How much does it cost to hire Amitai for a appellate case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Amitai walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Amitai offer a free consultation?

Amitai charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Amitai's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Amitai'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. Amitai gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Amitai take my case if I'm outside Emeryville?

Amitai 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 — Amitai 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 Amitai?

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. Amitai will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Amitai accepting new appellate clients right now?

Amitai's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Amitai Schwartz, Appellate Attorney in Emeryville

Quick answer

Amitai Schwartz is a member based in Emeryville, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Amitai has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Amitai Schwartz. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Emeryville, CA
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Appellate · Civil Rights · Criminal Defense

Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense matters from Emeryville, CA.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Amitai Schwartz

Amitai concentrates on appellate, civil rights, criminal defense, employment, and entertainment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Amitai handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Emeryville, California

Amitai takes appellate matters in Emeryville, 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 Amitai agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Emeryville, California

Amitai takes civil rights matters in Emeryville, 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 Amitai agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Emeryville, California

Amitai takes criminal defense matters in Emeryville, 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 Amitai agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Emeryville, California

Amitai takes employment matters in Emeryville, 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 Amitai agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Emeryville, California

Amitai takes entertainment matters in Emeryville, 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 Amitai agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Amitai Schwartz — Over 53 years of California appellate experience

Amitai Schwartz is a member based in Emeryville, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Amitai has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Amitai Schwartz. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Amitai Schwartz is a lawyer practicing federal civil practice, complex litigation, civil rights and 11 other areas of law. Amitai received a B.A. degree from Brandeis University in 1969, and has been licensed for 53 years. Amitai practices at Amitai Schwartz in Emeryville, CA.

Working with Amitai on a appellate matter

Amitai Schwartz is a lawyer practicing federal civil practice, complex litigation, civil rights and 11 other areas of law. Amitai received a B.A. degree from Brandeis University in 1969, and has been licensed for 53 years. Amitai practices at Amitai Schwartz in Emeryville, CA.

Clients Amitai works with

Amitai reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and criminal defense matters in Emeryville and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Amitai Schwartz's legal education and bar admissions

Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1972
Brandeis University
B.A. · 1969

Jurisdictions

Amitai's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1977 · ACTIVE
California
1973 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1973 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1973 · ACTIVE

Amitai studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in Brandeis University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Amitai Schwartz

Amitai has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Amitai Schwartz's office in Emeryville

Amitai's primary office is at Watergate Towers, 2000 Powell Street, Suite 1286, Emeryville, CA, 94608-1804. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Amitai Schwartz

Watergate Towers, 2000 Powell Street, Suite 1286

Emeryville, CA 94608-1804

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Amitai Schwartz — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Amitai. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Emeryville.

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Amitai Schwartz — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Amitai usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Amitai charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Amitai'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; Amitai will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Emeryville, 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 Amitai

Amitai 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. Amitai confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Amitai'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 Amitai Schwartz

How much does it cost to hire Amitai for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Amitai walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Amitai offer a free consultation?
Amitai charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Amitai's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Amitai'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. Amitai gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Amitai take my case if I'm outside Emeryville?
Amitai 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 — Amitai 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 Amitai?
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. Amitai will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Amitai accepting new appellate clients right now?
Amitai's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Amitai Schwartz. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What are the steps to appeal a DUI conviction in California?
I was convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles last month, and I really believe the breathalyzer results were inaccurate. I have some new evidence that could potentially exonerate me. I w
1 verified answer · Appellate · California
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Emeryville, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

Amitai Schwartz, Appellate Attorney in Emeryville, California