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 District of Columbia 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 Washington?

Michael is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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.

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington, Appellate Attorney

Quick answer

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington is an associate based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and General. Michael has over 12 years of legal experience.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 12 years
Known for: Appellate · Entertainment · General

Handles Appellate, Entertainment, and General matters from Washington, DC.
Over 12 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Fitzgerald Dearington

Michael concentrates on appellate, entertainment, general, health care, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes appellate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes entertainment matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

Health Care cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes health care matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes ip matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Fitzgerald Dearington — Over 12 years of District of Columbia appellate experience

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington is an associate based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and General. Michael has over 12 years of legal experience.

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington is a lawyer practicing appellate, complex litigation, false claims act & civil investigations and 7 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Trinity College in 2008, and has been licensed for 12 years. Michael practices at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC.

How Michael handles appellate matters

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington is a lawyer practicing appellate, complex litigation, false claims act & civil investigations and 7 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Trinity College in 2008, and has been licensed for 12 years. Michael practices at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, entertainment, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington's legal education and bar admissions

Vanderbilt University Law School
J.D. · 2013
Trinity College
B.A. · 2008

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Kansas
2025 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2015 · ACTIVE
New York United Stat
2014 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in Trinity College.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in Trinity College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Michael Fitzgerald Dearington's office in Washington

Michael's primary office is at 1717 K St. N.W., Washington, DC, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1717 K St. N.W.

Washington, DC 20006

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Fitzgerald Dearington

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Fitzgerald Dearington — 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 Washington, District of Columbia

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 Fitzgerald Dearington

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 District of Columbia 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 Washington?
Michael is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Michael Fitzgerald Dearington. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Michael handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.