Richard Michael Wilner

Richard Michael Wilner, Immigration Attorney in Cerritos, California

Over 30 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

ShareholderatWilner & O'Reilly, APLC

Cerritos, CA

Practicing immigration in Cerritos since 1996.

30+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
5
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Richard Michael Wilner is a shareholder based in Cerritos, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Richard has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Cerritos, CA
Experience
over 30 years
Known for
Immigration
  • Handles Immigration matters from Cerritos, CA.
  • Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Richard Michael Wilner: Richard Michael Wilner is a shareholder based in Cerritos, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Richard has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Richard's practice areas in Cerritos

Richard concentrates on immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Immigration cases in Cerritos, California

Richard takes immigration matters in Cerritos, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Richard Michael Wilner, immigration attorney serving Cerritos

Richard Michael Wilner is a shareholder based in Cerritos, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. Richard has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Richard works from Cerritos, California and takes on immigration matters across the region.

Richard M. Wilner, a founding member of Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC, stands as a distinguished legal professional certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law. His extensive expertise extends to practicing law in the State of California and before the U.S. District Courts for the Central, Northern, and Southern Districts of California, the Northern District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. With a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating, the highest accolade in legal and ethical standing bestowed by peers, and consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer since 2007, Mr. Wilner is a trusted authority in the complex realm of U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law.

Mr. Wilner is renowned for his counsel to a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, middle and small market businesses, entrepreneurs, and foreign nationals with extraordinary abilities in athletics, arts, and sciences. His commitment to public service is evident through his role as a Commissioner on the State Bar of California’s Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission. Additionally, Mr. Wilner has served as the former co-chair of the Orange County Bar Association’s immigration law section and is a board member of the Orange County Jewish Bar Association.

Dedicated to pro bono initiatives, Mr. Wilner provides legal representation to active-duty soldiers from the United States Armed Forces in their immigration needs. He has also served as the former Military Liaison for the Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Notably, Mr. Wilner was honored as the Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) 2016 Lawyer of the Year.

A Los Angeles native, Mr. Wilner earned his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Transnational Business Practice from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, and the University of Salzburg, Austria. He holds a Certificate in International Law from the National University of Singapore and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from the University of California, conferred in 1992. Mr. Wilner's global perspective is enriched by his work experiences in Thailand and Vietnam.

Certified by the State Bar of California in Immigration and Nationality Law since 2004, Mr. Wilner has contributed to legal literature with published works like "EB-Immigrant Investors" in OC Lawyer, Vol 54 No. 7, 2012. His involvement in significant cases, such as EEOC vs. Reeves and Associates (U.S.D.C and 9th) and Reeves vs. Hanlon (Cal Supreme), underscores his impact on the legal landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Wilner actively engages in pro bono activities, notably with the Veterans Legal Institute, reflecting his commitment to serving those who have served our nation.

How Richard handles immigration matters

Richard M. Wilner, a founding member of Wilner & O’Reilly, APLC, stands as a distinguished legal professional certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law. His extensive expertise extends to practicing law in the State of California and before the U.S. District Courts for the Central, Northern, and Southern Districts of California, the Northern…

The kind of cases Richard takes

Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for immigration matters in Cerritos and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Richard studied and practices

  • McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

    J.D. Law · 1996

  • University of California

    B.A. Philosophy · 1992

Jurisdictions

Richard's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1996 · ACTIVE

Richard studied at J.D. Law in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. Philosophy in University of California.

Law school and academic background

Richard completed J.D. Law in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. Philosophy in University of California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Richard's legal honors and published work

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Richard's professional memberships and bar associations

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association Orange County Bar Association Orange County Jewish Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Richard Michael Wilner's office in Cerritos

Richard's primary office is at 17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 200, Cerritos, CA, 90703. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Wilner & O'Reilly, APLC

17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 200

Cerritos, CA 90703

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Richard Michael Wilner — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire Richard Michael Wilner — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a immigration attorney in Cerritos, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many immigration 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 Richard

Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in immigration practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every immigration 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many immigration practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Richard Michael Wilner

  • How much does it cost to hire Richard for a immigration case?

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

  • Does Richard offer a free consultation?

    Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some immigration attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.

  • How long do immigration cases in California typically take?

    Simple immigration 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Cerritos?

    Richard is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard 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 Richard?

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

  • Is Richard accepting new immigration clients right now?

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

Areas served

Immigration attorneys serving Cerritos, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Richard handles immigration matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified immigration attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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