Michael Elmer Brittain, Appellate Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
PartneratCalfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Cleveland, OH
Practicing appellate in Cleveland since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael Elmer Brittain?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael Elmer Brittain is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Criminal Defense
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Elmer Brittain: Michael Elmer Brittain is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on appellate, business, criminal defense, employment, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Employment
View other Employment attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Product Liability
View other Product Liability attorneys
Securities
View other Securities attorneys
Consumer
View other Consumer attorneys
Appellate cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes appellate matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes business matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Criminal Defense cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes criminal defense matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes employment matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Insurance cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes insurance matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Elmer Brittain — appellate lawyer in Cleveland
Michael Elmer Brittain is a partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Michael Elmer Brittain is a lawyer practicing insurance recovery, business, corporate and commercial litigation and 10 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Ohio University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP in Cleveland, OH.
How Michael handles appellate matters
Michael Elmer Brittain is a lawyer practicing insurance recovery, business, corporate and commercial litigation and 10 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Ohio University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP in Cleveland, OH.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and criminal defense matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
J.D. · 1979
Ohio University
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ohio U.S. District C
1979 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Case Western Reserve University School of Law and B.A. in Ohio University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Case Western Reserve University School of Law and B.A. in Ohio University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Ohio 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.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Greater Cleveland (Vice President), Ohio State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Michael Elmer Brittain's office in Cleveland
Michael's primary office is at Calfee Bldg., 1405 E. 6th St., Cleveland, OH, 44114-1607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
Calfee Bldg., 1405 E. 6th St.
Cleveland, OH 44114-1607
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Elmer Brittain — 5.0/5 rating from 4 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 Cleveland.
5.0
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Elmer Brittain claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Elmer Brittain — 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 Cleveland, Ohio
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 Elmer Brittain
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 Ohio 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 Cleveland?
Michael is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Michael handles appellate matters throughout Ohio. 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 Ohio
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.