If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing an appellate attorney, it can be difficult to know where to start. How do you find someone who is qualified and experienced in this specific type of law? In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to find an appellate attorney who can help you with your case.
What Is An Appellate Attorney?
An appellate attorney is a lawyer who specializes in appeals. This means that they handle cases that have been tried in lower courts and are now being appealed to a higher court. Appellate attorneys must be well-versed in both state and federal law, as they may need to argue cases before either type of court.
When Will You Need An Appellate Attorney?
The first step in finding an appellate attorney is understanding when you will need one. Appellate attorneys specialize in appeals, which are essentially requested to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. This can happen if you have been convicted of a crime and you believe that the verdict was unfair, or if you have lost a civil case and want to challenge the ruling.
In some cases, you may have the right to appeal as a matter of course. For instance, if you are sentenced to death, you will be able to appeal your conviction. However, in most cases, you will need to file a petition for review to have your case heard by an appellate court.
Perhaps you were convicted of a crime but believe that the verdict was not fair. Maybe you lost a civil case but think that the judge made a legal error. In any situation where you believe that the decision of a lower court was incorrect, an appellate attorney can help you file an appeal and present your argument to a higher court.
This can be a complicated and technical process, which is why it is important to have an experienced appellate attorney on your side.
Finding A Qualified Attorney
The first step is to ask for recommendations from people you trust. This could include friends, family, or other lawyers who may have worked with an appellate attorney in the past. Once you have a few names, you can start doing your research.
Checking online directories to find qualified attorneys in your area. These websites provide ratings and reviews from past clients, so you can get an idea of what others have thought about working with them.
You should also take the time to read through an attorney’s website and see if they have any experience with cases similar to yours. Many appellate attorneys will list their areas of practice on their website, so this can be a helpful way to narrow down your search.
Finally, once you have compiled a list of potential attorneys, you should set up consultations with each one. This will allow you to ask about their experience, fees, and whether they think you have a strong case. After meeting with several attorneys, you can make an informed decision about who you would like to work with.
Characteristics Of A Good Appellate Attorney
When you are looking for an appellate attorney, there are certain qualities you should look for.
Experience and Objectivity
First and foremost, you want someone who is experienced in handling appeals like mentioned above. This means they should have a good understanding of the law as well as how to argue cases before a higher court. It is also important to find an attorney who is a good fit for you personally. This means taking the time to meet with several attorneys and getting a feel for their personality and how they communicate. You should feel comfortable working with your attorney and feel confident that they will represent you well.
Persuasive
A good appellate attorney is someone who is persuasive and can make a strong argument. This means they are not only knowledgeable about the law, but they also have the ability to articulate their thoughts in a clear and concise manner. An appellate court will often only hear oral arguments from attorneys, so it is important that your attorney is able to make a persuasive argument in this format. You want someone who is confident and prepared, and who will be able to answer any questions the court may have.
Analytical
Analytical skills are also important, as an appellate attorney needs to be able to identify the legal issues in a case and find precedents that support their argument. Appellate attorneys must also be good communicators, as they will need to explain complex legal concepts to their clients as well as argue their cases in front of a judge.
Top 10 Questions To Ask An Appellate Attorney
When you meet with an appellate attorney, it is important to ask them a few questions to get a better understanding of their experience and whether they would be a good fit for your case. Here are 10 questions that you should ask an appellate attorney during a consultation:
1. What is your experience with appeals?
2. Have you handled many cases similar to mine?
3. What do you think are the chances of success in my case?
4. How long do you think the appeals process will take?
5. What are your fees and how do they work?
6. How often will we need to communicate and what is the best way to reach you?
7. What is your strategy for my case?
8. Who will be working on my case?
9. What are the next steps?
10. Do you have any other advice for me?
Asking these questions will help you get a better understanding of an appellate attorney’s experience and whether they would be a good fit for your case. Be sure to take the time to consult with several attorneys before deciding who to hire.
Conclusion
Overall, in finding a qualified appellate attorney is to ask for recommendations from people you trust, such as friends or family members. Once you have compiled a list of potential attorneys, you should set up consultations with each one in order to ask about their experience and fees. After meeting with several attorneys, you can make an informed decision about who to hire.
