What is an appeals attorney and what do they do?

appeals attorney is a legal professional who specializes in handling appeals cases. When a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of a trial or a lower court’s decision, they have the right to appeal to a higher court. This is where an appeals attorney comes into play.

The primary role of an appeals attorney is to review the trial court record and identify potential errors or legal issues that may have occurred during the trial. They thoroughly analyze the trial transcripts, evidence, and legal arguments presented in the lower court to determine if any mistakes were made that could have affected the outcome of the case.

Once the appeals attorney identifies grounds for appeal, they prepare a written brief outlining the legal arguments and presenting them to the higher court. This brief highlights the errors made in the lower court and explains why the decision should be overturned or modified. Appeals attorneys are skilled in legal research and writing, as they must present a compelling and persuasive argument to the appellate court.

In addition to preparing the written brief, appeals attorneys may also have the opportunity to present oral arguments before the appellate court. This involves appearing before a panel of judges and presenting their case verbally. Oral arguments allow the attorney to further explain their legal arguments, address any questions or concerns raised by the judges, and advocate for their client’s position.

Appeals attorneys must have a deep understanding of the law and legal procedures, as well as strong analytical and research skills. They must be able to identify errors or legal issues that may not have been apparent during the trial and present them effectively to the appellate court. They also need to have excellent written and oral communication skills to present a compelling case.

In summary, an appeals attorney specializes in handling appeals cases and is responsible for reviewing trial court records, identifying errors or legal issues, preparing written briefs, and presenting oral arguments before the appellate court.