How long will my appeal take?
The time can vary greatly. In the first six months of 2006, the average case in the Michigan Court of Appeals took 423 days from filing to the day an opinion was issued. (The time has been reduced dramatically since 2001, when the average case needed 653 days to resolve.) Appeals from orders granting or denying summary disposition are subject to the Court of Appeals "rocket docket" and should be resolved in approximately six months.
In the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the median time for case resolution in 2005 was 14.5 months from filing to disposition, down from 16.8 months in 2004 and 2003. This placed the Sixth Circuit 11th among the 12 federal circuits (excluding the Federal Circuit) for speed in dispensing of cases.
What types of fee/payment options are available?
Appellate work will ordinarily be billed at our hourly rate. In some situations, however, a flat fee or contingent fee may be appropriate. Please call us if you would like to discuss alternative billing arrangements.
How do I know whether or not to appeal?
That is a question that must be answered on a case-by-case basis with the advice of counsel. We are happy to consult with you not only in the preparation of an appeal, but also in determining whether taking an appeal in the first instance is in your or your company's best interest.
What are the steps in the appeal process?
A claim of appeal must be filed within a short time after a judgment is entered in the trial court. The amount of time will vary by court. Once docketed, most courts of appeals require that the parties order relevant transcripts from the lower court and prepare a brief statement that allows the court to determine whether appellate mediation is appropriate. Finally, the appellant and appellee file their appeal briefs, and the court typically hears oral argument. A final, written opinion is distributed within a few months following the hearing.
Why should I hire Warner Norcross to handle my appeal?
Warner Norcross has an experienced group of appellate attorneys who are intimately familiar with appellate processes, procedures, and judges. Our attorneys write in a compelling and easy-to-understand style that has been successful in persuading courts to adopt our clients' legal arguments, whether in the position of appellant, appellee or amicus curiae.
If I like your work, can I keep you on standby for other work? (i.e., how does the attorney-client relationship work if you are handling one appeal for me?)
Warner Norcross is a full-service law firm and is ready and willing to assist with non-appeal matters you may have.
Why should I hire Warner Norcross to handle my appellate work?
Warner Norcross has an experienced group of appellate attorneys who are intimately familiar with appellate processes, procedures, and judges. Our attorneys write in a compelling and easy-to-understand style that has been successful in persuading courts to adopt our client's legal arguments, whether in the position of appellant, appellee or amicus curiae.
How can Warner Norcross assist me in managing my company's caseload?
We will work with you to create a database that will allow you to easily track the status of all your litigation. We can also produce CD-ROMs that contain all of the briefs, the entire lower court record, and all cited legal authority, so that you have an easy reference tool for reviewing/reporting on a case.
How long will my appeal take?
The time can vary greatly. In the first six months of 2006, the average case in the Michigan Court of Appeals took 423 days from filing to the day an opinion was issued. (The time has been reduced dramatically since 2001, when the average case needed 653 days to resolve.) Appeals from orders granting or denying summary disposition are subject to the Court of Appeals "rocket docket" and should be resolved in approximately six months.
In the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the median time for case resolution in 2005 was 14.5 months from filing to disposition, down from 16.8 months in 2004 and 2003. This placed the Sixth Circuit 11th among the 12 federal circuits (excluding the Federal Circuit) for speed in dispensing of cases.
What types of fee/payment options are available?
Appellate work will ordinarily be billed at our hourly rate. In some situations, however, a flat fee or contingent fee may be appropriate, or a volume discount may be negotiated. Please call us if you would like to discuss alternative billing arrangements or the potential savings that may result from a consolidation of all your appellate work.
Why should I hire Warner Norcross to do my appellate work?
Many attorneys (including litigators) simply do not have the time to deal with unfamiliar appellate court rules or the strict timelines imposed under the Michigan Court of Appeals' "rocket docket" for summary disposition appeals. Our Appellate Practice Group is available primarily to make your life easier. Warner Norcross has an experienced group of appellate attorneys who are intimately familiar with appellate processes, procedures and judges. Our attorneys write in a compelling and easy-to-understand style that has been successful in persuading courts to adopt our clients' legal arguments, whether in the position of appellant, appellee or amicus curiae.
How can I use Warner Norcross to assist in my appellate work?
We provide a full array of appellate services, from legal research to briefing and motion practice to oral argument. Your level of involvement in the appeal process is completely up to you. For example, you could retain us for briefing and keep the oral argument, or simply use us as a resource to review appellate pleadings you have drafted.
Warner Norcross has an antipoaching policy to ensure cooperative relationships and reduce the risk of unwanted competition. A copy of the policy is available on request.
How long will my appeal take?
The time can vary greatly. In the first six months of 2006, the average case in the Michigan Court of Appeals took 423 days from filing to the day an opinion was issued. (The time has been reduced dramatically since 2001, when the average case needed 653 days to resolve.) Appeals from orders granting or denying summary disposition are subject to the Court of Appeals "rocket docket" and should be resolved in approximately six months.
In the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the median time for case resolution in 2005 was 14.5 months from filing to disposition, down from 16.8 months in 2004 and 2003. This placed the Sixth Circuit 11th among the 12 federal circuits (excluding the Federal Circuit) for speed in dispensing of cases.
Appellate work will ordinarily be billed at our hourly rate. In some situations, however, a flat fee or contingent fee may be appropriate. Please call us if you would like to discuss alternative billing arrangements.