Deborah Austern Colson

Deborah Austern Colson, Appellate Attorney in New York

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Federal Crimes

MemberatColson Law PLLC

New, NY

Practicing appellate in New York since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Deborah Austern Colson is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Federal Crimes. Deborah has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Colson Law PLLC.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
Appellate · Criminal Defense · Federal Crimes
  • Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Federal Crimes matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Deborah Austern Colson: Deborah Austern Colson is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Federal Crimes. Deborah has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Colson Law PLLC.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Deborah takes on

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

Appellate cases in New York

Deborah takes appellate matters in 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in New York

Deborah takes criminal defense matters in 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in New York

Deborah takes federal crimes matters in 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in New York

Deborah takes white collar matters in 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Deborah Austern Colson — appellate lawyer in New York

Deborah Austern Colson is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Federal Crimes. Deborah has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Colson Law PLLC.

Deborah Colson is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer who defends individuals in criminal matters and regulatory proceedings. She holds herself to the highest standards and obtains favorable results for her clients through zealous advocacy, meticulous preparation, and strategic decision making. Her white collar cases have involved allegations of securities fraud, money laundering, health care fraud and insider trading. In the criminal sphere, Deborah represents clients charged with national security offenses and violent crimes. Deborah attended Harvard Law School and clerked for the Honorable Nina Gershon in the Eastern District of New York. Prior to establishing Colson Law PLLC, she was a founding partner of Colson & Harris LLP and an assistant federal defender in the Eastern District of New York. She also served in the Law & Security Department at Human Rights First where she managed the organization’s Guantanamo monitoring program and spoke and wrote frequently on issues of terrorism and national security. Deborah has been named since 2012 in the New York edition of Super Lawyers in the areas of white collar and criminal defense. Deborah is admitted to practice in New York State, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She serves on the Criminal Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association and the Federal Criminal Practice Committee of the Federal Bar Council. She also is a member of the Board of Directors of Just Detention International and a Vice Chair of the Board of the National Dance Institute.

Deborah's approach to appellate cases

Deborah Colson is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer who defends individuals in criminal matters and regulatory proceedings. She holds herself to the highest standards and obtains favorable results for her clients through zealous advocacy, meticulous preparation, and strategic decision making. Her white collar cases have involved allegations of securities fraud, money laundering, health…

The kind of cases Deborah takes

Deborah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and federal crimes matters across New York.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard University

    J.D. · 1995

  • Wesleyan University

    B.A. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Deborah's state bar admissions

  • New York

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • Massachusetts

    1995 · ACTIVE

Deborah studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.A. in Wesleyan University.

Law school and academic background

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

Locations

Deborah Austern Colson's office in New York

Deborah's primary office is at 80 Broad St., Ste. 19, New York, NY, 10004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Colson Law PLLC

80 Broad St., Ste. 19

New York, NY 10004

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Deborah Austern Colson

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Hiring guide

How to hire Deborah Austern Colson — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in 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 Deborah

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Deborah'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 Deborah Austern Colson

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

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

  • Does Deborah offer a free consultation?

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

  • Can Deborah take my case if I'm outside New York?

    Deborah 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 — Deborah 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 Deborah?

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

  • Is Deborah accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Deborah'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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York

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

More counsel

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