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

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

Does Denis offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Denis take my case if I'm outside Bainbridge Island?

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

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

Is Denis accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Denis Wayne Stearns, Appellate Attorney

Quick answer

Denis Wayne Stearns is an of counsel based in Bainbridge Island, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Consumer. Denis has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marler Clark | The Food Safety Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Bainbridge Island, WA
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Consumer

Handles Appellate, Business, and Consumer matters from Bainbridge Island, WA.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Denis takes on

Denis concentrates on appellate, business, consumer, creditor rights, and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Denis handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Bainbridge Island, Washington

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

Business cases in Bainbridge Island, Washington

Denis takes business matters in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denis agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Bainbridge Island, Washington

Denis takes consumer matters in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denis agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Bainbridge Island, Washington

Denis takes creditor rights matters in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denis agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Bainbridge Island, Washington

Denis takes employment matters in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Denis agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Denis Wayne Stearns — appellate lawyer in Bainbridge Island

Denis Wayne Stearns is an of counsel based in Bainbridge Island, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Consumer. Denis has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marler Clark | The Food Safety Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Denis Wayne Stearns is a lawyer practicing persons injured by unsafe food and drink, civil litigation, consumer and 16 other areas of law. Denis received a B.A. degree from Seattle University, and has been licensed for 34 years. Denis practices at Marler Clark | The Food Safety Law Firm in Bainbridge Island, WA.

Working with Denis on a appellate matter

Denis Wayne Stearns is a lawyer practicing persons injured by unsafe food and drink, civil litigation, consumer and 16 other areas of law. Denis received a B.A. degree from Seattle University, and has been licensed for 34 years. Denis practices at Marler Clark | The Food Safety Law Firm in Bainbridge Island, WA.

Who Denis represents

Denis reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and consumer matters in Bainbridge Island and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Wisconsin Law School JD - Juris Doctor
—
Seattle University B.A. 1989 Class Valedictorian Seattle University B.A. Reichman Scholar Seattle University B.A. University of Wisconsin at Madison
—

Jurisdictions

Denis's state bar admissions

Washington
1992 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1992 · ACTIVE

Denis studied at — in University of Wisconsin Law School JD - Juris Doctor and — in Seattle University B.A. 1989 Class Valedictorian Seattle University B.A. Reichman Scholar Seattle University B.A. University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Law school and academic background

Denis completed — in University of Wisconsin Law School JD - Juris Doctor and — in Seattle University B.A. 1989 Class Valedictorian Seattle University B.A. Reichman Scholar Seattle University B.A. University of Wisconsin at Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Denis runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Denis Wayne Stearns's office in Bainbridge Island

Denis's primary office is at 180 Olympic Drive S.E., Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Marler Clark | The Food Safety Law Firm

180 Olympic Drive S.E.

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Denis Wayne Stearns — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Denis Wayne Stearns — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Bainbridge Island, Washington

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 Denis

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Denis'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 Denis Wayne Stearns

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

What happens after filing an appeal in a personal injury case in Washington?
I filed an appeal after losing my personal injury case in Seattle last year. I’m anxious about what comes next. Will I get a date for a hearing, and how long does the appeal proces
1 verified answer · Appellate · Washington
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 Bainbridge Island, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

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