Firm Overview

If a case is worth being appealed, it's worth hiring an appellate lawyer.  

What is an appeal?

Appeals differ significantly from trials. Many people mistakenly believe that an appeal is a “do over” of the trial. That is not the case. Generally speaking, appellate courts review errors of law only. An appeal is a review of the trial record to determine if the trial judge made any legal mistakes that affected the outcome of the case.

Appeals require exhaustive legal research and analysis, and excellent writing skills. Oral arguments in appeals are also very different from the oral advocacy performed at the trial level. Appellate arguments take place in front of a group of Judges or Justices. Appellate judges routinely interrupt lawyers with questions in an effort to test the limits and strength of that lawyer’s argument. The appellate process is also governed by its own strict set of rules that must be closely adhered to.

Types of appeals that I accept.

I accept appeals from every trial court in South Carolina. This includes appeals from circuit court, family court, probate court, and the administrative law court. I also accept federal appeals in the Fourth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

My appellate representation includes drafting notices of appeal, reading and analyzing transcripts, researching legal issues, drafting appellate briefs, preparing the record on appeal, responsive briefs, appellate motions, oral arguments, petitions for rehearing, petitions for writs of certiorari, and petitions for other extraordinary writs.

If you need help with an appeal in South Carolina, the Fourth Circuit, or the Supreme Court, contact me for guidance. 

Trial Support.

I offer trial support to trial lawyers to help ensure strong legal issues are properly preserved for appellate review. Appeals are governed by strict issue preservation rules and appeals are frequently lost because of a failure to preserve the issue at trial. A legal argument must be made to the trial judge first before it can be made on appeal. Appellate courts will not consider issues or arguments that are raised for the first time on appeal.

If your case is heading to trial, it is almost certainly heading for an appeal as well. Even if you win at trial, your opponent is likely to appeal the decision and you will be required to defend the trial judge’s rulings in the appellate courts. Do not wait until after the verdict to contact an experienced appellate attorney. The more proactive you are in preserving the trial record, the better your chances will be of succeeding on appeal.

Ruffin Law Firm can help you with legal research, drafting pretrial and post-trial motions, and issue preservation in order to maximize your chances on appeal.