Appellate

Most disputes can be resolved through negotiation or trial. Sometimes the dispute is unresolved despite a trial, and legal errors can occur. When the outcome justifies the expense, an appeal to a higher court can be the only practical solution.

Success on appeal requires a fundamental shift in strategy and emphasis. On appeal, the focus shifts away from developing evidence and proving facts, and moves to legal precedent. Effective appellate advocacy demands a formulation of the issues focused on what is important to the panel of judges assigned to decide the case. Our appellate attorneys bring years of in-depth experience and skill to the complexities of appellate practice. They add breadth and depth to existing litigation support for firm clients in the early stages of litigation.

FMJ appellate attorneys provide both a legal and a practical assessment of cases in which an appeal is under consideration, either because it is needed to remedy a wrong trial result, or because the opposing party initiates an appeal. We serve both existing clients and clients represented at trial by other counsel, working closely with trial counsel to successfully meet the new challenges posed by the appellate process with maximum efficiency. Whether our client is seeking the appeal or is responding to an appeal brought by an adversary, we have the ability to synthesize and analyze the record and the law, as well as narrow the case focus to those issues most likely to bring client benefit and appellate success.