Michelle Ryan, Appellate Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law
Portland, OR
Practicing appellate in Portland since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michelle Ryan?
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
Michelle Ryan is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Michelle has over 47 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Portland, OR
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · Family Law
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law matters from Portland, OR.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michelle Ryan: Michelle Ryan is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Michelle has over 47 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michelle Ryan
Michelle concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, family law, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Family Law
View other Family Law attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Appellate cases in Portland, Oregon
Michelle takes appellate matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Portland, Oregon
Michelle takes criminal defense matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Portland, Oregon
Michelle takes family law matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
General cases in Portland, Oregon
Michelle takes general matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Portland, Oregon
Michelle takes litigation matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michelle Ryan — Over 47 years of Oregon appellate experience
Michelle Ryan is an attorney based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Michelle has over 47 years of legal experience.
Ms. Michelle Ryan is a lawyer practicing litigation, appeals, criminal defense and 2 other areas of law. Michelle received a B.A. degree from Ohio University, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michelle practices in Portland, OR.
Michelle's approach to appellate cases
Ms. Michelle Ryan is a lawyer practicing litigation, appeals, criminal defense and 2 other areas of law. Michelle received a B.A. degree from Ohio University, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michelle practices in Portland, OR.
The kind of cases Michelle takes
Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and family law matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Michelle Ryan's legal education and bar admissions
University of Oregon J.D.
—
Ohio University B.A.
—
Jurisdictions
Michelle's state bar admissions
Oregon
1979 · ACTIVE
Michelle studied at — in University of Oregon J.D. and — in Ohio University B.A..
Law school and academic background
Michelle completed — in University of Oregon J.D. and — in Ohio University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michelle Ryan's office in Portland
Michelle's primary office is at 2817 NE 20th Ave, Portland, OR, 97212. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michelle Ryan
Michelle 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 Michelle Ryan can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michelle Ryan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michelle charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle'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; Michelle will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Portland, Oregon
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 Michelle
Michelle 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. Michelle confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michelle'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 Michelle Ryan
How much does it cost to hire Michelle for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michelle walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michelle offer a free consultation?
Michelle charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michelle's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Oregon 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. Michelle gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michelle take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Michelle is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michelle 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 Michelle?
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. Michelle will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michelle accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michelle'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 Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Michelle handles appellate matters throughout Oregon. 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 Oregon
If Michelle's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





