Practice Area
Civil Appeals
Persuasive appellate advocacy to protect your rights and shape the law.
Overview
Appellate practice requires a different skill set than trial work. At Capielo Law Group, we have the research ability, writing skill, and oral advocacy experience to excel in California’s appellate courts.
We handle appeals in trust and estate matters as well as general civil cases. Whether you’re seeking to overturn an adverse judgment or defending a favorable verdict, we provide the focused attention and sophisticated analysis that appellate work demands.
Our appellate experience also benefits our trial practice. Understanding how appellate courts review decisions helps us build stronger records at the trial level and identify winning arguments early in litigation.
How We Help
- Appeals in California Courts of Appeal
- California Supreme Court Petitions
- Federal Circuit Court Appeals
- Writs of Mandate and Prohibition
- Amicus Curiae Briefs
- Post-Trial Motions
- Appellate Consultation for Trial Counsel
- Record Preservation Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be appealed?
Generally, you can appeal final judgments and certain interim orders. Not every trial court error is reversible — appellate courts typically reverse only for prejudicial error, meaning errors that likely affected the outcome. An experienced appellate attorney can evaluate whether you have viable grounds for appeal.
What is the deadline to file an appeal?
In California civil cases, you generally must file a notice of appeal within 60 days of the entry of judgment or order. Some orders have shorter deadlines. Missing the deadline usually forfeits your right to appeal, so it's critical to consult an attorney immediately after an adverse ruling.
How long does an appeal take?
California appeals typically take 14 to 24 months from notice of appeal to decision, depending on the court and complexity. The briefing process alone takes several months, followed by oral argument (if requested) and the court's decision.
Can new evidence be presented on appeal?
Generally, no. Appellate courts review the record from the trial court and do not consider new evidence. This is why it's crucial to build a complete record at trial. In rare circumstances involving newly discovered evidence, a motion for new trial or other relief may be available.
Schedule a Consultation
Let’s discuss how we can help protect your family’s future
Reach out for a confidential conversation about your trust, estate, or civil litigation matter. Our attorneys are based in Walnut Creek and Encinitas, and serve clients throughout California.