
Heather Uttecht Guerena, Appellate Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 21 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and General
V.P. and Gen. Coun.atDuane Morris LLP
San Diego, CA
Practicing appellate in San Diego since 2005.
- 21+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Heather Uttecht Guerena is a v.p. and gen. coun. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Heather has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Duane Morris LLP.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 21 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · General
- Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Heather Uttecht Guerena: Heather Uttecht Guerena is a v.p. and gen. coun. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Heather has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Duane Morris LLP.
Areas of practice
Heather's practice areas in San Diego
Heather concentrates on appellate, business, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Heather handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Zoning
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in San Diego, California
Heather takes appellate matters in San Diego, 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 Heather agrees to represent you.
Business cases in San Diego, California
Heather takes business matters in San Diego, 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 Heather agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
Heather takes general matters in San Diego, 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 Heather agrees to represent you.
IP cases in San Diego, California
Heather takes ip matters in San Diego, 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 Heather agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in San Diego, California
Heather takes litigation matters in San Diego, 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 Heather agrees to represent you.
Biography
Heather Uttecht Guerena, appellate attorney serving San Diego
Heather Uttecht Guerena is a v.p. and gen. coun. based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Heather has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Duane Morris LLP. Heather works from San Diego, California and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Heather Uttecht Guerena is a lawyer practicing appellate law, bank and financial institution litigation, commercial litigation and 4 other areas of law. Heather received a B.S. degree from University of Southern California in 2002, and has been licensed for 21 years. Heather practices at Duane Morris LLP in San Diego, CA.
How Heather handles appellate matters
Heather Uttecht Guerena is a lawyer practicing appellate law, bank and financial institution litigation, commercial litigation and 4 other areas of law. Heather received a B.S. degree from University of Southern California in 2002, and has been licensed for 21 years. Heather practices at Duane Morris LLP in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Heather takes
Heather reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Heather studied and practices
California Western School of Law
J.D. · 2005
University of Southern California
B.S. · 2002
Jurisdictions
Heather's state bar admissions
California U.S. Cour
2005 · ACTIVE
Heather studied at J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.S. in University of Southern California.
Law school and academic background
Heather completed J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.S. in University of Southern California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Heather runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Heather's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Activities •Lawyers Club of San Diego •American Inns of Court - Wallace Inn •San Diego County Bar Association •American Bar Association •Association of Business Trial Lawyers •San Diego Appellate Inn of Court
membership
Locations
Heather Uttecht Guerena's office in San Diego
Heather's primary office is at 750 B Street, Suite 2900, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Heather Uttecht Guerena
Heather 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Heather Uttecht Guerena — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Heather usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Heather charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Heather'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; Heather will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in San Diego, 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 Heather
Heather 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. Heather confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Heather'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 Heather Uttecht Guerena
How much does it cost to hire Heather for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Heather walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Heather offer a free consultation?
Heather charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Heather's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Heather'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. Heather gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Heather take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Heather 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 — Heather 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 Heather?
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. Heather will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Heather accepting new appellate clients right now?
Heather'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 San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Heather handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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If Heather's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Jonathan P. Brian
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