Challenging Cases on Appeal in Civil and Criminal Law in State and Federal Courts

The greatest difference between trial and appellate court is the demand for a sustained, persuasive, and intelligent conversation about the deeper public policy reflected by the issues in the case and a sharp focus on the logic of the legal questions involved. Grounds for appeal are typically very narrow, requiring the appellate attorney to have a precise understanding of the law's construction, history, and purpose, and to perform a thorough examination of case precedent.

Appellate judges can be expected to engage in extensive review of the facts and law of the case and to challenge the appellate lawyer aggressively to defend his point of view. The legal issues under consideration may be novel, requiring creative thinking and an ability to put forward persuasive new arguments. An appellate attorney must craft and communicate a clear, sound, and interesting approach that offers a just resolution that appeals to the court both emotionally and intellectually.

I am appellate attorney William J. Kopeny, a specialist in appellate law certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. In practice for more than 35 years, I handle civil and criminal appeals and petitions for extraordinary writs before all California and all federal appellate courts nationwide.

I am licensed to practice before the following courts and am able to handle appeals in all state and federal courts:

I welcome referrals of appellate matters from trial lawyers. I consult during trial with both civil and criminal trial attorneys on issues that may be important and need to be preserved for appeal, and directly handle issues that need to be reviewed by means of an extraordinary writ. I will accept appellate cases directly from clients. However, I do not act as trial counsel, and I do not handle death penalty or habeas corpus cases.

• Learn more about the types of cases I accept
• Review published opinions in cases I have handled in the past

Contact my office to schedule a consultation to review your case.

8001 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92618-2956
Telephone 949.754.2944 • Fax 949.754.2912
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From his office in Irvine, California, state and federal appellate attorney William J. Kopeny represents clients throughout the State of California in appeals of state cases, and across the nation in federal appeals.