Peter McVey, KC

Competent appellate work, but communication could improve

I engaged Peter McVey, KC of Wagners Law Firm to handle a complex civil appeal. His reputation in Appellate Practice, including his recognition by Best Lawyers, was a primary factor in our selection. On the substantive legal work, Mr. McVey was undeniably proficient. His grasp of the procedural intricacies and his ability to frame the legal arguments was solid, reflecting the expertise one would expect from a King's Counsel. However, the experience was not without its frustrations. While the final written submissions were strong, the process of getting there felt somewhat opaque. Communication was inconsistent; there were periods of several weeks where we received no updates unless we initiated contact, which created unnecessary anxiety. His responsiveness, when he did reply, was professional, but the wait times for a simple status check felt excessive. Furthermore, the billing structure, while explained, led to some unexpected costs during the research phase. In the end, the appeal was handled competently, but the client experience felt more transactional than collaborative. For straightforward appellate matters requiring deep legal analysis, he is a capable choice, but be prepared to manage the communication flow proactively.