Appellate
Appellate
Our appellate practice group includes attorneys with a breadth of experience, talent, and skill to handle even the most complex and challenging appeals in all areas of civil law. Our persuasive briefs and influential oral arguments not only convince the court that our clients’ positions are right, but often result in precedent for future cases. We routinely consult with trial teams from the inception of the dispute, through pre-trial, trial, and post-trial motion practice. In this way, as trial lawyers are putting on their best case, we are helping them build their trial record for the best possible results on appeal.
We understand the goals of our clients without overreaching, and never lose sight of the fact that we represent real people and entities facing tangible, serious consequences. The personal relationships our attorneys have forged over decades of practice and throughout the appellate community creates instant credibility. We know the justices, and we understand how their past decisions and views are likely to impact rulings in individual cases. This, in turn, allows us to tailor our strategy and our briefs to maximize our clients’ chances of success.
By advancing inspiring arguments grounded in practical realities, our attorneys have earned a reputation for the highest quality advocacy amongst appellate court judges. In addition, the firm has a stellar record of favorable results before the California Supreme Court and in every district of the California Court of Appeal. We also handle cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and have submitted briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Experience
- Merits briefs
- Amicus briefs
- Certiorari petitions
- Mandamus, prohibition, and supersedeas petitions
- Other emergency relief
- Anti-SLAPP, summary judgment, and post-trial motions
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Key Contacts
News & Resources
Hanson Bridgett Appellate Group Claims Four Appellate Victories in the First District Court of Appeal
April 3, 2024 (San Francisco, CA) – The Hanson Bridgett Appellate Practice Group wrapped the first quarter of 2024 having secured four significant victories in the California First District Court of Appeal in a matter of weeks.
Hanson Bridgett Secures Two Appellate Victories For City of San Jose and Federated Retirement System
March 15, 2024 (San Francisco, CA) – A Hanson Bridgett team led by partners Raymond Lynch, Matthew Peck, and Judith Boyette secured two unanimous appellate decisions in favor of clients the City of San Jose, the City Manager, and the Board of the Federated City Employees Retirement System.
Pollock v. Superior Court of Los Angeles
On July 31, 2023, the 2nd Appellate District issued its decision in Pollock v. Superior Court of Los Angeles holding that, unlike a response to a production demand, a document production does not have to be verified
Hanson Bridgett Secures CA Supreme Court Win for Aera Energy
August 28, 2023 (San Francisco, CA) – On August 3, 2023, the California Supreme Court issued its opinion in Chevron, et al. v. County of Monterey, et al. in which the Court unanimously affirmed the prior Sixth District Court of Appeal and Monterey Superior Court decisions finding that Monterey County Measure Z is preempted by superior state law and is invalid. A team from Hanson Bridgett represented Aera Energy LLC in this case.
Evidence for Idiots: Logos, Dumbbells, and Hearsay
Gary Watt takes a deep dive into the hearsay rule in a recent case, People v. Portillo, a case of possible grand theft auto.
Court of Appeal Rules An Elected Sheriff's Personnel Records May Be Discoverable Through A Public Records Act Request
The California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, issued a decision on June 29, 2022, holding that internal investigation records of an elected peace officer do not constitute 'personnel records' exempt from California Public Records Act (CPRA) requests.
Recent SCOTUS Opinions on Arbitration Statutes
Gary Watt and Patrick Burns discuss the recent United States Supreme Court opinions in arbitration cases and how these opinions will impact arbitration going forward.
Appellate Court Issues Groundbreaking COVID Insurance Coverage Opinion in Favor of Policyholders
In a victory for policyholders, a decision by a California appellate court opens the door for businesses to recover financial losses caused by the pandemic.
Busker v. Wabtec – California Supreme Court Rules That On-Board Work Is Not Public Works
California Supreme Court issues important ruling for public entities reaffirming that work on board rolling stock is not public works subject to the state’s prevailing wage law
Supreme Court Clarifies Application of Procedural Requirements of Proposition 218 to Revenue Measures Adopted by Initiative
Three Important New Actions Taken By San Francisco Board of Supervisors To Control Medical and Recreational Cannabis Facilities