Phillip Yao, Appellate Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
Over 7 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Litigation
Boston, MA
Practicing appellate in Boston since 2019.
- 7+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Phillip Yao is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation. Phillip has over 7 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
- Experience
- over 7 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Litigation matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
- Over 7 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).
About Phillip Yao: Phillip Yao is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation. Phillip has over 7 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Phillip's practice areas in Boston
Phillip concentrates on appellate, business, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Phillip handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Boston, Massachusetts
Phillip takes appellate matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Boston, Massachusetts
Phillip takes business matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Boston, Massachusetts
Phillip takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
Biography
Phillip Yao, appellate attorney serving Boston
Phillip Yao is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Litigation. Phillip has over 7 years of legal experience. Phillip works from Boston, Massachusetts and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Phillip Yao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation.
Phillip, who practices law in Boston, Massachusetts, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Working with Phillip on a appellate matter
Phillip Yao is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Phillip, who practices law in Boston, Massachusetts, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Clients Phillip works with
Phillip reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and litigation matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Phillip studied and practices
Yale University
J.D. · 2019
Jurisdictions
Phillip's state bar admissions
Massachusetts, Massa
2019 · ACTIVE
Phillip studied at J.D. in Yale University.
Law school and academic background
Phillip completed J.D. in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Phillip runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Phillip's legal honors and published work
Phillip has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
Locations
Phillip Yao's office in Boston
Phillip's primary office is at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02199-3600. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Phillip Yao
Phillip has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Phillip Yao — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Phillip usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Phillip charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip'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; Phillip will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
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 Phillip
Phillip 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. Phillip confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Phillip'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 Phillip Yao
How much does it cost to hire Phillip for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Phillip walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Phillip offer a free consultation?
Phillip charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Phillip's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Massachusetts 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. Phillip gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Phillip take my case if I'm outside Boston?
Phillip is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Phillip 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 Phillip?
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. Phillip will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Phillip accepting new appellate clients right now?
Phillip'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 Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts
Phillip handles appellate matters throughout Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts
If Phillip's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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