William Lee Pfeifer Jr

Appeals Attorney at Birmingham, AL

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William Pfeifer - Attorney Review

Great Alabama Appeals Lawyer

About William

Learn William’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Appeals

80%

My appellate law practice consists of handling appeals in matters related to criminal defense, family law (such as divorce or child custody), and civil litigation.

30 years
Criminal defense

10%

I spend many years as a criminal defense trial lawyer before devoting my practice exclusively to appeals. I still handle some post-conviction work for criminal defendants such as Rule 32 petitions, but the focus of my criminal defense work is now in the appellate courts.
... Read more
30 years
Family

10%

I spent many years handling family law litigation before devoting my practice exclusively to appeals. A large portion of my appellate practice is devoted to appeals from divorce trials and child custody disputes.
... Read more
30 years

I am an appellate attorney, trial lawyer, law practice management consultant, freelance writer, husband, and father. My law practice website is located at , where I provide information about issues related to Alabama law. For several years I was the Law Practice Management Guide for (), which is owned by the New York Times Company. I also write for a variety of other websites and publications, and I have published articles in publications produced by the Alabama State Bar, the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Bar Association. However, most of my time is devoted to the practice of appellate law in Alabama.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 29 years

State AL

Status Occupational License - Authorized to Practice

Acquired 1993

Updated 02/11/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact William

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Pfeifer LLC

One Perimeter Park South

Suite 100N

Birmingham, AL, 35243

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

5 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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2 Star

1 Star

Posted by L Reese | September 26, 2011

William Pfeifer - Attorney Review

Bill handled a complicated appeal for our family. He was extremely responsive, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable. Bill gave our case his full attention, answered all of our questions, and filed all the paperwork on time or ahead of schedule. Highly recommend.

Posted by Ernest Kreitzberg | September 23, 2011

Great Alabama Appeals Lawyer

Bill took my appeal to Montgomery, and won. However, he did the little things that help the case. He answered questions quickly, proposed alternate courses of action, and wrote outstanding briefs.

Posted by Lisa D. | February 22, 2011

Good lawyer

I hired Mr. Pfeifer to represent me in my divorce and I hired him again when my ex-husband appealed the judge's ruling. Mr. Pfeifer won the case both times. Unlike the first lawyer I consulted, Mr. Pfeifer answered all of my questions in details right away without having to look them up somewhere. He's very patient and able to explain in simple terms that I could understand. If I ever need a lawyer again, he will be the one I call.

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Posted by Fran | February 18, 2011

An attorney you can trust

Mr. Pfiefer is an intelligent, well spoken, compassionate man. He is very knowledgable and won't hesitate to obtain any information he needs to do the best job possible. He will tell you the truth about your case, whether it is positive or negative. His superior writing skills only enhance the impression he makes in defending your case. I would recommend him to others.

Read less

Posted by Stephen Etheridge | October 2, 2010

Bill Pheifer's a top notch lawyer in my book

I have used Bill several times during my time of issues and he far smarter and more up with the law than any of the other attorneys I have used in the past.Bill will take time with you and explain all your options and ways you have to make the correct call when times are bad for you and when you are at your most vulnerable point.Yes I do most highly recommend Bill Pfeifer to anyone who may need legal help.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Pfeifer Law Offices
1997 - Present

Law Practice Management Guide
About.com, a New York Times Company
2010 - 2012

Attorney
Pfeifer & Jensen, LLC
2008 - 2010

Criminal Law Editor of the Alabama Appellate Review
LexCorp, Inc.
1999 - 2000

Staff Attorney
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
1996 - 1997

Attorney
Kolb & Pfeifer, LLC
1993 - 1996

Law Clerk
Baxter & Wilson
1992 - 1993

View all work experience

Education

University of Alabama School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993

Samford University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1989

Legal Cases

Morgan v. Public Super Markets, Inc., 138 So. 3d 982 (Ala. 2013)
Reversed and remanded for trial

Joni Wood vs Karrie Hayes, 104 So. 3d 863 (Ala. 2012)
Judgment reversed and case remanded for new trial

Darren Woods vs Karrie Hayes, 104 So. 3d 863 (Ala. 2012)
Judgment reversed and case remanded for new trial

View all legal cases

Associations

American Bar Association, Advisory Panel
ABA Advisory Panel Member
2012 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2012 - Present

American Bar Association, Law Practice Management Section
Member
2011 - Present

American Bar Association Council of Appellate Lawyers
Member
2011 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
2011 - Present

