Juliette Topacio Sarmiento, Appellate Attorney in Berkeley, California

Juliette concentrates on appellate, asylum, bankruptcy, chapter 7, and citizenship. Each area below outlines the kind of case Juliette handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Appellate

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• Asylum

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• Bankruptcy

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• Chapter 7

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• Citizenship

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• Deportation

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• General

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• Immigration

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• Personal Injury

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• Probate

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• Trusts

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• Estate Planning

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Juliette's primary office is at 2039 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 204, Berkeley, CA, 94704-1150. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

Juliette 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.

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

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

• Does Juliette offer a free consultation?

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

• Can Juliette take my case if I'm outside Berkeley?

  Juliette 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 — Juliette 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 Juliette?

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

• Is Juliette accepting new appellate clients right now?

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