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

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

Does Clay offer a free consultation?

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

Can Clay take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

Clay 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 — Clay 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 Clay?

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

Is Clay accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Clay Robbins III, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles

Quick answer

Clay Robbins III is a senior partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and General. Clay has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wisner Baum. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Los Angeles, CA
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Appellate · Aviation · General

Handles Appellate, Aviation, and General matters from Los Angeles, CA.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Clay takes on

Clay concentrates on appellate, aviation, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Clay handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California

Clay takes appellate matters in Los Angeles, 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 Clay agrees to represent you.

Aviation cases in Los Angeles, California

Clay takes aviation matters in Los Angeles, 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 Clay agrees to represent you.

General cases in Los Angeles, California

Clay takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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 Clay agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Los Angeles, California

Clay takes insurance matters in Los Angeles, 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 Clay agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California

Clay takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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 Clay agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Clay Robbins III — appellate lawyer in Los Angeles

Clay Robbins III is a senior partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and General. Clay has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wisner Baum. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Clay Robbins III is a senior partner in the Los Angeles office of Wisner Baum. A third-generation California lawyer, Clay concentrates his practice on commercial transportation accident litigation and mass disasters.

For 40 years, Clay has championed the rights of victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits across the nation stemming from major accidents involving aviation, boats, buses, trains, tractor-trailers and auto defects.

Prior to joining our law firm, Clay was a partner at the Los Angeles law firm of Magaña, Cathcart & McCarthy for more than 20 years. He worked on many of the firms high profile catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Among the many cases he handled, he successfully represented the plaintiffs in an aviation insurance bad faith action resulting in the recovery of over $9 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

In a truck accident case, Clay successfully represented the heirs of a trucker who was killed in a highway accident involving another long-haul truck, obtaining a seven-figure resolution on behalf of his clients.

Clay also represented the interests of a young woman who suffered life-changing injuries, including brain damage and hemiplegia, after her airbags failed to deploy when her vehicle was forced off the road and collided with a utility pole. An ensuing product liability case against the manufacturer of the airbag control module resulted in a multi-million-dollar verdict in favor of Clay’s client at trial, and then retained that judgment by successfully representing his client’s interests before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal.

Another transportation lawsuit against a major bus company and bus manufacturer resulted in Clay obtaining justice on behalf of passengers who sustained profound injuries in a devastating bus crash. The case concluded with a multi-million-dollar award for the represented parties.

Clay has also worked on numerous boating accident cases. He has litigated personal injury and wrongful death cases for passengers injured on tour boats, pleasure craft, cruise ships, charter boats, and competitive fishing boats. He has also represented seaman injured on commercial ships. He is currently representing several passengers injured in Hawaii while on a lava boat that came too close to the active lava flow from the Kilauea volcano. Passengers were injured when lava bombs came raining down on them. Clay has extensive experience with federal and general maritime law.

Throughout his career, Clay has received numerous honors and awards, as well as the coveted peer review rating of A.V. Preeminent (the highest possible rating for preeminent legal ability and ethics) from Martindale Hubbell, the national directory of attorneys. He has also been appointed Judge Pro Tem by the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

In his free time, Clay enjoys traveling with his wife, Kimberly, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and running and fishing in the Pacific Northwest with his brother. Clay is also a diehard fan of UCLA athletics.

Working with Clay on a appellate matter

Clay Robbins III is a senior partner in the Los Angeles office of Wisner Baum. A third-generation California lawyer, Clay concentrates his practice on commercial transportation accident litigation and mass disasters. For 40 years, Clay has championed the rights of victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits across the nation stemming from major accidents involving…

Clients Clay works with

Clay reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, aviation, and general matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Loyola Marymount University
J.D. · 1981
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A. Psychology · 1978

Jurisdictions

Clay's state bar admissions

U.S., District Court
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1982 · ACTIVE
California
1981 · ACTIVE

Clay studied at J.D. in Loyola Marymount University and B.A. Psychology in University of California at Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Clay completed J.D. in Loyola Marymount University and B.A. Psychology in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Clay runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Clay Robbins III's office in Los Angeles

Clay's primary office is at 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1750, Los Angeles, CA, 90025. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Wisner Baum

11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1750

Los Angeles, CA 90025

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Clay Robbins III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Clay Robbins III — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Los Angeles, 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 Clay

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Clay'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 Clay Robbins III

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

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

Clay Robbins III, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Quick answer

Legal matters Clay takes on

Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California