Appeals Attorney

Montana Appeals Attorney: State and Federal Appellate Lawyer

The end of a trial in state or federal court is not always the end of the case. Lower courts can make mistakes, and the appeals process exists to correct those mistakes and ensure that the law is applied correctly. Kris McLean Law Firm represents clients in both Montana and federal appellate courts. We work with businesses, organizations, and individuals appealing a lower court decision, as well as those challenging another party’s appeal of a result.

People count on Kris McLean Law Firm when there’s a lot on the line and experience matters. Appeals are not like trials; they are highly technical, and deep knowledge of appellate procedure is essential. Our appellate attorneys excel at the research and persuasive argument that is at the heart of appeals, and founding attorney Kris McLean has argued dozens of cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Appeals are governed by strict deadlines, and failure to adhere to these deadlines can put an end to an appeal before it begins. If you have a matter that needs to be appealed, or need to challenge an appeal, contact Kris McLean Law Firm today.

Comprehensive State and Federal Appellate Services

Our appeals attorneys are frequently involved in complex environmental appeals, including representing intervenors challenging other parties’ appeals of federal agency approvals of projects or development. We also represent clients in a wide range of constitutional, tort, and other appeals. Our appellate work includes:

• Issue Preservation: Always mindful that a case we are trying could be appealed, we understand how to frame legal issues at trial and preserve the record for a possible future appeal.

• Appellate Brief Writing: We review and analyze trial transcripts through the lens of relevant law to identify and develop issues on appeal. Our thorough research and well-reasoned arguments allow us to craft persuasive appellate briefs that clearly set forth trial court errors and appropriate remedies.

• Oral Argument: Our experience is especially evident in our preparation for, and delivery of, oral arguments on appeal. Our appellate lawyers know how to distill complex legal issues into clear, logical, and convincing presentations, and they answer judges’ follow-up questions with confidence.

• Post-Decision Strategy: Once a decision has been handed down, we help clients work through their options following the opinion. These may include petitions for rehearing, en banc review, or further appeal. When a case involves important legal questions or there are conflicts between courts, we also prepare petitions for discretionary review.

• Amicus Briefs: Our appeals attorneys draft amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs on behalf of industry groups or other organizations in appeals with significant implications or broad impact. These briefs can highlight the consequences of a case beyond the immediate parties, and can offer higher courts insight or perspective that may not be presented by the parties themselves.

• Co-Counsel Services: Many litigators prefer to concentrate their efforts on representing clients at the trial level, or simply have limited appellate experience and require additional support. Kris McLean Law Firm’s appellate lawyers are available to serve as co-counsel to ensure that their clients’ interests are effectively represented on appeal. We may be involved on a limited basis, such as to research and write the appellate brief. We can also assist on a more comprehensive level, from preparing the record on appeal through oral argument.

Our attorneys are admitted to practice in all Montana state courts as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Kris McLean Law Firm Difference

In the high-stakes atmosphere of appellate advocacy, there is simply no substitute for experience in front of a panel of federal judges. Attorney Kris McLean founded his law firm after more than three decades in practice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. In that context, he represented the United States before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit nearly 60 times. Most attorneys in private practice may argue appeals at that level only a handful of times in their careers.

Kris McLean and our team of skilled appellate attorneys now bring that experience to bear for the benefit of clients of their firm. Our exceptional background and insight have produced an impressive track record of results for our clients on appeal.