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

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

Does Derek offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Derek take my case if I'm outside Washington?

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

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

Is Derek accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Derek Lawrence Shaffer, Appellate Attorney

Quick answer

Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Derek has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 25 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Civil Rights

Handles Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Washington, DC.
Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Derek Lawrence Shaffer

Derek concentrates on appellate, business, civil rights, class action, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

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

Business cases in Washington, District of Columbia

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

Civil Rights cases in Washington, District of Columbia

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

Class Action cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Derek takes class action matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

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

Biography

About Derek Lawrence Shaffer — Over 25 years of District of Columbia appellate experience

Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Derek has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP.

Mr. Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a lawyer practicing administrative law, commercial, constitutional and 8 other areas of law. Derek received a B.S. degree from Cornell University in 1996, and has been licensed for 25 years. Derek practices at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP in Washington, DC.

Working with Derek on a appellate matter

Mr. Derek Lawrence Shaffer is a lawyer practicing administrative law, commercial, constitutional and 8 other areas of law. Derek received a B.S. degree from Cornell University in 1996, and has been licensed for 25 years. Derek practices at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP in Washington, DC.

Who Derek represents

Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and civil rights matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Derek Lawrence Shaffer's legal education and bar admissions

Stanford University
J.D. · 2000
Cornell University
B.S. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Derek's state bar admissions

New York
2021 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2002 · ACTIVE
California
2001 · ACTIVE

Derek studied at J.D. in Stanford University and B.S. in Cornell University.

Law school and academic background

Derek completed J.D. in Stanford University and B.S. in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Derek Lawrence Shaffer's office in Washington

Derek's primary office is at 777 6th St. NW, 11th Fl., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

777 6th St. NW, 11th Fl.

Washington, DC 20001

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Derek Lawrence Shaffer

Derek has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Derek Lawrence Shaffer can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Derek Lawrence Shaffer — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

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 Derek

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Derek'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 Derek Lawrence Shaffer

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

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
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Derek handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.