Appellate

Deep knowledge of how to win on appeal and navigate the appellate process

Dechert’s appellate lawyers have briefed and argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, all 13 federal appellate courts and many of the country’s state appellate courts. Our lawyers have been named as Law360 “Appellate MVPs of the Year,” honored on the National Law Journal “Appellate Hot List,” and recognized by the Financial Times as Top 10 “Most Innovative Legal Practitioners in North America.” Grounded in extensive government experience, and with a distinguished track record of landmark appellate victories, including multiple arguments won before the U.S. Supreme Court, we know how to win.

Dechert’s appellate lawyers are fully integrated with the firm’s other practice areas and offices worldwide. We regularly handle a broad array of issues heard by appellate courts, including cases related to: antitrust, bankruptcy, constitutional law, corporate, criminal, election law, employment, environmental law, foreign sovereign immunity, intellectual property, insurance, mass torts and product liability, privacy, real estate, RICO, securities, tax, and many other issues. In addition, Dechert’s appellate lawyers frequently represent clients in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes that require a comprehensive legal strategy.

Our team has a deep understanding of appellate jurisdiction and the appellate process. Our appellate lawyers often play a key role at and before trial, developing legal strategies to win critical motions, preserving grounds for appeal in civil and white collar matters, and evaluating opportunities for appellate review of interlocutory orders. In addition to litigating in every federal court of appeals and many state appellate courts, we have an impressive track record with appeals to the Supreme Court of the United States, having collectively filed hundreds of briefs, at both the certiorari and merits stage, and presented oral argument more than 20 times at the Court.

Dechert’s appellate lawyers draw on a wealth of government experience. Our team includes a former Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel, Assistant to the Solicitor General of the United States, a former Associate White House Counsel who clerked for two U.S. Supreme Court Justices, a former member of New York City’s Office of the Appellate Defender, and many former prosecutors. More than 25 Dechert lawyers have served as law clerks for the Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and state appellate judges. One current Dechert partner was named to the President’s shortlist for the Supreme Court and two were previously recommended for appointment to the New York Court of Appeals by the New York Commission on Judicial Nominations.