Appellate

Sometimes the end of the trial is just the beginning. To successfully reverse an unfavorable outcome—or defend a hard-fought victory—companies need a team who can preserve issues for appeal during a trial, decipher the legal issues that decided the case, and turn the focus toward the compelling points that will resonate with a panel of appellate judges.

HOW WE HELP

Seyfarth’s Appellate attorneys have the unique combination of analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills to deliver winning briefs and compelling oral arguments. The team has handled hundreds of appeals in both state and federal court systems nationwide in areas including class actions, labor and employment, whistleblower retaliation, antitrust, torts, civil procedure, libel, breach of contract, environmental, real property, bankruptcy, international treaties and agreements, and civil rights.

Our Appellate attorneys are a key asset at every stage of litigation, providing strategic insights during both pre-trial and trial proceedings. Our team draws upon experience with appellate-issue preservation to add value for our clients well before a judgment is handed down. Our Appellate attorneys also collaborate with Seyfarth's top-notch litigators to create the most favorable trial record in anticipation of an appeal, consult on and draft jury instructions and verdict forms, answer procedural questions, file interlocutory appeals, and handle complex briefings throughout the trial.

When a verdict has been rendered, our Appellate team works with clients to quickly determine whether a post-judgment appeal is warranted and, if so, which key issues to pursue. Our attorneys draft and argue post-trial motions, handle discretionary review, and prepare and deliver comprehensive, compelling briefings and oral arguments in federal and state appellate courts.

Our Appellate attorneys also handle appeals from summary judgment rulings, and other dismissal orders, helping clients defend hard-won victories.  In jurisdictions that permit interlocutory appeals, our Appellate attorneys work with trial-court teams to address appeals from a wide variety of issues, including discovery orders and orders relating to the exclusion of experts.

Our Appellate attorneys are thought leaders who publish widely on best practices in appellate procedure and other appellate issues.

Our team has substantial experience drafting and submitting amicus curiae briefs in high-profile cases with policy implications or other broad significance.

THE SEYFARTH EXPERIENCE

Appellate advocacy is a unique discipline that is distinct from trial-level and other litigation work and requires its own set of skills and experience. Success on appeal often depends on the disciplined and dispassionate selection of issues with the greatest chance of success combined with the clear, forceful, and respectful articulation of the client's position. By working closely with Seyfarth litigators at every stage, our Appellate attorneys lay the groundwork for post-trial success and can transition from trial to appeal in a highly effective and seamless way.