Legal Excellence. Principled Counsel.

Appellate Attorney: Elevated Advocacy For Complex Legal Disputes

The conclusion of a trial is rarely the end of a legal journey; rather, it is often the beginning of a second chapter in the courtroom. The skill set required to win an appeal is fundamentally different from that of trial litigation. Appellate success demands careful attention to standards of review, an insightful inspection of the record, intelligent legal research, and thoughtful brief writing – all contributing to the ability to distill the key issues in a case into a compelling narrative for appellate decision makers.

Attorney Matthew Schaefer provides national-caliber appellate representation from SchaeferLaw, LLC‘s, office in Portland. With over 30 years of experience preparing briefs for the United States Supreme Court and multiple lower federal and state appellate courts, Matthew brings the intellectual depth and strategic mindset necessary to challenge or defend trial court results in any proceeding, at any level, with the agility and fee structure of a boutique practice. Whether you are party to the case or an interested amicus curiae, SchaeferLaw will advance your appeal to maximize success.

The Appellate Process

An appeal is not a retrial or a second chance to present new evidence. It is a rigorous review of the trial court or agency decision to identify legal issues that can decide the case. Whether acting as counsel for the appellant (the party appealing), the appellee (the party defending the judgment), or an amicus curiae (friend of the court), SchaeferLaw, provides:

  • Strategic appellate consulting and post-trial motion practice: The firm collaborates with trial counsel to preserve issues for appeal and evaluate the merits of a potential case.  Effective appellate strategy often begins immediately after the verdict with sophisticated motions to alter, amend or vacate a judgment.
  • Brief writing: SchaeferLaw, is known for high-stakes written advocacy, characterized by technical precision and effective persuasion.
  • Oral arguments in appellate court: Matthew Schaefer is an experienced orator, skilled at navigating the rigorous questioning typical of state supreme courts and federal circuits.

Diverse National Experience

Matthew Schaefer’s record as an appellate lawyer is distinguished by his work on landmark cases. He has authored 10 briefs for the Supreme Court of the United States and served as co-counsel in two cases before the High Court, including the transformative state tax decision South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. His experience extends to numerous state supreme courts and federal courts of appeals, including the First, Seventh, Eighth and Tenth Circuits. This history of high-profile advocacy ensures that every appeal receives the benefit of world-class legal analysis and strategic acumen.

Contact Appellate Attorney Matthew Schaefer Today

To schedule a consultation, call 207-543-3668. You can also reach Matthew using the online contact form.