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

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Atlanta?

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

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

Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Michael D Risley, Appellate Attorney in Atlanta

Quick answer

Michael D Risley is a member based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Elder Law. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Parker Poe Adams Bernstein Llp. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Atlanta, GA
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Appellate · Aviation · Elder Law

Handles Appellate, Aviation, and Elder Law matters from Atlanta, GA.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on appellate, aviation, elder law, employment, and energy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Atlanta, Georgia

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

Aviation cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Michael takes aviation matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Michael takes elder law matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Michael takes employment matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Energy cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Michael takes energy matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael D Risley — appellate lawyer in Atlanta

Michael D Risley is a member based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Elder Law. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Parker Poe Adams Bernstein Llp. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Michael D Risley is a lawyer practicing appellate advocacy, insurance coverage, bad faith and regulatory litigation and 14 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Murray State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP in Atlanta, GA.

Working with Michael on a appellate matter

Michael D Risley is a lawyer practicing appellate advocacy, insurance coverage, bad faith and regulatory litigation and 14 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Murray State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP in Atlanta, GA.

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, aviation, and elder law matters in Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. with highest distinction University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. 1983 Kentucky Law Journal University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. Articles Ed
—
Murray State University
B.S. Psychology · 1977

Michael studied at — in University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. with highest distinction University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. 1983 Kentucky Law Journal University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. Articles Ed and B.S. Psychology in Murray State University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed — in University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. with highest distinction University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. 1983 Kentucky Law Journal University of Kentucky College of Law J.D. Articles Ed and B.S. Psychology in Murray State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael D Risley's office in Atlanta

Michael's primary office is at 1075 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1500, Atlanta, GA, 30309. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Parker Poe Adams Bernstein Llp

1075 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1500

Atlanta, GA 30309

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael D Risley — 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Atlanta.

4.9

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael D Risley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael D Risley — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

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 Michael

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael D Risley

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

Can I appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits in Georgia?
I applied for Social Security disability benefits in Atlanta and was recently denied. I feel my health issues were not adequately considered. What’s the process for appealing this
1 verified answer · Appellate · Georgia
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

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Atlanta, Marietta and Savannah in Georgia

Michael handles appellate matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

Michael D Risley, Appellate Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Quick answer