Practice Areas
Civil Appeals
Appellate advocacy that protects hard-won judgments — and challenges the ones that got the law wrong.
Overview
The verdict is not always the end.
An appeal is a different kind of fight. There are no witnesses and no jury — only the record, the law, and the quality of the written argument. Cases that were won can be lost on appeal, and cases that were lost can be saved, based almost entirely on the briefing.
Evan has handled numerous appellate matters in state and federal court, including the reported Alabama Supreme Court decision Spencer v. Remillard (Ala. 2020), in which the Court reversed a judgment that had taken a medical malpractice case away from the jury — a decision of real importance for the jury-trial rights of patients in Alabama. He also handles his own cases through litigation, trial, and appeal, which means trying cases with the record on appeal in mind: preserving error, protecting the judgment, and knowing what the appellate courts will care about later.
Whether you are protecting a judgment, challenging one, or need appellate counsel alongside trial counsel, the work is the same: rigorous command of the record and writing that makes the court’s decision easier.
What we investigate
Getting to what really happened
Appellate work starts with the record and ends with the argument:
- The complete trial record and where error was preserved
- The rulings, instructions, and evidence decisions at issue
- The standards of review that frame every argument
- The controlling authority and where the law is moving
- The strongest issues — and the discipline to cut the rest
How we help
Briefed to win
Appeals are won in chambers, on the page. That is where the work goes:
- Evaluate honestly whether an appeal is worth pursuing at all
- Protect deadlines — appellate clocks are short and unforgiving
- Build the record analysis the issues require
- Write briefs that are clear, candid, and credible to the court
- Present oral argument when the court sets it
The information on this page is general and not legal advice. Every situation is different. Contact us to discuss the specifics of your case.
Common questions
Civil Appeals questions, answered
General answers to what people ask most. Every case is different, and this is not legal advice. For guidance about your situation, please reach out.
How long do I have to appeal a civil judgment in Alabama?
Generally 42 days from the entry of the final judgment, and certain post-trial motions affect how that clock runs. Appellate deadlines are unforgiving — miss one and the appeal is over before it starts — so involve appellate counsel immediately after judgment, not weeks later.
Is an appeal a new trial?
No. The appellate court does not hear witnesses or new evidence; it reviews the record made in the trial court for legal error, under standards of review that differ by issue. That is why what happened at trial — and what was preserved — matters so much.
Can you handle just the appeal if another lawyer tried the case?
Yes. Appellate-only engagements are common, and a fresh set of eyes on the record often finds the strongest issues. We work cooperatively with trial counsel, and can also serve as appellate counsel during trial to help protect the record.
What are the chances an appeal succeeds?
Honestly: most civil judgments are affirmed on appeal. Whether yours is the exception depends on the issues, the record, and the standards of review — which is exactly what an honest appellate evaluation examines before you commit to the time and expense of an appeal.
Free, confidential consultation
Talk to a lawyer who will listen
Tell us what happened. We will review your situation and give you an honest read on your options, with no obligation.