It is no secret that many lawyers dread the thought of performing research or writing briefs. Many litigators perform very well in the courtroom, but lack the time to delve into statutes and case law to posture a case for appeal, let alone to produce a comprehensive appellate brief. And let's be honest - even when they have the time, many lawyers hate doing research. We enjoy the challenge, and we specialize in written avocacy. We have often been called upon to assist with trial matters, whether to help avoid an adverse judgment so as to prevent the need for appeal, or to help structure the case for appeal by helping to preserve the most relevant and salient issues.

While within a large firm there is often a partner who can provide assistance with appellate issues and the preservation of error, small firms and solo practitioners rarely have that luxury. Most successful lawyers have more work than they have time. Seeking outside assistance with a complex issue or appeal can free up a trial attorney to take on an additional client, or to devote more time to existing clients so as to maximize the value of their cases.

Some lawyers make the mistake of believing that the same issues and arguments they advanced before the trial court, even though unsuccessful, will persuade an appellate court to reverse an adverse decision. That is rarely the case. Often, under the governing standard of review, the best issues at trial can be non-starters on appeal.

Using an appellate attorney to help form your case, or to ghost-write or handle the appeal for your case, can provide a significant range of benefits. First, the case is viewed through a fresh set of eyes. Issues that may seem of little import to a trial counsel may well be the issues that are most likely to succeed on appeal, while the emotional meat of the case which may bring about a desired jury verdict is often of little interest to an appellate court. Second, the time you gain to work on your case or other cases will often generate more income than your work on a dreaded research project or appeal, while an appellate attorney helps maximize the value of your case by providing sound legal research and analysis, and improving your prospects on appeal. Third, you avoid the need to relearn the procedural complexities of appeals, or dealing with the Michigan Court of Appeals' "zero tolerance" policies toward rule violations.

If you wish to refer a Michigan appeal, require assistance with a motion or appeal, need ghost-writing services, or would otherwise benefit from support with your case, please don't hesitate to contact us.

The information contained in this web site is provided as a public service. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not legal advice or legal representation and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Because of the rapidly changing nature of the law, we make no warranty or guarantee of the accuracy or reliability of information contained herein or at other sites to which we link. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of your case, information cannot substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel.

Nothing presented on this site establishes or should be construed as establishing an attorney-client relationship between you and Mr. Larson. No attorney-client relationship exists between you and Mr. Larson until Mr. Larson has been formally retained, or has acknowledged an attorney-client relationship in writing. You should not send any confidential information to Mr. Larson until you have received written acceptance from the firm of any legal services you may request. The content of any correspondence that you send via the Internet will not be considered confidential unless you have received such written confirmation.

Mr. Larson does not seek clients from outside of the state of Michigan. If you require legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed to practice in your state. We will be happy to assist you, if possible.

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