WHAT WE DO
Civil appeals present unique challenges that require specialized knowledge of appellate procedure, standards of review, and the art of persuasive brief writing. Unlike trial advocacy, appellate practice focuses on written arguments and legal research rather than witness examination and jury persuasion. The stakes are often enormous – protecting multi-million dollar judgments or correcting legal errors that affect fundamental rights.
At The Pettit Law Firm, we understand that appellate success requires more than just legal knowledge – it demands strategic thinking about which issues to raise, how to frame arguments for maximum persuasive impact, and how to present complex legal concepts clearly to appellate courts. Our approach combines meticulous legal research with compelling advocacy that gives our clients the best chance of appellate success.
Contact UsAppellate Services We Provide:
- Appeals from final judgments and interlocutory orders
- Mandamus proceedings and original jurisdiction cases
- Emergency appellate relief and expedited appeals
- Post-judgment motions and error preservation
- Appellate consultation during trial proceedings
- Brief writing and oral argument preparation
- Appeals bond and supersedeas issues
Trial Court Consultation: We can actively participate at the trial court level, consulting on potential appellate issues, error preservation, drafting and arguing jury charges, and preparing post-judgment motions. This trial court involvement often prevents appellate issues and strengthens the record for any potential appeal.
Error Preservation and Record Development: Successful appeals often depend on proper error preservation during trial proceedings. We work with trial counsel to ensure that objections are properly made, jury charge issues are preserved, and the record is developed to support potential appellate arguments.
Written Advocacy Excellence: Our briefs are known for their clarity, legal research, and persuasive impact. We craft compelling written arguments that present complex legal issues in accessible ways while maintaining the sophisticated analysis that appellate courts expect.
Standards of Review: Understanding appellate standards of review is crucial to appellate success. We tailor our arguments to the specific standard applicable to each issue, whether abuse of discretion, de novo review, or substantial evidence, maximizing our persuasive impact.
Issue Selection and Strategy: Not every trial court error merits an appellate challenge. We strategically select issues that offer the best chance of success while avoiding arguments that could undermine stronger claims or invite adverse precedent.
Oral Argument: When appellate courts grant oral argument, we provide experienced advocates who can effectively respond to judicial questions and reinforce the key themes from our written briefs.
Emergency and Expedited Appeals: Some cases require immediate appellate attention to prevent irreparable harm. We handle emergency appeals, applications for temporary relief pending appeal, and expedited appellate proceedings when time is critical.
Complex Legal Issues: We have state and federal appellate experience involving sophisticated legal questions including:
- Business and commercial law disputes
- Real estate and property rights
- Texas Public Information Act
- Litigation against public universities
- Lender liability litigation
- Government liability and sovereign immunity
- Complex damages and remedy issues
FAQs
Generally, notices of appeal must be filed within 30 days after judgment is signed, though specific deadlines can vary. Post-judgment motions can extend some deadlines, but prompt action is essential to preserve appellate rights.
Not all trial court rulings are immediately appealable. Generally, you can appeal final judgments and certain interlocutory orders. We can evaluate which rulings are appealable and the strategic value of an appeal.
Success rates vary significantly based on the issues raised, quality of advocacy, and specific circumstances. We provide realistic assessments of appellate prospects and focus on the strongest available arguments.
Appellate costs vary based on record length, complexity of issues, and whether oral argument is granted. We provide cost estimates and work with clients to develop cost-effective appellate strategies.
Money judgments typically require supersedeas bonds to prevent enforcement during appeal. We help clients understand bonding requirements and explore alternatives when bonds are expensive or unavailable.
Civil appeals often take 12-18 months from filing to decision, though complex cases or those involving oral argument may take longer. Emergency appeals can be expedited significantly.
Oral argument allows attorneys to address the court directly and answer judicial questions about the case. Not all appeals receive oral argument, and courts grant argument only when they believe it would be helpful.
Appeals are generally limited to the record developed in the trial court. New evidence cannot typically be presented, which is why proper record development during trial proceedings is crucial.
While trial lawyers can handle appeals, appellate practice requires specialized skills in legal research, brief writing, and appellate advocacy. We often collaborate with trial counsel or serve as appellate specialists to maximize success chances.
Contact Us
Want to talk about your case?
Email jpettit@pettitfirm.com
Or contact us at:
The Pettit Law Firm
1900 Pearl, Suite 1740
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.329.0151
Fax: 214.329.4076