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

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

Does Paul offer a free consultation?

Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Paul'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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Washington?

Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?

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

Is Paul accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Paul March Smith, Appellate Attorney in Washington

Quick answer

Paul March Smith is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Entertainment. Paul has over 75 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jenner And Block. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 75 years
Known for: Appellate · Civil Rights · Entertainment

Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Entertainment matters from Washington, DC.
Over 75 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Paul March Smith

Paul concentrates on appellate, civil rights, entertainment, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Paul takes civil rights 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Paul takes entertainment 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Paul March Smith — Over 75 years of District of Columbia appellate experience

Paul March Smith is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Entertainment. Paul has over 75 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jenner And Block. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Paul March Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, appellate and supreme court practice, content, media & entertainment and 2 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from Amherst College in 1976, and has been licensed for 75 years. Paul practices at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, DC.

How Paul handles appellate matters

Paul March Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, appellate and supreme court practice, content, media & entertainment and 2 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from Amherst College in 1976, and has been licensed for 75 years. Paul practices at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, DC.

Who Paul represents

Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and entertainment matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Paul March Smith's legal education and bar admissions

Yale Law School
J.D. · 1979
Amherst College
B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Paul's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2007 · ACTIVE
New York
2006 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2001 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1992 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1990 · ACTIVE
Maryland
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE
Arkansas
1951 · ACTIVE

Paul studied at J.D. in Yale Law School and B.A. in Amherst College.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Paul March Smith

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Paul March Smith's office in Washington

Paul's primary office is at 1099 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC, 20001-4412. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jenner And Block

1099 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 900

Washington, DC 20001-4412

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Paul March Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Paul March Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul 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 Paul

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Paul'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 Paul March Smith

How much does it cost to hire Paul for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Paul'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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new appellate clients right now?
Paul'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 Paul March Smith. 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

Paul 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.