William John Phelan IV, Appellate Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Family Law, and Litigation · 4.7/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Senior Lead LitigatoratCordell & Cordell, P.C.
Philadelphia, PA
Practicing appellate in Philadelphia since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William John Phelan IV?
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Quick answer
William John Phelan IV is a senior lead litigator based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Family Law, and Litigation. William has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cordell & Cordell, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Philadelphia, PA
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Family Law · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Philadelphia, PA.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About William John Phelan IV: William John Phelan IV is a senior lead litigator based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Family Law, and Litigation. William has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cordell & Cordell, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William John Phelan IV
William concentrates on appellate, family law, litigation, and ssd. 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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Family Law
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Litigation
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SSD
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Appellate cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
William takes appellate matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.
Family Law cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
William takes family law matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
William takes litigation matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.
SSD cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
William takes ssd matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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
About William John Phelan IV — Over 19 years of Pennsylvania appellate experience
William John Phelan IV is a senior lead litigator based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Family Law, and Litigation. William has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cordell & Cordell, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Mr. William John Phelan IV is a lawyer practicing litigation, family, appeals and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from The Catholic University of America in 2004, and has been licensed for 19 years. William practices at Cordell & Cordell, P.C. in Philadelphia, PA.
Working with William on a appellate matter
Mr. William John Phelan IV is a lawyer practicing litigation, family, appeals and 1 other area of law. William received a B.A. degree from The Catholic University of America in 2004, and has been licensed for 19 years. William practices at Cordell & Cordell, P.C. in Philadelphia, PA.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, family law, and litigation matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
William John Phelan IV's legal education and bar admissions
The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
J.D. · 2007
The Catholic University of America
B.A. · 2004
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Maryland
2014 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2008 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
2007 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and B.A. in The Catholic University of America.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and B.A. in The Catholic University of America. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William John Phelan IV
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
William John Phelan IV's office in Philadelphia
William's primary office is at 1601 Market St., Ste. 2230, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cordell & Cordell, P.C.
1601 Market St., Ste. 2230
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William John Phelan IV — 4.7/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Philadelphia.
4.7
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William John Phelan IV claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William John Phelan IV — 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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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 John Phelan IV
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 Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia?
William is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania
William handles appellate matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Philadelphia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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