
John Michael Dempsey, Appellate Attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Energy, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Member & Telecommunications Practice LeaderatDickinson Wright PLLC
Ann Arbor, MI
Practicing appellate in Ann Arbor since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 9
- Bar admissions
Are you John Michael Dempsey?
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Quick answer
John Michael Dempsey is a member & telecommunications practice leader based in Ann Arbor, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Energy, and Environmental. John has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickinson Wright PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Energy · Environmental
- Handles Appellate, Energy, and Environmental matters from Ann Arbor, MI.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Michael Dempsey: John Michael Dempsey is a member & telecommunications practice leader based in Ann Arbor, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Energy, and Environmental. John has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickinson Wright PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on appellate, energy, environmental, general, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Maritime
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Appellate cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes appellate matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes energy matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes environmental matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes general matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes government matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Michael Dempsey — appellate lawyer in Ann Arbor
John Michael Dempsey is a member & telecommunications practice leader based in Ann Arbor, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Energy, and Environmental. John has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dickinson Wright PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John Michael Dempsey is a lawyer practicing administrative and regulatory law, energy & sustainability, telecommunications and 5 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. John practices at Dickinson Wright PLLC in Ann Arbor, MI.
How John handles appellate matters
John Michael Dempsey is a lawyer practicing administrative and regulatory law, energy & sustainability, telecommunications and 5 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. John practices at Dickinson Wright PLLC in Ann Arbor, MI.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, energy, and environmental matters in Ann Arbor and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
George Washington University, National Law Center
J.D. · 1977
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1974
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1980 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in George Washington University, National Law Center and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in George Washington University, National Law Center and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Michigan
membership
Locations
John Michael Dempsey's office in Ann Arbor
John's primary office is at 301 E. Liberty Street, Suite 500, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-2266. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dickinson Wright PLLC
301 E. Liberty Street, Suite 500
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2266
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John Michael Dempsey — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Ann Arbor.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Michael Dempsey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Michael Dempsey — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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 John
John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John'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 John Michael Dempsey
How much does it cost to hire John for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Michigan 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Ann Arbor?
John is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new appellate clients right now?
John'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 Ann Arbor, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
John handles appellate matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Michigan
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Ann Arbor handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





