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Fulbright -- Where Experience Counts
Judges agree that appellate practice requires skills far different from those at the trial level. The objectives and audience are different, and the time frame much tighter—sometimes just minutes—compared to the days and weeks of preparation for trial.
Questions about an appellate matter?
Contact either Jonathan Franklin or Wendell Hall
By concentrating on appeals, Fulbright's appellate attorneys can provide experienced, high-quality and cost-effective appellate legal services. This is a coordinated group with the resources of a large, diverse firm available to it.
Comprehensive Appellate Services
Fulbright's appellate practice has experience at all levels in federal and state court. Collectively, the practice group has members admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, every federal circuit court of appeals and state appellate courts across the country.
Members of Fulbright's appellate practice have argued six cases before the United States Supreme Court, served as counsel on the merits in more than a dozen cases argued before the Court and filed numerous petitions for certiorari, oppositions to petitions and amicus curiae briefs. The group's practice spans the gamut of substantive and procedural civil law, including:
In connection with Fulbright's diverse and sophisticated litigation practice, Fulbright's appellate group also has developed substantial experience in complex litigation, including class actions and mass torts.
Involve Fulbright at the Beginning
The heart of Fulbright's appellate practice is, of course, handling appeals. But Fulbright's appellate work includes more than that. Trial judges, lawyers and clients agree that there also is great benefit in having a Fulbright appellate lawyer assisting at trial—especially in tough venues where error preservation takes on heightened importance.
Fulbright's appellate practice group knows the substantive law, understands the rules and procedures and can quickly absorb the scientific, technical and other specialized aspects of complex cases. By being an integral part of the trial team, Fulbright's appellate lawyers are also best positioned to handle appellate emergencies that often arise, because, in trial, time is always of the essence.
- Handling temporary injunctions, certification matters and other complex evidentiary hearings
- Researching and analyzing difficult legal issues
- Seeking or resisting sanctions, particularly in discovery matters
- Preparing or responding to motions to exclude expert testimony
- Preparing or responding to motions for summary judgment and other dispositive motions
- Monitoring a trial to assist in preserving appellate complaints, particularly when the case poses a high risk of an adverse jury verdict
- Preparing trial briefs
- Preparing the court's charge and attending the charge conference at trial
- Preparing or responding to post-trial motions
- Handling mandamus actions or interlocutory appeals prior to trial
By working closely with the trial teams, Fulbright's appellate practice is primed to handle any appeal that later arises with minimal transition, both in terms of time and expense. This partnering effort has worked well over the years, especially in complex cases involving multiple and inter-related legal issues and difficult legal strategies.
Handle Appeals Cost-Effectively
Fulbright's Appellate Group is structured for optimum cost effectiveness. Senior lawyers supervise each case and delegate tasks to associates with the appropriate skill levels and experience.
Many of Fulbright's appellate lawyers concentrate in various areas of the law, giving them a quick grasp of the issues in appellate matters. Members of Fulbright's appellate practice constantly share information through meetings and moot courts, so that every client benefits from the practice group's collective experience.
Finally, Fulbright's appellate practice uses technology to control costs and gain a competitive edge. Fulbright's sophisticated computer network integrates each of its locations and provides access to computer research services. Combined with the latest software and web applications, Fulbright's infrastructure allows the practice group to instantly access Fulbright's legal briefings from prior cases and store trial transcripts and exhibits for immediate retrieval, saving time and money.
Think Ahead
Skilled trial representation is only part of the equation. To ensure that our client's litigation needs are fully covered, it is important to think past the trial before it even begins to the likely appeal. With a team of proven lawyers focusing their practices in this critical and very distinct area of the law, the Supreme Court and appellate practice group is an essential component in any litigation strategy. That is why companies and individuals facing litigation Think Fulbright.™
For further information or questions regarding Fulbright's appellate practice, please contact either Jonathan Franklin or Wendell Hall.
