William F. "Bill" Lee, Appellate Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
focused on Appellate, Business, and Copyright
Boston, MA
Trusted appellate attorney serving Boston.
- 1
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Are you William F. "Bill" Lee?
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Quick answer
William F. "Bill" Lee is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Copyright.
- Based in
- Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Copyright
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Copyright matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Copyright Law (Boston) (2025).
About William F. "Bill" Lee: William F. "Bill" Lee is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Copyright.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Boston
William concentrates on appellate, business, copyright, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Copyright
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IP
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Litigation
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Patent
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Trademark
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Appellate cases in Boston, Massachusetts
William takes appellate matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Boston, Massachusetts
William takes business matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Copyright cases in Boston, Massachusetts
William takes copyright matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Boston, Massachusetts
William takes ip matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Boston, Massachusetts
William takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William F. "Bill" Lee, appellate attorney serving Boston
William F. "Bill" Lee is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Copyright. William works from Boston, Massachusetts and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Bill Lee is a leading trial and appellate lawyer and intellectual property litigator who has represented a variety of technology-focused clients for more than 40 years. Mr. Lee has tried more than 200 cases to verdict and argued more than 100 cases to the Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit and other appellate courts. Those have included some of the highest profile cases of the last decade.
William's approach to appellate cases
Bill Lee is a leading trial and appellate lawyer and intellectual property litigator who has represented a variety of technology-focused clients for more than 40 years. Mr. Lee has tried more than 200 cases to verdict and argued more than 100 cases to the Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit and other appellate courts. Those have included some of the highest profile cases of the last decade.
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and copyright matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
Cornell University
J.D. · 1976
Cornell University
MBA
Harvard University
—
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Massachusetts, Massa
ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Cornell University, MBA in Cornell University, and — in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Cornell University, MBA in Cornell University, and — in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 23 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Copyright Law (Boston)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Boston)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Copyright Law (Boston)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property (Boston)
2015
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Patent (Boston)
2014
Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Boston)
2013
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property (Boston)
2012
Lawyer of the Year — Intellectual Property Law (Boston)
2011
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Boston)
2010
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Patent Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Federal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Patent
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected as one of The National Law Journal’s 2005 "Top Ten Lawyers with Successful Trial Strategies"
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Copyright Law (Boston) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Boston) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Copyright Law (Boston) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Intellectual Property (Boston) (2015). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Patent (Boston) (2014). Lawyer of the Year — Patent Law (Boston) (2013).
Locations
William F. "Bill" Lee's office in Boston
William's primary office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William F. "Bill" Lee
William 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 consultationHiring guide
How to hire William F. "Bill" Lee — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William F. "Bill" Lee
How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Massachusetts 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Boston?
William is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new appellate clients right now?
William'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 Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts
William handles appellate matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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