Collaboration and Chemistry: Working with Trial Lawyers While some might expect friction between trial and appellate attorneys, Daniel says the opposite is true. “The appellate and trial lawyers almost always make a seamless team,” she says. “Many trial lawyers request our presence in court—not just for cover, but because having someone else handle the legal arguments lets them focus on witnesses and cross-examinations. No one wants to be stuck drafting jury charges right before closing arguments.” The Role of an Appellate Lawyer on the Trial Team Appellate counsel can play a critical role during trial preparation and proceedings. Daniel notes that her team often: Ensures pretrial orders include all possible legal theories, Drafts motions in limine to exclude prejudicial evidence, Prepares pocket briefs for emerging issues during trial, and Assists with jury instructions and motions for directed verdict. “Anything that requires deep legal analysis rather than factual development is our lane,” she explains. The Rise of Appellate Practice in Georgia Daniel founded the Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Georgia nearly two decades ago. “At that time, few private lawyers identified as appellate practitioners,” she says. “But Georgia’s appellate judges recognized the need and supported us. They believed it would improve the quality of briefs and oral arguments—and I think it has.” Today, the appellate bar in Georgia is thriving, with more firms recognizing the strategic value of specialized advocacy. WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 25 I wanted to be a lawyer’s lawyer, the person trial lawyers turn to when a judgment needs fixing.
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