Laurel Ligi Headley, Appellate Attorney in Berkeley, California

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

• Appellate

  View other Appellate attorneys

• Criminal Defense

  View other Criminal Defense attorneys

• Juvenile

  View other Juvenile attorneys

Laurel's primary office is at 803 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA, 94710. 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 Laurel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Laurel 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 Laurel for a appellate case?

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

• Does Laurel offer a free consultation?

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

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

  Laurel 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 — Laurel 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 Laurel?

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

• Is Laurel accepting new appellate clients right now?

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