Handling Difficult Civil And Criminal
Appeals For Clients Nationwide
Over the past several decades, the legal industry has come to recognize that the skills required for briefing and arguing an appeal are different from – although complementary to – the skills required for litigating a trial. While litigating a trial requires a basic ability to conduct legal research and write motions, briefing an appeal takes legal research and writing to a much higher, more complex level. Unlike a trial, where counsel primarily focuses on developing the facts in the client’s favor through the introduction of evidence, an appeal requires counsel to focus on whether the trial court misapplied the law or erroneously stated the law. As such, the oral argument on appeal is extremely different from the opening and closing arguments at trial.
Given how an appeal requires a different set of legal skills from those required at trial, many clients and trial attorneys are recognizing the need to retain an appellate specialist to brief and argue their appeals.
If a party lost at trial and is considering an appeal, an appellate specialist can also evaluate the case and advise both the party and trial counsel whether an appeal is worthwhile – including the relative risk, if any, involved in taking an appeal.
Services
Appeals
Leveraging research skills and writing to persuasively argue your appeal.
Embedded Appellate Counsel
Partnering with you during trial to provide assistance for necessary appeals.
Amicus Briefs
Drafting supportive briefs on your behalf for cases you wish to support.
Insurance Coverage Opinions
Providing insightful guidance to insurers policies and closing gaps in coverage.
Appeals
Embedded Appellate Counsel
Amicus Briefs
Insurance Coverage Opinions
Appellate Specialist Advising
On Proceedings During Trial
It is becoming increasingly common for clients and trial attorneys to retain an appellate specialist during the trial to advise on the proceedings.
An appellate specialist can advise trial counsel on a variety of matters during the trial. This includes preserving objections for appeal, ensuring that the record is clear, assisting in the drafting of jury instructions, and assisting in the drafting of pre-verdict and post-verdict motions. This frees up trial counsel to do what it does best – develop a case’s facts – while providing the client with specialized representation on the case’s legal complexities. Even at the pre-trial dispositive motion stage (e.g., a motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgment), a need may exist for an appellate specialist to advise trial counsel on the requirements of such motions.
From His Office In St. Louis,
John Serves Clients Across The Nation
Do Not Settle For Less;
Get John Reeves On Your Side
Appeals are sensitive and nuanced cases, and they require an advocate who understands how to present them effectively and persuasively.
Contact John at Reeves Law LLC to get the help you need with your case. You can call his office at 314-782-3874 or you can send him a message through his online form.
All appellate work can be handled on a flat fee basis, so you will know the costs from the beginning, and he is fully transparent in his fees and billing processes.
Meet Your
Appellate Specialist
John Reeves is the esteemed founder of Reeves Law LLC which he established in 2019 with a focus on appellate law. His knowledge in this specialized field has earned him significant recognition, including being named to the Missouri Lawyers Media POWER list of the top 30 appellate lawyers in Missouri in 2024. Notably, Mr. Reeves was one of only four solo practitioners honored on this list and holds the distinction of being the youngest lawyer included.
In addition to his practice, Mr. Reeves is an active member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, further demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the legal profession. His contributions to appellate law and his dedication to his clients continue to set him apart in the legal community.
