Baker Donelson's Appellate Group members are experienced litigators and understand firsthand the types of concise, strategic arguments expected by appellate courts. We regularly partner with trial counsel in anticipation of an appeal to produce results in line with the client's desired business outcome. We also come into cases to handle post-trial motions and appeals when other lawyers have achieved a result that was not what the client wanted.
Nationally and regionally-recognized litigators, our attorneys' experience with appellate courts and issues is vast, and we leverage that on behalf of our clients when brought on to the case. We work closely with trial counsel to give our clients the benefit of both the trial attorneys' knowledge and the appellate attorneys' unique skills and experience. Our attorneys are often retained to handle pre- and post-judgment proceedings and appeals at the request of the client, trial counsel or the client's insurance carrier. If retained before trial, we also are able to assist trial counsel in preserving issues when an appeal is anticipated.
Where We Practice
We are regularly involved in scores of appeals touching upon all areas of the Firm's broad litigation practice. Our attorneys have been involved in more than 60 cases in which review was granted by or sought before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Group has handled cases in the appellate courts across and beyond Baker Donelson's footprint in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and the District of Columbia, including the:
- U.S. Supreme Court;
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit;
- U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits;
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit;
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims;
- U.S. Tax Court;
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims;
- U.S. District Courts;
- Bankruptcy Courts;
- State Supreme Courts; and
- State intermediate Courts of Appeal.
Who We Are
Nationally and regionally-recognized litigators, our attorneys include a former U.S. District Court Judge, retired Circuit Court Judge and a Georgetown University faculty member who teaches constitutional law. Our team also includes founding members of the Appellate Practice Sections of the Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee State Bar Associations; members of the former Tennessee Appellate Court Nominating Commission; and former chair of the Tennessee Judicial Selection Commission. Several individuals in our group are active members of "by invitation only" organizations of trial lawyers such as the American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates and Litigation Counsel of America.
We offer strategic guidance informed by service as law clerks or staff attorneys on federal and state courts, including the:
- U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits;
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit;
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims;
- U.S. Tax Court;
- U.S. District Courts in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, including Bankruptcy Courts;
- State Supreme Courts in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas; and
- State courts of appeal and trial courts.
Baker Donelson's appellate attorneys are involved in many professional organizations and committees dedicated to improving the appellate practice and process, including the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, American Bar Association Appellate Practice Committees, DRI Appellate Practice Committee, International Association of Defense Counsel Appellate Practice Committee and state bar association sections and committees.
The issues we have handled on appeal and at the trial level are as diverse as the Firm's litigation practice. We have also prepared amicus briefs for trade associations or other parties interested in an appeal.