Appeals & Appellate Lawyers in Minnesota + Wisconsin

Are appeals any different than trials? Yes! There is a distinction between trial work and appellate advocacy that may be hard to see when you are close to a case.  Our appellate counsel view the case the same way an appellate court does — from a written record.  As appellate advocates, we can make objective decisions regarding the facts of the case, which issues are best preserved for appeal, and which issues present the best avenues for appeal. Our appellate lawyers understand how appellate judges think, they know the standards of review, and they can focus on making the appeal as persuasive as possible. Lommen Abdo knows appeals. 

Helping Clients Navigate the Appellate Process in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Our appellate attorneys focus on a number of areas of experience. They are adept at preparing appeal initiating documents, drafting appellate briefs, and presenting oral arguments. Our lawyers can also file petitions for extraordinary writs and handle cases in which a question of law has been certified to the state supreme court.  We also present oral arguments and handle mandamus or interlocutory appeals. In addition, we are happy to monitor trials to preserve issues on appeal and prepare briefs for motions such as for temporary injunctions, to exclude expert testimony, for summary judgment, seeking sanctions, and post-trial motions. 

We traditionally charge for most appellate work on an hourly basis. However, alternative billing methods can provide greater predictability as to the total fee you will have to pay to help you budget. We are happy to work with you to find a mutually beneficial billing method when possible. There are a number of options we can consider, including a modified hourly rate with a success fee or a fixed fee. 

Kay Nord Hunt, chair of Lommen Abdo’s appellate group, has herself handled more than 600 appeals in state and federal courts.  Because Lommen Abdo is a broad-based litigation and business firm, the appellate group, which includes Ms. Hunt and Michelle Kuhl, has handled appeals in virtually every area of the law before the Minnesota and Wisconsin state and federal appellate courts. It also provides appellate services in such specialty courts at the U.S. Tax Court, the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. The appellate group handles appeals for our litigation clients as well as appeals on cases initiated by other firms.  We represent clients in disputes involving family law, insurance, employment, contracts, shareholder disputes, professional liability, tax, liens and many other matters. 

Minnesota + Wisconsin Appeals Lawyers

Commonly Asked Questions

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What is an appeal?

In an appeal, a higher court reviews the decision of a lower court. You can appeal cases at both the state and federal level.  

What does an appellate lawyer do?

Our appellate attorneys will carefully review your case, including trial transcripts, evidentiary materials, and motions. We will help determine if there are grounds for your appeal and, if so, we will help build the case. 

Why should I hire a Lommen Abdo appellate attorney?

We have the vast experience and knowledge needed to help win your appeal. Our attorneys are tenacious and down-to-earth. They want what is best for their client, you, and they will work tirelessly for you. 

News + Articles

Dress Codes and Discrimination

Dress Codes and Discrimination

Michelle Kuhl and Heidi Torvik authored an article in the winter edition of With Equal Right, the Official Journal of Minnesota Women Lawyers published on January 20, 2023. Read the full article here. In this article, they discuss the recent decision by the Fourth...

Minnesota’s Collateral Order Doctrine Turns 20

Minnesota’s Collateral Order Doctrine Turns 20

Twenty years ago, the Minnesota Supreme Court formally adopted the collateral order doctrine in Kastner v. Star Trails Ass’n, 646 N.W.2d 235 (Minn. 2002). In the years since then, the appellate courts have applied the doctrine several times, but it remains a...

The Rare Remedy of Writs

The Rare Remedy of Writs

The appellate rules specifically list the types of trial court decisions that can be appealed. Usually this requires a final judgment, which occurs at the very end of the litigation in the trial court. But on rare occasions, a trial court may make a decision that is...

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