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

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

Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

How long do appellate cases in District of Columbia 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Matthew is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew 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 Matthew?

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

Is Matthew accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Matthew Burt Smith, Appellate Attorney in Washington

Quick answer

Matthew Burt Smith is an associate based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Consumer. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips & Cohen LLP.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 28 years
Known for: Appellate · Bankruptcy · Consumer

Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Consumer matters from Washington, DC.
Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Matthew's practice areas in Washington

Matthew concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, consumer, contracts, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Matthew takes appellate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Matthew takes bankruptcy matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Matthew takes consumer matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Matthew takes contracts matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Matthew takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Matthew Burt Smith, appellate attorney serving Washington

Matthew Burt Smith is an associate based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Consumer. Matthew has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips & Cohen LLP. Matthew works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Mr. Matthew Burt Smith is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, antitrust & trade law, appeals and 12 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Matthew practices at Phillips & Cohen LLP in Washington, DC.

Matthew's approach to appellate cases

Mr. Matthew Burt Smith is a lawyer practicing admiralty & maritime, antitrust & trade law, appeals and 12 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Matthew practices at Phillips & Cohen LLP in Washington, DC.

Clients Matthew works with

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and consumer matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices

Gonzaga University School of Law
J.D. · 1997
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
2002 · ACTIVE
California
1998 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in Gonzaga University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in Gonzaga University School of Law and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Matthew Burt Smith's office in Washington

Matthew's primary office is at 2000 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 100, Washington, DC, 20036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Phillips & Cohen LLP

2000 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 100

Washington, DC 20036

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew Burt Smith

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

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Matthew Burt Smith can leave a review.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew Burt Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

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 Matthew

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew'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 Matthew Burt Smith

How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in District of Columbia 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. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Matthew is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew 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 Matthew?
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. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new appellate clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Matthew Burt Smith. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Matthew handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.