Legal Writing Institute
Member
2010 - Present

Scribes - The American Society of Legal Writers
Member
2008 - Present

National Writers Union
Steering Committee Member, At-Large Chapter (2011 - present)
2007 - Present

Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
Volunteer Attorney
1999 - Present

Alabama Civil Justice Foundation
Member
1999 - Present

Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Member
1998 - Present

York Rite of Freemasonry
Member
1998 - Present

Mensa
Life Member
1997 - Present

Foley Masonic Lodge
Past Master
1996 - Present

Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
1994 - Present

Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
1994 - Present

Alabama State Bar Association
Member
1993 - Present

Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity
Member
1990 - Present

Alabama Democratic Executive Committee
Executive Committee
2004 - 2008

Mitigation Services of Alabama
Advisory Board
2004 - 2006

The Alabama Lawyer
Board of Editors
2004 - 2006

La Clinica de Baldwin
Board of Directors
2003 - 2004

Baldwin County Democratic Executive Committee
Chairman
2000 - 2005

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2000 - 2005

Alabama State Bar Indigent Defense Task Force
Member
1999 - 2001

Baldwin County Bar Association
Member
1995 - 2009

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce
Member
1994 - 2007

South Baldwin Jaycees
Past President
1994 - 2000

Baldwin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
1994 - 2010

Alabama Association for Justice
Member
1994 - 1997

American Bar Association
Member
1993 - 1997

Law and Psychology Review
Board of Editors
1991 - 1993

Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society
Member
1984 - 1985

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2013

Dr. Donald K. Springen Award
Baldwin County Democratic Party
2004

Bench & Bar Legal Honor Society
University of Alabama School of Law
1992

John A. Campbell Moot Court Board
University of Alabama School of Law
1992

Board of Editors, Law and Psychology Review
University of Alabama School of Law
1991

Best Brief in Class
University of Alabama School of Law Moot Court Class
1991

Farrah Law Society Scholarship
University of Alabama School of Law
1990

William M. Lunceford Award for Excellence in Philosophy
Samford University, Department of Religion and Philosophy
1989

Honors Scholarship
Samford University
1985

View all awards

Publications

GPSolo Magazine (ABA)
Privacy and Legal Outsourcing
2012

About.com
Social Media Use by Jurors in the Courtroom
2012

The Guardian (ACDLA Newsletter)
Technology in Appellate Law Practice
2011

WilliamPfeifer.com
Mistakes Trial Lawyers Make With Appeals In Alabama
2011

WilliamPfeifer.com
Should Trial Lawyers Handle Their Own Appeals?
2011

WilliamPfeifer.com
Hearsay in Probation Revocation Cases - Admissible, but Not Enough
2011

About.com, a New York Times Company
Four Steps to Becoming a Recognized Expert in Your Legal Specialty
2011

About.com, a New York Times Company
Should You Place One Period or Two After the Period in Legal Documents?
2011

Ehow.com
How is Child Support Calculated in Alabama
2010

WilliamPfeifer.com
Using Rule 32 to Set Aside a Guilty Plea Conviction in Alabama - Part I
2010

WilliamPfeifer.com
Using Rule 32 to Set Aside a Guilty Plea Conviction in Alabama - Part II
2010

About.com, a New York Times Company
How to Create a Digital Edition of a Law Firm Newsletter
2010

About.com, a New York Times Company
Three Common Lawyer Trust Account Mistakes
2010

The Stubborn Writer
Black Robe Disease - Why the Abuse of Power is Rampant among Judges and the American Judiciary (Humor)
2010

The Stubborn Writer
Why Your Lawyer Won't Return Your Phone Calls - Top 10 Reasons (Humor)
2010

About.com, a New York Times Company
Six Tips for Creating Effective Law Firm Newsletters
2010

About.com, a New York Times Company
Lawyer Email Scams - How the Nigerian Scam is Used on Lawyers
2010

About.com, a New York Times Company
Three Tips for Effective Lawyer Time Management
2010

About.com, a New York Times Company
Legal Outsourcing - What is Legal Outsourcing?
2010

Examiner.com (Clarity Digital Media, LLC)
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Sex Offenders can be Held Indefinitely Even After Completing Prison Sentences
2010

Examiner.com (Clarity Digital Media, LLC)
Supreme Court says Attorneys must Advise Immigration of the Deportation Consequences of Guilty Pleas
2010

South Magazine
The Truth about Crime in Savannah
2010

soyouwanna.com
Franchise Law
2010

The Guardian (Newsletter of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
Youthful Offender Applications - What You Don't Know Might Hurt You
2010

