Law Office of Rachel Yates – Custom Appellate Legal Services

DEDICATED
FORMER ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL AND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

helping you navigate the complex process of Virginia appellate law

I’m Rachel

I have over a decade of experience as an attorney, successfully representing clients in a wide variety of legal matters, but it is my passion for appeals that led me to start my own appellate law practice. Whether you are a client or trial counsel, I will work tirelessly to help you navigate the complexities of Virginia appellate law to receive the best possible outcome.

Practice Areas & Services

This practice is exclusively devoted to appellate advocacy, offering the following custom services to clients and trial counsel.

Criminal Appeals

I am a former public defender for the City of Richmond, law clerk, and prosecutor. I’ve handled numerous appeals during my time in the criminal appeals section of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Because of these experiences, I’m able to bring a unique perspective to criminal litigation—one that encompasses all sides of the justice system. In addition to serving as appellate counsel, I can assist clients and trial counsel during each stage of the trial process to ensure all issues are ripe for review.

Civil Appeals

I’ve worked as an in-house counsel for a retailer that generates over a billion dollars in revenue each year. I’ve handled a variety of civil and administrative legal issues and successfully appealed improper circuit court judgments. I may assist with any matter before the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia. These types of cases are examples of civil matters I can assist with: Personal Injury, Family Law, Administrative Process Matters, Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estate Law, Insurance Law.

Consulting

If your case would benefit from assistance with an experienced appellate lawyer, I can provide my services on an hourly basis. Some trial counsel would like to keep their appeal and simply want appellate counsel to assist as-needed. I can take on as much as you’d like—from motions drafting and review of your briefs to answering questions and providing substantive advice. Typical consulting work includes: Brief Writing, Research, Consultations & Advice, Moot Courts.

Embedded Appellate Counsel

In today’s legal climate, it’s important all issues are prepared for appellate review even before trial begins. I can function as an embedded appellate counsel and work alongside trial lawyers at any stage of litigation—before, during, after trial, and on appeal. Embedded appellate counsel can draft pretrial motions, provide objection scripts, review motions to strike and jury instructions, and otherwise ensure that the correct result is reached by future appellate courts.

Feedback From Clients

"Rachel Yates was a tremendous help to us during a difficult time. Not only was she able to provide invaluable guidance, she was empathetic to our many challenges and explained what was happening during every step of the process. We were pleased with the outcome of our case."

"Rachel worked hard to make sure I was fully prepared to testify. She thinks from both sides of the courtroom so she’s ready if anything unexpected arises. She’s also personable and a good listener. A very well-rounded attorney, in my opinion."

"Rachel helped our team turn a complex problem into a manageable solution. She’s an excellent communicator with an eye for detail. I would absolutely recommend her."

"Working with Rachel is always a genuine partnership. She worked to understand our business and long-term strategic needs, then advised us on all our options while clearly communicating the limitations of each."

Let’s Talk

My practice operates virtually with physical conference space available in Richmond, Virginia, if needed. This format allows me to offer my appellate legal services statewide at reasonable rates, while clients connect with me from the convenience of their home or office.

You can schedule a consultation on my calendar now. Or provide your contact info below, and I’ll be in touch with you soon.

DEDICATED FORMER ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL AND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY