Appellate workhorses and show ponies

 

Law360 has Appellate Practices Need Workhorses And Show Ponies

• If the litigator's cliche movie triumph is a fiery closing argument at trial, the appellate specialist's big-screen pinnacle might be clashing with a Supreme Court justice in a high-stakes constitutional fight. But most practicing appellate attorneys will never bring home a ceremonial quill from One First Street.
• Much of the appellate bar thrives in state high courts and circuit court arguments, drafting meticulously researched and persuasively composed briefs. They're in trial courtrooms hashing out hotly contested verdict forms and carefully negotiated supersedeas bonds — none of which will be the centerpiece of John Grisham's latest legal showdown or an episode of "The Good Fight."
• Most appellate practices blend moments of high drama with the behind-the-scenes litigation mechanics that keep cases moving. Appellate lawyers strive to build personal practices with their own ideal mix of the many different elements of appellate lawyering, and to find colleagues who complement their strengths in a way that brings home the best results for clients.