South Florida and Ft. Lauderdale Board Certified Appellate Attorney

Miami, Hollywood, Sunrise, Plantation, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach

It’s a reality that many cases that go to trial (and to verdict) are eventually appealed by one side or the other. A verdict that took months or years to attain can still be overturned in appeal. Whether you are trying to preserve the lower court’s decision or overturn it, we can help. With one of only fifty Florida Bar Board Certified Appellate Law Attorneys in South Florida, we are prepared to continue the fight after the original verdict in the trial court.

The appellate process requires an appellate attorney
The appellate process is very different from the traditional trial process. Appellate courts don’t retry cases or hear new evidence. They review what has occurred in the original case to see if the proper procedures were followed and the correct laws applied. The appellate decision often comes down to an understanding of a few very specific and salient points focusing on the procedure history of the original case and the application of black letter law.

The appellate lawyer focuses on identifying those salient points of law to support their position and make the appellate court understand why a verdict should be affirmed or reversed. The skill set of an appeals lawyer is very different than that of a trial attorney. Where a trial attorney is adept at selecting a jury and telling the story of their client’s case, an appellate attorney is focused on black letter law and research. With so much riding on the outcome of an appellate decision, it makes sense to have an attorney that specializes in appellate law handle the appeal.  

If, early in the initial trial process, it is thought that the verdict may be appealed by one side or the other, it may wise to involve an appellate attorney in the trial court proceedings so that the best and most appropriate arguments are presented to the lower court and to insure that the appropriate record is made for the appeals court to review.

We have successfully handled appeals supporting our firm’s workers’ comp defense and insurance liability defensecases.  We also represent clients in appeals from jury verdicts in matters including:

• Medical malpractice claims
• Product liability claims
• Premises liability / slip and fall accidents
• Car accidents
• Construction site accidents and workplace injuries
• Employment disputes and litigation

Trial Support
In the courtroom, a trial attorney often has so many things to worry about while focusing on the main priority – the flow of the trial – to maximize the best possible outcome. In working with trial attorneys, our focus is on capturing the necessary legal issues in the trial record and working to ensure that no potential appellate issue is waived. We will also aid in drafting and arguing pre-trial and post trial hearing motions; consult and research on complex legal issues and act as another set of eyes and ears.  

Our litigation and trial support assistance can be invaluable in ensuring that all possible bases for either arguing or defending a judgment on appeal have been identified and will be available to use. Our experience has earned the trust of trial attorneys who consult with us to shape litigation strategy before and during a trial.

Contact the appellate attorneys of Massey, Coican, Schuster & King by email or at (954) 527-3919 to schedule a no-cost consultation about your appellate needs.

Massey, Coican, Schuster & King, L.L.C. located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida practices appellate law in all Florida Appellate courts including the 3rd DCA and 4th DCA and trial support for plaintiff and defense attorneys across Florida , including Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Sunrise, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Fort Myers, Daytona, Sarasota, Tampa, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Pensacola.