Appellate Practice

Litigation does not necessarily end when a trial court enters its final judgment.  If a party disagrees with a trial court’s rulings or a jury’s verdict, their recourse is to seek review by the appellate court.  Appellate practice is rife with traps for the inexperienced attorney, however, and, as such, it is extremely important to have an attorney who understands the appellate process on your side when pursuing or responding to an appeal.

Appeals and writ proceedings are markedly different from trial proceedings.  Appellate courts do not provide a second bite at the apple and they will not consider evidence that was not presented below.  In order to be successful, appellate practitioners need to have a thorough understanding, not only of the applicable deadlines, appellate procedures, and substantive law, but also of the sorts of issues that will grab an appellate court’s attention.  The ability to pinpoint such issues and craft clear and concise arguments in a written brief is essential for success before the appellate courts.

Our appellate lawyers also provide unparalleled trial support by preparing summary judgments and other dispositive motions that involve legal issues likely to be the subject of appellate review, as well as jury instructions, motions in limine, jury verdict forms, directed verdict motions, petitions for extraordinary writs, and post-trial motions.  They also monitor trials to ensure that critical objections are made and arguments are presented so that important issues are not waived on appeal.

The attorneys at Wallen Kelley have successfully represented clients in high-stakes appeals.  Wallen Kelley can help with all of your appellate needs.