ThePoliticus.com
The Evolution of Guantanamo Bay - Part 1
2009

ThePoliticus.com
The Evolution of Guantanamo Bay - Part 2
2009

ThePoliticus.com
The Evolution of Guantanamo Bay - Part 3
2009

ThePoliticus.com
The Evolution of Guantanamo Bay - Part 4
2009

Examiner.com (Clarity Digital Media, LLC)
Too Many Registered Sex Offenders Make Dangerous Sex Offenders Difficult to Track
2009

Suite101.com
How to Become a Lawyer - Seven Steps to Starting a Career in the Law
2008

Suite101.com
What is a Common Law Marriage
2008

Alabama Law Journal
The Right to a Speedy Trial in Alabama
2008

Pipers Willow, Inc
The Greatest Lawyer Jokes of All Time
2007

Helium
How to Find Out If Convicted Pedophiles are Living in your Neighborhood
2007

The Guardian (Newsletter of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association)
Challenging Hearsay in Probation Revocation Hearings
2007

The Alabama Lawyer
Assertion of the 5th Amendment Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
2006

Baldwin County Democratic Party
Baldwin County Democratic Party Election Day Manual (Poll Watchers Guide)
2004

The Alabama Lawyer
The Right to a Speedy Trial in Alabama
2004

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Webinar for M. Lee Smith Publishers
Social Media in the Courtroom: The Impact of Facebook and Twitter on Jury Trials
2014

West Virginia Public Defenders Annual Conference
Social Media in the Courtroom
2012

Handling Divorce Cases from Start to Finish
Completing the Divorce
2012

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
The Right to a Speedy Trial in Alabama
2007

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Assertion of the Fifth Amendment Privilege Against Self-Incrimination in Civil Cases
2005

South Baldwin Democrats
Election Law
2004

Sam & Deidre Radio Show
Alabama Politics
2004

Baldwin County Democratic Party
Election Law & Voter's Rights
2004

On-Air Panel Discussion, WKRG Channel 5 News (CBS Affiliate)
Governor Riley's Amendment One Tax Increase Proposal
2003

Alabama Young Democrats State Conference
Combatting Voter Intimidation
2003

Lillian Chapter, AARP
Baldwin County Politics
2001

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Defending Children in the Adult Court System
2001

Career Day
How to Become a Lawyer
2000

Career Day
How to Become a Lawyer
1999

Baldwin County Sojourners Banquet
Alabama Constitutional Reform
1998

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (30)

Given (27)

Endorse William

Patrick Mahaney

Appeals Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Pfeifer is one of Alabama's best criminal defense trial lawyers and he is an acknowleged expert in the complex area of post-trial appeals and collateral attack on convictions. Mr. Pfeifer is widely regarded by members of the bench and bar as one of the most capable criminal defense lawyers in the state of Alabama. His skills at trial are highly regarded. He is an expert in the areas a search and seizure and Constitutional criminal procedure. If you need an attorney for any complex criminal case, or a post-trial appeal, Mr. Pfeifer is one of the very best lawyers in the state of Alabama."

Mark Wolfe

Appeals Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Bill for many years. His practice encompasses many areas of law including criminal law, trial work and appellate work. He has handled a number of successful appeals and I think this speaks volumes as to his knowledge of the law and his ability to write compelling briefs in support of his client's position. I endorse him and his work."

Christopher Gasper

Appeals Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I discovered Attorney Pfeifer through his writings online and legal guides. He is very knowledgeable and gives excellent advice. I therefore endorse this attorney."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Appeals Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Saam Ghiaasiaan

Unknown Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. William is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."

Michael Waddington

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse WilliaM. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Angela Kinley

Appeals Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I sincerely endorse Mr. Pfeifer. He is a well-respected member of the legal community who works diligently for each and every client."

Richard Rosenstein

Unknown Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pfeifer is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."

John O'Brien

Appeals Attorney | May 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

M. Miller

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Johnson

Appeals Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Great appellate brief writer."

Jared Lyles

Appeals Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Pascal Bruijn

Appeals Attorney | Jun 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeremiah Giles

Appeals Attorney | Jun 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Jaffe

Appeals Attorney | Feb 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Mr. Pfeifer as he is skilled and excellent at handling appeals in any criminal matter."

Laura Mcfarland-Taylor

Appeals Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have gotten to know Mr. Pfeifer through his activity on Avvo. Mr. Pfeifer is always willing to answer questions and I always learn something from his responses. I would not hesitate to recommend clients to him."