Appeals

We specialize in the techniques of written advocacy that are crucial for prevailing in California's federal and state appellate courts.

What is an appeal?

An appeal is a formal request for a higher court to review a trial court’s judgment.

An appeal is not a second bite at the apple. The strongest appeals focus on whether the trial court correctly applied the law, not whether the trial court made the “right” factual findings.

The appeal process

Case assessment

We review the trial records to determine the viability of an appeal.

Notice of appeal

Before an appeal can proceed, trial counsel must provide formal notification to the trial court indicating an intent to appeal.

Appellate brief

We develop a detailed legal argument highlighting the legal errors that occurred in the trial court.

Oral argument

Appellate courts do not always call for oral argument. When they do, we are prepared to present cases persuasively.

The decision

The appellate court reviews the case and issues a ruling that could affirm, reverse, or remand the decision back to the trial court.

Appellate work is different

Appeals require a unique skill set focused on research, issue framing, and precise legal argumentation. Unlike trial lawyers, appellate counsel must persuade through the written record and legal reasoning.

Appellate counsel:

Identifies the strongest legal issues for appeal

Frames arguments effectively for appellate judges

Ensures compliance with all procedural rules

Why appeals matter

Most litigation ends at trial. But when a trial court makes a legal error — misapplying the law, improperly admitting or excluding evidence, or issuing flawed jury instructions — an appeal gives you the opportunity to correct that mistake. For individuals and businesses who have suffered an unjust outcome, an appeal can be the difference between accepting a bad result and getting the justice you deserve.

Appeals are also critical for protecting a favorable judgment. If you win at trial, the other side may appeal. Having experienced appellate counsel defend your verdict is just as important as pursuing your own appeal.

California Court of Appeal

California civil appeals are heard by the California Court of Appeal, which is organized into six appellate districts covering the entire state. The court reviews the trial record and written briefs. It does not hear new testimony or consider new evidence. Decisions can be appealed further to the California Supreme Court, though review at that level is discretionary and rarely granted.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Federal civil appeals from California are heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, one of the largest and most influential federal appellate courts in the country. Ninth Circuit appeals involve distinct procedural rules, briefing requirements, and standards of review that differ meaningfully from California state court practice.

What we handle

We handle civil appeals across a wide range of practice areas, including complex commercial disputes, real estate litigation, employment matters, personal injury cases, and more.

Whether you are pursuing an appeal or defending against one, we can help you evaluate your chances of success, develop a strategy, and present the strongest possible case to the appellate court.

Why appellate work requires specialized counsel

Many excellent trial lawyers are not experienced appellate advocates and vice versa. Appellate courts are persuaded by precise legal analysis, well-constructed arguments, and crisp writing. The record is fixed. There are no witnesses to examine and no new facts to introduce. Success depends entirely on the quality of the briefs and, when oral argument is granted, the ability to engage directly with the judges' questions and concerns.

Our team includes former federal judicial law clerks who have drafted opinions deciding disputes worth millions of dollars. We know what appellate judges look for because we have worked alongside them. That perspective shapes every brief we write and every argument we make.

Ready to discuss your appeal?

Our experience as seasoned advocates and as trusted advisors to federal judges across the country uniquely positions us to achieve success on appeal.