Our law practice fully encompasses and goes beyond the bounds of traditional appellate practice. We represent clients in all stages of the appellate process, including presenting finely tuned oral arguments in state and federal court. In addition, we consult and strategize on the pretrial and trial matters that shape a case and help provide the foundation for a strong position on appeal. Working with trial teams, we use our extensive experience from both sides of the bench to bring added value that strengthens the case for trial and positions the case in the event of an appeal.

• Researching and writing post-trial motions and appellate briefs
• Handling post-trial proceedings
• Arguing appeals in state and federal courts
• Assisting on appeals being handled by other attorneys, including research, drafting, editing, and preparation and coaching for oral argument
• Collaborating with trial teams on key discovery matters, dispositive motions, and pretrial matters
• Drafting pretrial and trial motions in conjunction with trial teams
• Joining with trial teams to identify and evaluate applicable law and to plan pretrial and trial strategy
• Drafting jury charges and attending jury charge conferences
• Providing guidance on error preservation before and during trials
• Supplying independent assessments of potential appeals

Our approach to appeals is to carefully review and master the record and applicable law and to research and write compelling briefs that fully meet the issues. Using our extensive experience within the judicial system, we consider how a particular court may treat various issues and make considered decisions as to how we can best frame the arguments on behalf of the client. We excel at presenting insightful oral arguments and anticipating the issues that may draw more substantial questioning from the court. And we bring the same experience, expertise, and insight to bear when we assist on appeals being handled by other attorneys.

Our approach to pretrial and trial matters is just as thorough and highly collaborative. Working closely with trial teams, we help to evaluate pretrial options and to develop effective case preparation and trial strategies. As appellate lawyers, we are acutely aware of how decisions made in the initial stages of the litigation process can affect a case on appeal. As a result, we focus not only on helping to strengthen the case for trial, but also on protecting and promoting the client's position in the event of an appeal. The earlier we are involved, the more value and greater assistance we can deliver on both fronts.

Whether we are helping to develop pretrial strategy or crafting an appellate argument, we always keep the client's objectives and priorities firmly in mind. The focus we place on maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients is equaled only by the emphasis we place on providing the highest caliber work product possible.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah Hankinson PC are appellate advocates and strategists. Going beyond the bounds of traditional appellate law, we bring added value and a commitment to excellence that maximizes the results that can be achieved at all stages of a lawsuit.