William W. Swor, Appellate Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Consumer · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
FounderatWilliam W. Swor
Detroit, MI
Practicing appellate in Detroit since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you William W. Swor?
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Quick answer
William W. Swor is a founder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Consumer. William has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William W. Swor. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Detroit, MI
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Civil Rights · Consumer
- Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Consumer matters from Detroit, MI.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William W. Swor: William W. Swor is a founder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Consumer. William has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William W. Swor. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William W. Swor
William concentrates on appellate, civil rights, consumer, criminal defense, and federal crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Civil Rights
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Consumer
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Criminal Defense
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Immigration
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Insurance
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Sex Crimes
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Weapons
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White Collar
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Appellate cases in Detroit, Michigan
William takes appellate matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Detroit, Michigan
William takes civil rights matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Detroit, Michigan
William takes consumer matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Detroit, Michigan
William takes criminal defense matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in Detroit, Michigan
William takes federal crimes matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William W. Swor — Over 54 years of Michigan appellate experience
William W. Swor is a founder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Consumer. William has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at William W. Swor. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William W. Swor is a highly rated and peer reviewed criminal defense expert with 48 years experience in private practice. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (Board of Directors), and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
He was elected a Fellow on the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and is recognized, in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, 2002-2020. He has also been recognized as an AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell for fifteen years running.
William Swor is the recipient of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Justice for All Award in 2004, the National Lawyers Guild Defender of Justice Award in 2005, and the 2008 Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Against all Odds Award.
Mr. Swor is the author of “Defending the Non-Citizen, The Anti- Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act,” Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, April 1997. He also serves as faculty for the Advanced Training Seminars of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan from 1993-present and the Trial Practice College of CDAM, 2004-2005.
William Swor & Associates have been retained in areas of:
Criminal Defense
Federal/Civil Rights Litigation
Immigration Services & Immigration Law
Domestic Relations matters
Trial and Appellate Law
Criminal & Administrative Health-Care Law
Federal & State Criminal Representation
Awards & Recognition
The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers Martindale-Hubbell 2002-2020
AVVO Clients Choice Award 2018
Criminal Justice Act Recognition United States District Court EDM 2012
Legal Professional of the Year American Arab Chamber of Commerce 2010
Rodney Thaxton "Against All Odds Award" Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Miami Chapter 2008
Bernard Gottfried Award ACLU of Michigan, Detroit Chapter 2006
Defender of Justice Award National Lawyers Guild 2005
Justice for All Award Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan 2004
Experience
William W. Swor has consistently provided representation consistent with the highest standards of practice. In March of 2015 he successfully defended a Canadian business man falsely accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine into the United States. Mr. Swor's client was facing a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years but was acquitted of all charges. In January of 2014, Mr. Swor successfully defended a father accused by the state of Michigan of murdering his 11-month old son. His client was acquitted of all charges.
Mr. Swor has tried many politically charged cases. In He was lead counsel for Arab Americans falsely accused of conspiracy to engage in terrorism following September 11, 2001. He has defended charities accused by the United States government of providing support to terrorism. In 2013 he successfully defended Americans accused of conspiring to overthrow the United States government.
Publications
He has authored articles on various aspects of the practices of law and speaks frequently on legal issues in both print and electronic media. He has frequently been invited to speak to lawyers on continuing legal education topics and matters.
Associations
Practitioners Advisory Group to the United States Sentencing Committee 1995-present
Advisory Board ACLU of Michigan 2011–present
Fellow & Board of Governors American Board of Criminal Lawyers 2006–present
A Vice President American Bar of Criminal Defense Lawyers 2016-Present
Director Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan 2000–present
Member American Arbitration Association 1980–present
Member Federal Bar Association 1980–present
Member National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 1980–present
Member Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association 1976–present
Member Macomb County Bar Association 1973–present
Member State Bar of Michigan 1972–present
How William handles appellate matters
William W. Swor is a highly rated and peer reviewed criminal defense expert with 48 years experience in private practice. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (Board of Directors), and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was elected a Fellow on the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and is recognized, in the Bar Register of…
The kind of cases William takes
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and consumer matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
William W. Swor's legal education and bar admissions
Wayne State University
J.D. · 1972
Oakland University
B.A. · 1969
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1983 · ACTIVE
US District Court, W
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1972 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1972 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in Oakland University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in Oakland University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William W. Swor
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
American Board of Criminal Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Locations
William W. Swor's office in Detroit
William's primary office is at 500 Griswold Street, Suite 2450, Detroit, MI, 48226. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William W. Swor — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Detroit.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William W. Swor claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William W. Swor — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Detroit, Michigan
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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William W. Swor
How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Michigan 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Detroit?
William is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new appellate clients right now?
William'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 Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan
William handles appellate matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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