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Gerald M. Serlin, Appellate Attorney in Woodland Hills, California

Over 41 years of legal practice

Benedon & Serlin LLP

Woodland Hills, CA

Practicing appellate in Woodland Hills since 1985.

41+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Gerald M. Serlin is an attorney based in Woodland Hills, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Gerald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Benedon & Serlin LLP.

Based in
Woodland Hills, CALIFORNIA
Experience
over 41 years
Known for
Appellate
  • Handles Appellate matters from Woodland Hills, CALIFORNIA.
  • Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).

About Gerald M. Serlin: Gerald M. Serlin is an attorney based in Woodland Hills, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Gerald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Benedon & Serlin LLP.

Areas of practice

Gerald's practice areas in Woodland Hills

Gerald concentrates on appellate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Gerald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Woodland Hills, California

Gerald takes appellate matters in Woodland Hills, 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 Gerald agrees to represent you.

Biography

Gerald M. Serlin, appellate attorney serving Woodland Hills

Gerald M. Serlin is an attorney based in Woodland Hills, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Gerald has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Benedon & Serlin LLP. Gerald works from Woodland Hills, California and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Gerry Serlin is a California appellate lawyer and a co-founder of Benedon & Serlin LLP, established in 1993. Based in Woodland Hills, California, he has devoted nearly four decades to Appellate Practice, handling civil appeals in state and federal courts throughout California and beyond. His career reflects sustained involvement in shaping appellate advocacy through briefing, oral argument, and strategic counseling.

Gerry’s professional background includes numerous recognitions reflecting peer and industry acknowledgment of his appellate work, including:

  • Certified Appellate Specialist by the State Bar of California for more than two decades.
  • Named to Southern California Super Lawyers, including Top 100 Lawyers lists from 2021–2024, with consistent recognition for approximately 20 years.
  • Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Law from 2016–2026 by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Appellate Lawyer of the Year Award by Lawyer Monthly (2018).
  • Attorney of the Year California by Corporate Vision Magazine (2017).
  • CLAY Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Appellate Practice by the Daily Journal (2016).
  • Nominee for Appellate Lawyer of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (2009).

Gerry handles appeals across a broad range of subject areas, including anti-SLAPP matters, arbitration, business litigation, employment, family law, and real estate disputes. His work reflects a detailed and methodical approach to appellate briefing and analysis, informed by experience in both trial court review and appellate procedure.

In addition to representing clients on appeal, Gerry regularly advises trial lawyers on pretrial and post-trial strategy, issue preservation, and dispositive motions. His appellate matters have included appearances before the United States Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the Ninth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the California Courts of Appeal.

Education:

  • University of Southern California, J.D., 1985.
  • University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 1980, High Honors.

Judicial Clerkships:

  • Law Clerk to Associate Justice John H. Hews, California Court of Appeal (1987).
  • Law Clerk to Acting Presiding Justice Robert E. Rickles, California Court of Appeal (1985–1986).

Working with Gerald on a appellate matter

Gerry Serlin is a California appellate lawyer and a co-founder of Benedon & Serlin LLP, established in 1993. Based in Woodland Hills, California, he has devoted nearly four decades to Appellate Practice, handling civil appeals in state and federal courts throughout California and beyond. His career reflects sustained involvement in shaping appellate advocacy through briefing, oral argument, and…

Who Gerald represents

Gerald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate matters in Woodland Hills and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Gerald studied and practices

  • University of Southern California

    — · 1985

  • University of California Berkeley

    — · 1980

Jurisdictions

Gerald's state bar admissions

  • California

    1985 · ACTIVE

Gerald studied at — in University of Southern California and — in University of California Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

Gerald completed — in University of Southern California and — in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Gerald runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Gerald's legal honors and published work

Gerald has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Certified Specialist, Appellate Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Southern California Super Lawyer, Appellate Law (2004 - 2025)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Pasadena Top Attorneys (2023 - 2024), Appellate Practice, Pasadena Magazine

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Lawyer of the Year 2018, Lawyer Monthly

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Attorney of the Year 2017, California, Corporate Vision Magazine

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Certified Specialist, Appellate Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Southern California Super Lawyer, Appellate Law (2004 - 2025) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Pasadena Top Attorneys (2023 - 2024), Appellate Practice, Pasadena Magazine (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Lawyer of the Year 2018, Lawyer Monthly (2026).

Locations

Gerald M. Serlin's office in Woodland Hills

Gerald's primary office is at 22708 Mariano Street, Woodland Hills, California, 22708. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Benedon & Serlin LLP

22708 Mariano Street

Woodland Hills, California 22708

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Gerald M. Serlin

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire Gerald M. Serlin — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Woodland Hills, 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 Gerald

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Gerald'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 Gerald M. Serlin

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

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

  • Does Gerald offer a free consultation?

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

  • Can Gerald take my case if I'm outside Woodland Hills?

    Gerald 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 — Gerald 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 Gerald?

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

  • Is Gerald accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Gerald'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 Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

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