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In the appellate courts, a special combination of skills and knowledge are required to direct a case to a successful conclusion. Our firm possesses the highly developed research skills and the superior writing abilities required for this critically important practice area. Our attorneys have represented government clients at every stage of state and federal appeals, including before the United States Supreme Court, with a special emphasis on constitutional issues.

We are vigorous appellate advocates. We provide strategic counseling and a fresh examination of the client's litigation, and work collaboratively with trial counsel to ensure that the transition from the trial court to the appellate court is smooth.

The experience and versatility of our attorneys is revealed by the range of appellate matters they have handled. Our attorneys have successfully briefed and argued appeals involving First Amendment and other constitutional claims, disputes over the proper interpretation of state and local laws, administrative decisions and the relative constitutional authority of the local, state and federal government. In addition, our attorneys are retained to file amici curiae or "friends-of-the-court" briefs in appeals involving important local government issues.

Our attorneys are also experienced in representing public officials in writs of mandate actions seeking to require public officials to follow a specified course of action. Our attorneys have successfully defended the principle that local officials - not the courts - have the authority and discretion to make determinations on important matters of public policy.