Federal Appeals Lawyers

Federal Appeals Lawyers Across the United States

Losing a case at the trial level doesn't always mean the fight is over. A federal appeal gives you a chance to challenge legal errors that may have affected the outcome. Federal appeals lawyers focus on reviewing trial court records, identifying mistakes in how the law was applied, and presenting arguments to a higher court.

What Federal Appeals Law Covers

Federal appeals deal with cases decided in U.S. District Courts that are then reviewed by one of the 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals. These courts don't retry facts or hear new evidence. Instead, they examine whether the trial judge made errors in applying the law, admitting evidence, or instructing the jury.

Appeals can arise from criminal convictions, civil disputes, immigration rulings, tax cases, and regulatory enforcement actions. In some instances, cases reach the U.S. Supreme Court, though the Court accepts fewer than 2% of the petitions it receives each year.

When to Hire a Federal Appeals Lawyer

• You received an unfavorable verdict in a federal trial court and believe legal errors occurred during proceedings
• The trial judge excluded or admitted evidence improperly, affecting the outcome
• Jury instructions contained incorrect statements of law
• A federal agency issued a ruling you want to challenge in an appellate court
• You need to respond to an appeal filed by the opposing party

How the Federal Appeals Process Works

The process starts with filing a notice of appeal, typically within 30 days of the trial court's final judgment. Missing this deadline almost always results in losing the right to appeal entirely.

Your attorney then reviews the full trial record and prepares an appellate brief — a written argument explaining the legal errors and why the lower court's decision should be reversed. The opposing side files a response brief, and your lawyer may file a reply. Some cases include oral arguments before a panel of three judges, though many are decided on the briefs alone.

Federal appeals typically take 12 to 18 months from start to finish. The court can affirm the original decision, reverse it, or send the case back to the trial court for further proceedings.

How Outcomes Are Determined in Federal Appeals

• Reversal of conviction — in criminal cases, a successful appeal can result in charges being dismissed or a new trial being ordered
• Modification of damages — appellate courts can reduce or increase monetary awards from civil trials
• Remand for recalculation — the case returns to the lower court with instructions to reconsider specific issues like damages or sentencing
• Injunctive relief — the appeals court may overturn or modify court orders that restrict a party's actions or rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I introduce new evidence during a federal appeal?

No. Federal appellate courts review only the existing trial record. They evaluate whether the law was applied correctly based on the evidence already presented. If new evidence surfaces, you may need to file a separate motion in the trial court.

What are the chances of winning a federal appeal?

Reversal rates vary by circuit, but historically only about 10-15% of federal appeals result in a reversal or remand. Success depends heavily on whether clear legal errors occurred and how well those errors are documented in the appellate brief. A strong written argument makes the difference.