Not all cases end with the district court. Many times, parties need to appeal a final decision to appellate courts.

Appellate advocacy is a field distinct from trial-level legal practice. Appeals courts have separate concerns from trial courts, and need to be approached in a different fashion. I have practiced appellate law in the Third, Ninth, and Second circuits, and in Pennsylvania's Superior and Commonwealth Courts, in cases ranging from federal criminal law to civil rights law and first amendment law.

There is no guarantee that an appeal will be successful. Appellate reversal rates are very low in many courts. However, strong advocacy can make a difference and lead to a better chance at a successful appeal.

I am currently a panelist on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals's list of court appointed attorneys, where I represent indigent clients in appeals of their convictions and sentences.