Not all cases end with a jury verdict or a judge’s ruling. Cases can continue through levels of appeals, some going on to the South Carolina or U.S. Supreme Court.
The experienced appeals attorneys at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel understand the difference between winning at trial and succeeding on appeal. We’ve represented clients in appeals all the way through the U.S. Supreme Court. We’ve won, too.
The rules are completely different in appeals courts.
Uncovering facts no longer is as important. Winning or defending an appeal is about points of law.
When we’re representing you from the start, our litigators begin addressing potential appeals issues before your lawsuit even goes to trial. Our goal is to make sure we raise key facts and important legal issues at trial. It’s difficult to circle back later. It’s often no surprise to a lawyer when a verdict is appealed. We craft your case from the beginning with the idea that that could happen.
We also represent clients who come to us after the initial verdict if their trial lawyer isn’t the right person for an appeal. Sometimes, trial lawyers will refer clients to us because appellate work isn’t their preference.
There’s a difference between being a great trial lawyer and a successful appellate attorney. At Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, we understand that.
At trial, the attorney often is speaking to 12 jurors. On appeal, it’s typically one judge. The difference in approach is dramatic.
Oftentimes, oral skills matter far less in appellate work. Most of the case is made through briefs, motions and filings. That’s why successful appellate work requires strong analytical and research skills.
At Burnette Shutt & McDaniel, our appeals attorneys can offer you the complete package of tactical and legal skills. We battle with as much determine on appeals as we do at trial. We just use a different approach.