Philip Desfosses, Appellate Attorney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Car Accidents, and Child Custody · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratDesfosses Law Firm
Portsmouth New, NH
Practicing appellate in Portsmouth since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Philip Desfosses?
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Quick answer
Philip Desfosses is a partner based in Portsmouth, NH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Car Accidents, and Child Custody. Philip has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Desfosses Law Firm. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Portsmouth, NH
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Car Accidents · Child Custody
- Handles Appellate, Car Accidents, and Child Custody matters from Portsmouth, NH.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Philip Desfosses: Philip Desfosses is a partner based in Portsmouth, NH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Car Accidents, and Child Custody. Philip has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Desfosses Law Firm. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Philip Desfosses
Philip concentrates on appellate, car accidents, child custody, civil rights, and consumer. Each area below outlines the kind of case Philip handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Car Accidents
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Child Custody
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Civil Rights
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Consumer
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Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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DV Protection
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Expungement
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Juvenile
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Litigation
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Probation
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Sex Crimes
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Theft
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Traffic
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Violent Crimes
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Whistleblower
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White Collar
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ADR
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Appellate cases in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Philip takes appellate matters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Car Accidents cases in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Philip takes car accidents matters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Philip takes child custody matters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Philip takes civil rights matters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Philip takes consumer matters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Philip agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Philip Desfosses — Over 36 years of New Hampshire appellate experience
Philip Desfosses is a partner based in Portsmouth, NH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Car Accidents, and Child Custody. Philip has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Desfosses Law Firm. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Philip Desfosses is a lawyer practicing criminal law, felonies, criminal appeals and 75 other areas of law. Philip received a B.S. degree from Boston College in 1972, and has been licensed for 36 years. Philip practices at Desfosses Law Firm in Portsmouth, NH.
Working with Philip on a appellate matter
Mr. Philip Desfosses is a lawyer practicing criminal law, felonies, criminal appeals and 75 other areas of law. Philip received a B.S. degree from Boston College in 1972, and has been licensed for 36 years. Philip practices at Desfosses Law Firm in Portsmouth, NH.
Clients Philip works with
Philip reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, car accidents, and child custody matters in Portsmouth and the surrounding New Hampshire area.
Credentials
Philip Desfosses's legal education and bar admissions
University of Maine, School of Law
J.D. · 1990
Boston College
B.S. Finance · 1972
Jurisdictions
Philip's state bar admissions
New Hampshire
1990 · ACTIVE
Maine
1990 · ACTIVE
Philip studied at J.D. in University of Maine, School of Law and B.S. Finance in Boston College.
Law school and academic background
Philip completed J.D. in University of Maine, School of Law and B.S. Finance in Boston College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Philip runs in New Hampshire is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Philip Desfosses
Philip has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Philip's professional memberships and bar associations
Maine State, New Hampshire and American Bar Associations National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
membership
Locations
Philip Desfosses's office in Portsmouth
Philip's primary office is at 3201 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH, 03801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Philip Desfosses — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Philip. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Portsmouth.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Philip Desfosses claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Philip Desfosses — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Philip usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Philip charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Philip'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; Philip will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
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 Philip
Philip 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. Philip confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Philip'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 Philip Desfosses
How much does it cost to hire Philip for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Philip walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Philip offer a free consultation?
Philip charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Philip's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Philip's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in New Hampshire 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. Philip gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Philip take my case if I'm outside Portsmouth?
Philip is licensed in New Hampshire. Matters governed by New Hampshire law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Philip 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 Philip?
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. Philip will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Philip accepting new appellate clients right now?
Philip'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 Portsmouth, Manchester and Concord in New Hampshire
Philip handles appellate matters throughout New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire
If Philip's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Portsmouth handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.