Appeals
An appeal is a review of a lower court’s decision by a higher court. In Utah, the higher courts are the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court. A panel of judges decides the case in a written order or opinion.
We have litigated hundreds of appeals. As experienced appellate litigators, we review the record for each case. The record includes the documents and transcripts filed in the district court. After reviewing the record, we identify the issues to raise on appeal, counsel with clients and other attorneys, and draft appellate briefs. Our attorneys argue our cases before the relevant appellate court.
We advise clients after the appellate court has released its decision. We discuss with clients their options for filing petitions for rehearing (asking the appellate court to reconsider its decision) or petitions for writ of certiorari (asking a higher appellate court to review the decision of the lower appellate court). Our attorneys would love to help plan your next step.
Amicus Briefs
Amicus briefs are documents that are filed in an appellate court by an entity (amicus curiae) that is not a party to a case but has an interest in the outcome of the case. Oftentimes, amicus briefs can assist appellate courts to understand the full breadth of the legal argument or the consequences of the appellate courts’ decisions.
We have filed amicus briefs in multiple courts include the Utah Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.
Trial Consulting
Success on appeal depends entirely on the foundation laid in the trial court. We collaborate with trial attorneys in real-time to ensure that critical issues are identified, properly raised, and meticulously preserved.
We provide the strategic foresight necessary to protect a hard-won victory or set the stage for a successful challenge. By integrating appellate strategy into the trial phase, we help trial teams navigate complex procedural hurdles and substantive legal arguments without losing focus on the jury.
Post-Trial Motions
After a party has lost in the district court, the party can file post-trial motions (such as a motion to alter or amend, a motion for a new trial, or a motion to arrest judgment) before filing the appeal. These post-trial motions give the district courts an opportunity to change their decisions before an appeal.
We frequently file post-trial motions to assist their clients before the appeal.
