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State and Federal Civil Appeals • Criminal Appeals • Extraordinary Writs

A specialist in appellate law certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, I have over 35 years of appellate experience in both state and federal courts. If you are a party or an attorney seeking an appellate advocate, contact my office for a review of your case and appellate issues.

Trial attorneys throughout California and across the nation choose me to appeal their cases, to consult on their appeals, or to refer clients to. They need an appellate lawyer who is a meticulous researcher, who can perform a penetrating analysis and review, who demonstrates true sophistication in the law, and who is an adept thinker and a dexterous advocate.

I have been named as a “Southern California Super Lawyer” in Los Angeles magazine for criminal law since 2000 and in appellate law since 2006. I have been listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America,” for criminal law since 1994 and for appellate law since 2004. I am AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards, and have been listed in Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers for appellate practice.

At every point in the process of appeal, an appellate attorney must be a master of the facts, perceptive about the law, and unremittingly focused on the goal. These qualities translate into effective representation in the most challenging cases.

Extensive Trial Experience, Impressive Appellate Experience

I began my legal career as a trial attorney in civil and criminal litigation and also served as a public defender. I am certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in criminal law in addition to my certification in appellate law. My trial background has been a significant asset in my appellate work because it gives me deeper insight into and appreciation of the real people involved in a trial and the real-world consequences of improper rulings and unjust interpretations of the law.

I also understand the perspective of appellate court judges and the lens through which they view a case. I have argued before the California and U.S. Supreme Courts and before five federal circuits. A number of my cases have resulted in published opinions in both civil and criminal cases in California and in criminal appeals in federal courts, including:

• Koon v. United States, 518 U.S. 81 (1996) ("Rodney King" case)
• United States v. Munoz, 233 F.3d 1117 (9th Cir. 2000)
• Salisbury v. County of Orange (2005) 131 Cal.App.4th 756
• People v. Le (2000) 82 Cal.App.4th 1352
• Korea Data Systems Co. v. Superior Court (1997) 51 Cal.App.4th 1513
• Steiner v. Superior Court (1996) 50 Cal.App.4th 1771, 58 Cal.Rptr.2d 668
• Keith R. v. Superior Court (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 1047, 96 Cal.Rptr.3d 298

I have been successful in appellate cases based on my thorough grounding in trial practice, my understanding of questions of first impression, and my fluency in complex, detailed legal areas such as attorney malpractice, ethics, and federal sentencing law.

Dedication to Fighting Against the Odds

It is essential for prospective clients to understand that appeals are in fact very difficult to win. Appeals by their nature are arguments that experienced judges, prosecutors, or juries have made such a grievous error that it affected the entire outcome of the legal case.

Each case is unique, and every client needs to understand that success in an appellate matter can never be guaranteed. As a dedicated appellate lawyer, I am willing to do the hard work of bringing a challenging case to court if I can see any ethical and realistic way to do so. If I cannot, I will tell you so directly and honestly.

Expert Witness Representation

I have been qualified as an expert witness in state and federal courts and have been consulted as an expert witness in legal ethics cases, ineffective legal assistance cases, and appellate legal malpractice.

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
Map and Directions

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.

CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

Rating Explanation: Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.