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Michael Pauley, Appellate Attorney in Lexington, South Carolina

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Lexington South, SC

Practicing appellate in Lexington since 1992.

34+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
1 client review
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael Pauley is an attorney based in Lexington, SC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Lexington, SC
Experience
over 34 years
Known for
Appellate · Criminal Defense · Estate Planning
  • Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning matters from Lexington, SC.
  • Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Michael Pauley: Michael Pauley is an attorney based in Lexington, SC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Pauley

Michael concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, estate planning, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Lexington, South Carolina

Michael takes appellate matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Lexington, South Carolina

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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.

Estate Planning cases in Lexington, South Carolina

Michael takes estate planning matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Lexington, South Carolina

Michael takes general matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Lexington, South Carolina

Michael takes insurance matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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

About Michael Pauley — Over 34 years of South Carolina appellate experience

Michael Pauley is an attorney based in Lexington, SC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Michael Pauley is a lawyer practicing insurance defense law, white collar criminal defense, appellate law and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Concord College in 1977, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices in Lexington, SC.

How Michael handles appellate matters

Michael Pauley is a lawyer practicing insurance defense law, white collar criminal defense, appellate law and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from Concord College in 1977, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices in Lexington, SC.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and estate planning matters in Lexington and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

Michael Pauley's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of South Carolina

    J.D. · 1992

  • Concord College

    B.S. Webster · 1977

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1994 · ACTIVE

  • South Carolina

    1992 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.S. Webster in Concord College.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and B.S. Webster in Concord College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Pauley

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

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Richland County

    Member, LRE Committee, 1992-1994) and American Bar Associations South Carolina Bar (Member, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section · membership

Locations

Michael Pauley's office in Lexington

Michael's primary office is at 205 Blacksmith Rd, Lexington, SC, 29072-3503. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

205 Blacksmith Rd

Lexington, SC 29072-3503

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Pauley — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 Lexington.

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Pauley — 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 Lexington, South Carolina

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 Pauley

  • 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 South Carolina 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 Lexington?

    Michael is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina 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 Lexington, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina

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

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Lexington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.