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 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. 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 Washington?

Michael 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 — 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 J. Schaengold, Appellate Attorney in Washington

Quick answer

Michael J. Schaengold is a shareholder, co-chair government contracts & projects practice based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: Appellate · General · Government

Handles Appellate, General, and Government matters from Washington, DC.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Washington

Michael concentrates on appellate, general, government, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes government 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes ip 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Michael takes litigation 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Michael J. Schaengold, appellate attorney serving Washington

Michael J. Schaengold is a shareholder, co-chair government contracts & projects practice based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Government. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Michael works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Michael J. Schaengold focuses his practice on government contracts litigation, investigations and counseling, and on litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. From 2014 to 2024, he was Chair or Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Government Contracts Group.

Mike's substantial government contracts dispute and bid protest experience includes litigation of major cases before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Boards of Contract Appeals. He has represented clients in disputes involving most major departments and agencies of the U.S. government and, in recent years, has focused on procurements involving the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, the Department of Energy, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Aeronautical and Space Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of State, among others. He has substantial experience in False Claims Act (including qui tam) and Inspector General investigations and litigation, including negotiating Settlement and Administrative Agreements related thereto; suspension and debarment matters; and drafting and implementing compliance programs.

Mike regularly represents clients in patent/government contracts litigation in the Court of Federal Claims and in patent appeals to the Federal Circuit, and has represented clients in some of the largest Federal Circuit appeals, including several valued at more than $500 million. He has been appointed by four Federal Circuit Chief Judges to that Court’s Advisory Council and/or Rules Advisory Committee, and has been appointed by three Court of Federal Claims Chief Judges to that Court’s Advisory Council. He currently serves on the Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council and, from 2004-2010, was Co-Chair of the Federal Circuit Advisory Council.

Mike is a frequent lecturer on government contracts, Federal Circuit and Court of Federal Claims topics. He has lectured at Thomson Reuters (West) Government Contracts Year in Review Conferences, PubKGroup’s Year in Review Conferences, Federal Circuit Judicial Conferences, Federal Circuit Bar Association Conferences, ABA Public Contract Law Section seminars, the Association of Board of Contract Appeals Judges seminars, the Board of Contract Appeals Bar Association Conferences, Court of Federal Claims Bar Association Conferences, the George Washington University Law School’s Government Procurement Law Program, the University of Virginia School of Law, University of Maryland School of Law and George Mason University School of Law programs. He has published more than 80 articles on Government Contracts, Federal Circuit and Court of Federal Claims topics.

Concentrations

•Government Contracts
•Bid Protests
•Contract Disputes Act
•Court of Federal Claims, Board of Contract Appeals, GAO and Federal Circuit litigation
•False Claims Act and qui tam litigation and investigations
•Inspector General and other government investigations
•Suspension, debarment and ineligibility determinations, Administrative Agreements, and compliance programs
•COVID-19 matters
•Mergers, acquisitions, sales and spinoffs of government contractors
•Grants and cooperative agreements
•Technology, defense and national security, homeland security
•Patent litigation including against the U.S. Government under 28 U.S.C. 1498
•Construction projects
•Litigation, dispute resolution and mediation

Judicial Clerkships

•Hon. H. Robert Mayer, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 1987-1988
•Hon. H. Robert Mayer, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1986-1987

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Government Contracts, 2024-2025
•Selected, Lexology, 'Lexology Client Choice Awards,' 2022
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers, 2007 and 2013-2023
•Listed, Who's Who Legal
•Government Contracts, 2015-2024
•Thought Leaders: USA, 2023-2024
•Listed, Washingtonian magazine, Top Lawyers - Government Contracts, 2017
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Real Estate and Construction - Construction, 2015 and 2024

Michael's approach to appellate cases

Michael J. Schaengold focuses his practice on government contracts litigation, investigations and counseling, and on litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. From 2014 to 2024, he was Chair or Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Government Contracts Group. Mike's substantial government contracts dispute and bid protest experience…

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, general, and government matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

University of Virginia School of Law
J.D. · 1986
Dickinson College
B.A. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1988 · ACTIVE
Maryland
1986 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Dickinson College.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Dickinson College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Michael J. Schaengold's office in Washington

Michael's primary office is at 2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Greenberg Traurig Llp

2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000

Washington, DC 20037

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J. Schaengold — 5.0/5 rating from 2 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 Washington.

5.0

2 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J. Schaengold — 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 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 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 J. Schaengold

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 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. 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 Washington?
Michael 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 — 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 District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Michael J. Schaengold. 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

Michael 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.