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Understanding Appellate Law and Finding an Appellate Lawyer

April 30, 2025

Navigating the complexities of appellate law requires precision, strategy, and extensive expertise. For legal professionals and businesses facing high-stakes appeals, partnering with a trusted legal team can make all the difference. Berliner Cohen’s appellate law practice stands out as a leader in providing comprehensive appellate services across a diverse range of legal areas. From constitutional challenges to intricate commercial litigation, Berliner Cohen is equipped to handle it all.

This post explores the breadth of Berliner Cohen’s appellate law expertise, notable case successes, and valuable guidance on hiring the right appellate attorney or firm for your needs. 

Appellate Law Expertise - A Full-Spectrum Approach to Appeals

Berliner Cohen’s appellate litigators offer representation through every phase of the appellate process, 

including:

  • Post-Trial Motions & Stays – Ensuring clients are positioned for success before appeals begin.

  • Perfecting the Appeal – Filing notices of appeal, assembling records, and adhering to procedural requirements.

  • Briefing & Oral Arguments – Delivering compelling written briefs and persuasive oral arguments backed by extensive legal research.

With a proven track record in both state and federal courts, affairs handled by Berliner Cohen span numerous legal domains, including:

  • Contract Disputes – Resolving intricate conflicts between parties with contractual agreements.

  • Real Property & Environmental Law – Addressing land use, zoning conflicts, and environmental compliance.

  • First Amendment & Takings Law – Defending rights and challenging eminent domain cases.

  • Municipal Law – Supporting government entities and municipalities in appellate arguments.

  • Employment Law – Navigating workplace rights, discrimination disputes, and wrongful termination appeals.

  • Banking & Securities Law – Ensuring regulatory compliance and resolving financial disputes.

  • Probate Law – Appealing judgements in trust and estate-related matters.

This broad expertise reflects Berliner Cohen’s ability to assist both businesses and legal professionals with highly specialized appellate concerns.

How to Hire the Right Appellate Attorney or Law Firm

With so much at stake during the appellate process, hiring the right legal advisor is crucial. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Specialized Expertise in Appellate Law - Appellate law differs significantly from trial practice. Success demands a keen understanding of procedural rules, legal standards of review, and persuasive writing and advocacy skills. Seek attorneys who specialize in appellate litigation, like Berliner Cohen's Thomas Murphy, a California State Bar certified Specialist in Appellate Law.

2. A Proven Track Record - An attorney or firm with a history of winning appellate cases is likely to understand what it takes to succeed. Look for examples of high-profile or complex cases they’ve handled, particularly those similar to your legal issue.

3. Strategic Thinking - Appeals often boil down to strategy. The best appellate lawyers know how to identify critical errors in trial court decisions, craft compelling arguments, and leverage the strongest precedential support for their positions.

4. Clear Communication - Appeals are complex by nature. A skilled appellate lawyer should be able to simplify complex legal arguments, ensuring you understand the case’s status and options at each stage of the process.

5. Personalized Attention - You want an attorney who will fully understand the nuances of your case, providing tailored advice and advocacy. Large firms often have significant resources, but smaller teams can offer more hands-on involvement.

Appellate Law – A Strategic Advantage for Businesses

Whether you’re a business resolving contract disputes or a legal professional navigating constitutional challenges, appellate expertise can be a powerful tool for achieving justice. Berliner Cohen’s deep experience, multidisciplinary approach, and stellar track record make them a trusted partner for complex legal issues across industries.

With decades of success and a commitment to delivering optimal results, Berliner Cohen stands ready to assist with your appellate needs. It’s not just about fighting for favorable outcomes—it’s about securing your business’s future.

Take the first step today. Reach out to Berliner Cohen and turn your appellate challenges into opportunities for success.

About Berliner Cohen

Berliner Cohen is a business law firm in Northern California with offices in San Jose, Modesto, and Merced. Our ADA attorneys are actively involved with local and state bar associations including Santa Clara County Bar Association, Silicon Valley Bar Association, Stanislaus County Bar Association, California Lawyers Association, and more. You can view Berliner Cohen’s LinkedIn profile, Bloomberg profile, and our other profiles on Trust Analytica, US News Best Law Firms, and BCG Attorney Search.

Our practices include ADA law, business and real estate litigation, corporate law, estate planning, hospitality law, labor and employment law, land use and municipal law, real estate, tax law, and white-collar criminal defense. The firm also provides mediation services for business disputes.

Serving Our Communities

The attorneys at Berliner Cohen, LLP are dedicated to their clients and committed to the communities in which we live and work. For over 50 years, philanthropy has been one of our core values. We provide financial support through significant gifts to a range of community agencies and non-profit organizations.

Our attorneys draw from their involvement in local organizations to assist these community agencies in matters they need guidance with. Our commitment is to enhance these organizations, promote their sustainability, and augment the services they provide to clients and donors.

Awards and Accolades

Berliner Cohen and our attorneys are honored to be the recipient of numerous awards over the years. Those honors include:

Contact Us

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