Destin Appellate Lawyer
Getting the right result at the trial level is not always the end of a case. Building a proper record, writing an effective brief and presenting a cogent oral argument to the appellate panel is just as important to preserve your judgment or, as is sometimes the case, to get it overturned.
An effective trial lawyer with extensive appellate experience gives you the best of both worlds. Many trial lawyers have never or rarely done an appeal and are not as sensitive to the often technical requirements of preserving an issue or ruling by the Judge for later review. On the other hand, purely appellate specialists will be looking at only the bare record as recorded by a stenographer and will not know the case as thoroughly as the trial counsel who presented the facts and law to judge and jury.
Simple, concise writing is the key to effective briefs. Ledbetter, is also an award winning journalist and former board member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. He has a broad background in journalism including award-winning pieces for in-depth and feature reporting, as well as numerous accolades from the Florida Press Association in the categories of serious, humorous, and sports columns.
This writing background melds well with his extensive experience in presenting appeals to both federal and state court in both criminal and civil matters. In about half of appeals, courts grant what is known as oral argument, where the advocate must summarize and present in 20 to 30 minutes, what may have taken two weeks before the jury. But as a lifelong trial attorney, oral argument before the Judges becomes second nature. As appellate judges don't care much for canned speeches, they will interrupt and ask the question they want answered to help them decide how they will vote on an issue. Being flexible and quick on your feet is an essential arrow in the appellate quiver.
A legal brief (itself an oxymoron) can be written in such dense legalese that the appellate judge or his clerk can use them in lieu of sleeping pills. But good briefs need to hit the issues hard, with incisive analysis and lively writing. If you can get the Court's attention, you are more than halfway to winning the battle. Let us help you effectively present your case on appeal.
