At Coddington, Hicks & Danforth, our record extends beyond the trial court to state and federal appellate courts in California and around the nation. We regularly represent clients in appellate and extraordinary writ proceedings in connection with petitions filed with courts of last resort.
Appellate Proceedings
We handle cases on appeal that were originally tried by our attorneys in the trial courts, as well as appellate cases that were tried by other litigators in the trial courts. Appellate court proceedings differ from trial court proceedings, making it especially important to work with an attorney who regularly represents clients in appellate proceedings. In contrast with other experienced trial attorneys who have never handled an appeal, at Coddington, Hicks & Danforth, we regularly represent clients in appellate proceedings; we have the skills and experience to help navigate even the most complex civil appeals.
Setting Precedent through Appeals
Often the appellate process raises the specter of issues well beyond the facts in the case at hand. Among these is the risk that pursuing the “wrong” case on appeal may produce “bad law” and poor precedent for future cases. To enable our clients to make prudent judgments about which cases to bring before the appellate courts so as not to set poor precedents for their future litigation, our firm counsels clients in depth before the decision to appeal is even made. Once a client decides to appeal, we utilize our years of experience in appellate courts to guide them through each step in the process.
Extraordinary Writs
As an experienced appellate firm, we assist clients with all types of extraordinary writ petitions, including petitions for writs of prohibition where a trial court acts in excess of its jurisdiction or where there is not a plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law. We also represent clients seeking writs of mandate, aimed at remedying legal errors before the conclusion of a case. Such extraordinary writ proceedings generally must be briefed quickly and concisely in order to meet the short deadlines allowed by law. Coddington, Hicks & Danforth is committed and prepared to meet the needs of its clients for thorough, persuasive briefing even in the face of severe time constraints.
Complex Appeals
Our firm frequently handles complex appeals which involve significant or precedent-setting legal issues, large amounts in controversy, and voluminous trial court records. Our recent cases have involved complex insurance coverage/bad faith and products liability issues, unsettled damages issues and the “economic loss” doctrine, issues of international treaty interpretation, and the scope of constitutional limitations on law enforcement officers.
Experienced Appellate Lawyers
Coddington, Hicks & Danforth handles appellate and extraordinary writ proceedings arising from cases involving aviation, insurance, government entities, products liability, business, employment, and real estate. To discuss your appellate options, contact our experienced appellate attorneys today.