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

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

Does Robert offer a free consultation?

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

How long do appellate cases in Virginia 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?

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

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

Is Robert accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Robert Merbaum Somer, Appellate Attorney in Fairfax

Quick answer

Robert Merbaum Somer is a partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Car Accidents. Robert has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hilton & Somer, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 24 client reviews.

Based in: Fairfax, VA
Experience: over 35 years
Known for: Appellate · Aviation · Car Accidents

Handles Appellate, Aviation, and Car Accidents matters from Fairfax, VA.
Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Robert's practice areas in Fairfax

Robert concentrates on appellate, aviation, car accidents, general, and motorcycle. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Robert takes appellate matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Aviation cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Robert takes aviation matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Robert takes car accidents matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

General cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Robert takes general matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Motorcycle cases in Fairfax, Virginia

Robert takes motorcycle matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Robert Merbaum Somer, appellate attorney serving Fairfax

Robert Merbaum Somer is a partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Aviation, and Car Accidents. Robert has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hilton & Somer, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 24 client reviews. Robert works from Fairfax, Virginia and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Ranked by Washingtonian Magazine as a top personal injury lawyer since December 2004, Mr. Somer has practiced personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, negligence and medical malpractice law for over 16 years and has conducted over 300 trials in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC state and federal courts. He has numerous six-figure verdicts and settlements and successful recoveries in nearly every case. He is licensed in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC and Georgia and is a longstanding member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, the DC Bar Personal Injury Section, and the Virginia State Bar Association.

Certified Legal Specialties

• Top Personal Injury Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine, 2004

Working with Robert on a appellate matter

Ranked by Washingtonian Magazine as a top personal injury lawyer since December 2004, Mr. Somer has practiced personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, negligence and medical malpractice law for over 16 years and has conducted over 300 trials in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC state and federal courts. He has numerous six-figure verdicts and settlements and successful recoveries…

Who Robert represents

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, aviation, and car accidents matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Robert studied and practices

Atlanta Law School
J.D. · 1988
University of Maine at Farmington
B.A. Business · 1985

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

Virginia Washington
1998 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1997 · ACTIVE
Maryland
1991 · ACTIVE
Georgia
1991 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in Atlanta Law School and B.A. Business in University of Maine at Farmington.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in Atlanta Law School and B.A. Business in University of Maine at Farmington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Robert's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Robert Merbaum Somer's office in Fairfax

Robert's primary office is at 8303 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 102, Fairfax, VA, 22031. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hilton & Somer, LLC

8303 Arlington Boulevard, Suite 102

Fairfax, VA 22031

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert Merbaum Somer — 5.0/5 rating from 24 verified client reviews

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

5.0

24 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Robert Merbaum Somer — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

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 Robert

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert'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 Robert Merbaum Somer

How much does it cost to hire Robert for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Virginia 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
Robert is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new appellate clients right now?
Robert'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 Virginia residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Robert Merbaum Somer. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Is it possible to appeal a child custody ruling in Virginia?
I lost a child custody case in Richmond last month and want to appeal because I believe the judge didn’t fully consider my evidence. What are the grounds for appeal in Virginia, an
1 verified answer · Appellate · Virginia
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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

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

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

Robert Merbaum Somer, Appellate Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia

Quick answer