
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Construction matters from Opelika, AL.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael Clay Fellows: Michael Clay Fellows is a 37th judicial circuit, family court based in Opelika, AL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 29 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Clay Fellows
Michael concentrates on appellate, business, construction, contracts, and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Construction
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Contracts
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Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Appellate cases in Opelika, Alabama
Michael takes appellate matters in Opelika, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Opelika, Alabama
Michael takes business matters in Opelika, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Opelika, Alabama
Michael takes construction matters in Opelika, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Opelika, Alabama
Michael takes contracts matters in Opelika, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Opelika, Alabama
Michael takes criminal defense matters in Opelika, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Clay Fellows — Over 29 years of Alabama appellate experience
Michael Clay Fellows is a 37th judicial circuit, family court based in Opelika, AL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction. Michael has over 29 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Hon. Michael Clay Fellows is a lawyer practicing family, civil litigation, criminal defense and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Auburn University in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years. Michael practices in Opelika, AL.
Working with Michael on a appellate matter
Hon. Michael Clay Fellows is a lawyer practicing family, civil litigation, criminal defense and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Auburn University in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years. Michael practices in Opelika, AL.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and construction matters in Opelika and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Michael Clay Fellows's legal education and bar admissions
University of Alabama
J.D. · 1997
Auburn University
B.S. Construction · 1994
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Alabama
1997 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Alabama and B.S. Construction in Auburn University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Alabama and B.S. Construction in Auburn University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Clay Fellows
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Alabama State Bar American Bar Association
membership
Locations
Michael Clay Fellows's office in Opelika
Michael's primary office is at 511 Geneva Street, Opelika, AL, 36801-6831. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Clay Fellows — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Opelika.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Clay Fellows claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Clay Fellows — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Opelika, Alabama
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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael Clay Fellows
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Alabama 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Opelika?
Michael is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Opelika, Birmingham and Montgomery in Alabama
Michael handles appellate matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Alabama
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Opelika handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.