Appellate

The Geller Law Group’s Appellate Practice is dedicated to protecting our clients’ interests at both the trial and appellate levels. We advocate to prevent trial errors from continuing uncorrected and provide strategic guidance on pivotal trial decisions.

If you want to challenge a trial court’s errant ruling or are forced to defend a favorable decision on appeal, our experienced appellate attorneys provide strategic guidance and persuasive advocacy at every stage of the appellate process. If you find yourself in the trial court facing a challenging dispositive motion or you simply want a second pair of eyes on a legally complex case, our team is here to help.

What is an Appeal?

When a trial court makes a final decision in a case, a party’s recourse to correct that decision is to file an appeal. An appeal challenges the trial court’s decision and proceeds in either the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, depending on the type of case. These courts have different requirements, deadlines, and practices than the trial court. 

Appeals are not a second chance to try to win your case, but instead are meant to correct legally flawed decisions by the trial court. Each case comes to the Court of Appeals with a specific standard of review, which is how the appellate court will review the lower court’s decision. Appellate courts do not hear new evidence or arguments; instead, they review whether the trial court correctly applied the law to the facts presented.

When Do You Need an Appellate Attorney?

If you have received a trial court ruling that is wrong, an appeal may be the appropriate next step. Likewise, if the opposing party has filed to appeal your favorable ruling, you need skilled appellate counsel to defend the decision. 

At The Geller Law Group, we assist clients by evaluating their cases, determining the viability of an appeal, and providing guidance on how to best proceed. If an appeal is right for you, we can help you navigate the process, which can be daunting to undertake alone. 

Additionally, we provide trial-level support to preserve critical legal issues for appeal, assist with complex motions practice, and advise on post-judgment relief. Early involvement of appellate counsel can significantly affect the outcome of an appeal. Many issues that would have warranted appellate review are unable to proceed because trial counsel did not properly preserve the issue at the trial level. Involving an appellate attorney early can help prevent this disastrous mistake from occurring.

How Long Do Appeals Take?

It varies. The appellate process depends on the facts of the case, the error assigned to the lower court’s ruling, and the caseload of the court. Some cases are dismissed early for failure to follow the proper procedures and requirements. Some cases are set for oral argument, which allows the court to ask questions regarding the matters at issue. The process can also be impacted by any issues or delays with the record being transmitted from the trial court to the court of appeals. The process requires significant attention to detail to ensure the deadlines are met.

What Types of Appeals Does The Geller Law Group Handle?

We offer counsel on all types of civil cases, including family, contract, and tort law. We do not offer counsel on criminal appeals currently. 

If you believe your trial court ruling was based on an incorrect application of the law, or if you need experienced appellate counsel to protect a favorable judgment, contact The Geller Law Group to discuss your options. Our team is ready to provide the strategic insight and advocacy needed for a successful appeal.