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William Martin Kelly, Appellate Attorney in Redwood City, California

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior CounselatDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Redwood City, CA

Practicing appellate in Redwood City since 1979.

47+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

William Martin Kelly is a senior counsel based in Redwood City, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Redwood City, CA
Experience
over 47 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · General
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from Redwood City, CA.
  • Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About William Martin Kelly: William Martin Kelly is a senior counsel based in Redwood City, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by William Martin Kelly

William concentrates on appellate, business, general, ip, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Redwood City, California

William takes appellate matters in Redwood City, California. 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 Redwood City, California

William takes business matters in Redwood City, California. 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.

General cases in Redwood City, California

William takes general matters in Redwood City, California. 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 Redwood City, California

William takes ip matters in Redwood City, California. 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.

M&A cases in Redwood City, California

William takes m&a matters in Redwood City, California. 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 Martin Kelly — Over 47 years of California appellate experience

William Martin Kelly is a senior counsel based in Redwood City, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. William has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

William Martin Kelly is a lawyer practicing corporate, capital markets, corporate governance and 5 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Columbia University in 1975, and has been licensed for 47 years. William practices at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Redwood City, CA.

How William handles appellate matters

William Martin Kelly is a lawyer practicing corporate, capital markets, corporate governance and 5 other areas of law. William received a A.B. degree from Columbia University in 1975, and has been licensed for 47 years. William practices at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Redwood City, CA.

The kind of cases William takes

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in Redwood City and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

William Martin Kelly's legal education and bar admissions

  • Columbia Law School

    J.D. Harlan · 1978

  • Columbia University

    A.B. · 1975

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • California

    1983 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1979 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. Harlan in Columbia Law School and A.B. in Columbia University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of William Martin Kelly

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 Martin Kelly's office in Redwood City

William's primary office is at 900 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA, 94063. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

900 Middlefield Road

Redwood City, CA 94063

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William Martin Kelly — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 Redwood City.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Martin Kelly claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire William Martin Kelly — 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 Redwood City, California

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 Martin Kelly

  • 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 California 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 Redwood City?

    William is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 Redwood City, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

William handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Redwood City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.