Cases that John Derrick
does not handle
As a solo practitioner, there is a limit to the number of cases John Derrick can handle. Before contacting him, please note that while he handles a wide range of appeals, there are some types of cases that, for a variety of reasons, fall outside of his current practice area:
If your case does not fall in one of those categories, click here for John Derrick's contact information.
- Most family law cases on behalf of appellants (the parties bringing the appeal) — including those that revolve around community property or spousal/child support issues.
- Appeals challenging restraining orders.
- Criminal cases: John Derrick handles criminal cases, but only on a Court-appointed basis. He does not currently take private criminal cases.
- Cases where someone wants to appeal a case, but can only afford to do so on a contingent-fee (no-win/no-fee) basis. (John Derrick does defend certain appeals on a contingent basis.)
- Almost any appeal where your budget is less than $20,000. Most appeals cost substantially more — but $20,000 is realistically the likely floor for the most straightforward (i.e., defending an appeal with a relatively small record and limited or noncomplex issues).
- Appeals of “limited jurisdiction” cases where the appeal is heard by the appellate department of the Superior Court, not by the Court of Appeal.
- DMV appeals.
- Social security/disability appeals.
- Unemployment appeals.
- Unlawful detainer (eviction) appeals.
- Any appeal where a brief on your side of the case has already been filed, and you are only looking for someone to finish off the appeal with the reply brief and/or oral argument.
- Any appeal in a case where there are still ongoing proceedings — or related proceedings — in the trial court where you are not represented by counsel.
- Any appeal where you are planning on representing yourself, but are looking for advice and help in doing so.
- Any appeal where your grounds for appeal is that the trial lawyer mishandled your case (ineffective assistance of counsel is not a viable argument in a civil appeal).
If your case does not fall in one of those categories, click here for John Derrick's contact information.