Very few cases reach the appellate level. Those that do shape the law. Appellate advocacy is a specialized practice requiring talents and abilities different from those called for by trial work and other aspects of the practice of law.

Steptoe & Johnson’s Appellate Practice Group offers clients the skill, depth, and experience necessary to ensure that every appellate matter is handled with zeal and professionalism. The firm’s appellate attorneys afford clients the advantage of broad experience with state and federal appellate courts and the divergent rules of practice and procedure of each of those forums.

Steptoe & Johnson appears regularly before the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and follows the needs of clients to other state and federal appellate forums across the country.

Appellate Practice Group attorneys have served as Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, law clerks to judges in state and federal appellate courts, appellate litigator for the Office of the Attorney General of West Virginia, and lecturer of appellate advocacy at the West Virginia University College of Law.

The firm’s appellate lawyers defend judgments that the firm’s trial lawyers have helped clients win, seek review of judgments adverse to clients, and handle appeals for clients represented by other counsel at the trial level. Often our role begins even before the verdict, as lawyers work with the trial team on preparation of important motions and preservation of issues for appeal.

This collaborative approach benefits the firm’s clients by providing different insights with a view toward appeal and a fresh perspective on the issues presented by each case. Lawyers also consult with outside attorneys, insurers, and corporate law departments on appellate matters and regularly prepare amicus curiae or "friend of the court" briefs for businesses and organizations with an interest in the outcome of an appellate case.

Appellate Practice Group members are located statewide throughout the firm’s seven offices and are drawn from each of our three practice departments: Litigation, Labor, and Business. The geographic and practice diversity of Appellate Practice Group members ensures that each case is staffed efficiently with lawyers knowledgeable in the involved subject matter.

One of the firm’s hallmarks has always been its quality appellate work. Year after year, Steptoe & Johnson performs far more appellate work in West Virginia than any other law firm.