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

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

Does Brian offer a free consultation?

Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in New York 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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Albany?

Brian is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian 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 Brian?

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

Is Brian accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Brian W. Matula, Appellate Attorney in Albany

Quick answer

Brian W. Matula is a partner based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Contracts. Brian has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooper Erving & Savage LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in: Albany, NY
Experience: over 23 years
Known for: Appellate · Civil Rights · Contracts

Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Contracts matters from Albany, NY.
Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Brian W. Matula

Brian concentrates on appellate, civil rights, contracts, criminal defense, and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Albany, New York

Brian takes appellate matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Albany, New York

Brian takes civil rights matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Albany, New York

Brian takes contracts matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Albany, New York

Brian takes criminal defense matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Albany, New York

Brian takes dui/dwi matters in Albany, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Brian W. Matula — Over 23 years of New York appellate experience

Brian W. Matula is a partner based in Albany, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Contracts. Brian has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooper Erving & Savage LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Brian W. Matula is a lawyer practicing general practice, criminal defense, elder law and 6 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from University of Vermont in 1999, and has been licensed for 23 years. Brian practices at Cooper Erving & Savage LLP in Albany, NY.

How Brian handles appellate matters

Brian W. Matula is a lawyer practicing general practice, criminal defense, elder law and 6 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from University of Vermont in 1999, and has been licensed for 23 years. Brian practices at Cooper Erving & Savage LLP in Albany, NY.

Who Brian represents

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and contracts matters in Albany and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Brian W. Matula's legal education and bar admissions

Vermont Law School
J.D. · 2002
University of Vermont
B.A. · 1999

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

New York
2003 · ACTIVE
Vermont
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. in Vermont Law School and B.A. in University of Vermont.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Brian W. Matula

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Brian W. Matula's office in Albany

Brian's primary office is at 39 N. Pearl St., Fourth Fl., Albany, NY, 12207. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cooper Erving & Savage LLP

39 N. Pearl St., Fourth Fl.

Albany, NY 12207

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian W. Matula — 4.4/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

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

4.4

10 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Brian W. Matula — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Albany, New York

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 Brian

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Brian'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 Brian W. Matula

How much does it cost to hire Brian for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in New York 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. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Albany?
Brian is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian 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 Brian?
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. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new appellate clients right now?
Brian'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 New York residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Brian W. Matula. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I appeal my divorce settlement in New York after 90 days?
I received my divorce settlement last year in Queens, but I've just realized several financial discrepancies. The settlement doesn't account for my ex-spouse’s hidden assets, which
1 verified answer · Appellate · New York
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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York

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

Brian W. Matula, Appellate Attorney in Albany, New York

Quick answer