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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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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 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.

Main office

60 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

Open in Google Maps

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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Hiring 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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