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

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

Does D. offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can D. take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

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

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

Is D. accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

D. Gray Thomas, Appellate Attorney in Jacksonville

Quick answer

D. Gray Thomas is an of counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Entertainment. D. has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Creed & Gowdy, P.A.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in: Jacksonville, FL
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Appellate · Criminal Defense · Entertainment

Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Entertainment matters from Jacksonville, FL.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

D.'s practice areas in Jacksonville

D. concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, entertainment, federal crimes, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case D. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Jacksonville, Florida

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

Criminal Defense cases in Jacksonville, Florida

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

Entertainment cases in Jacksonville, Florida

D. takes entertainment matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before D. agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in Jacksonville, Florida

D. takes federal crimes matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before D. agrees to represent you.

General cases in Jacksonville, Florida

D. takes general matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before D. agrees to represent you.

Biography

D. Gray Thomas, appellate attorney serving Jacksonville

D. Gray Thomas is an of counsel based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Entertainment. D. has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Creed & Gowdy, P.A.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 4 client reviews. D. works from Jacksonville, Florida and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Order of the Coif. Recipient, Book Awards in Civil Procedure, 1990; Appellate Advocacy, 1990; Advanced Criminal Law: White Collar Crime, 1991. Recipient, University of Florida College of Law Alumni Council Scholarship Award, 1992. The Best Lawyers in America in the following areas: Non-White Collar Criminal Defense; White Collar Criminal Defense; Appellate Practice. Barrister, Chester Bedell Inn of Court (1999-2002); Board Certified Appellate Lawyer.

D.'s approach to appellate cases

Order of the Coif. Recipient, Book Awards in Civil Procedure, 1990; Appellate Advocacy, 1990; Advanced Criminal Law: White Collar Crime, 1991. Recipient, University of Florida College of Law Alumni Council Scholarship Award, 1992. The Best Lawyers in America in the following areas: Non-White Collar Criminal Defense; White Collar Criminal Defense; Appellate Practice. Barrister, Chester Bedell Inn…

The kind of cases D. takes

D. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and entertainment matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where D. studied and practices

University of Florida
J.D. · 1992
Washington University
B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

D.'s state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
Georgia
1992 · ACTIVE
Florida
1992 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1992 · ACTIVE

D. studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in Washington University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

D.'s legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

D. Gray Thomas's office in Jacksonville

D.'s primary office is at 865 May Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Creed & Gowdy, P.A.

865 May Street

Jacksonville, FL 32204

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of D. Gray Thomas — 4.8/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

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

4.8

4 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire D. Gray Thomas — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

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 D.

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

Payment methods and payment plans

D.'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 D. Gray Thomas

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

How do I appeal a workers' compensation decision in Florida?
After my workers' comp claim was denied in Miami, I want to fight it because my injury is legitimate. I’ve consulted with my doctor and have documentation to prove it. I’m looking
1 verified answer · Appellate · Florida
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 Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

D. Gray Thomas, Appellate Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Quick answer