Appellate Proceedings

Litigation

Strategic Handling of Appeals and Post-Judgment Review

WH Burkley represents clients in appellate matters and post-judgment proceedings, providing strategic, focused advocacy to challenge or defend trial court outcomes. We help clients evaluate appellate options, preserve critical issues, and pursue effective paths to review.

Appeals require a different approach than trial litigation, with an emphasis on legal analysis, issue framing, and persuasive written advocacy. We work closely with clients to assess the strengths of a matter and develop a disciplined strategy aligned with their objectives.


• Handling appeals in state and federal appellate courts
• Preparing appellate briefs, motions, and oral arguments
• Preserving and advancing legal issues for review
• Advising on appellate strategy and likelihood of success

• Pursuing or defending post-trial motions
• Seeking relief from judgments where appropriate
• Addressing enforcement and stay of judgment issues
• Coordinating strategy with ongoing litigation or settlement efforts

• Appeals involving significant legal or financial exposure
• Matters raising novel or complex legal questions
• Multi-party or multi-issue appeals
• Coordination with trial counsel in ongoing or parallel proceedings

• Evaluating whether to pursue or defend an appeal
• Advising on cost, timing, and risk considerations
• Developing strategies for resolution short of appeal where appropriate
• Coordinating with business and legal stakeholders

Practice Group Leader

John J. Richardson, Chair

412.456.8107
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  • Align appellate strategy with each client’s broader business objectives
  • Focus on issue selection, legal analysis, and persuasive advocacy
  • Move matters forward efficiently while maintaining strategic focus
  • Coordinate with trial counsel and stakeholders as needed
  • Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and precise execution
  • Strategic, thoughtful approach to appellate and post-judgment advocacy
  • Strong written and oral advocacy focused on issue framing and legal analysis
  • Ability to assess appellate opportunities realistically and advise on next steps
  • Experience handling appeals arising from a broad range of commercial, regulatory, employment, and fiduciary disputes
  • Responsive, partner-level service focused on practical outcomes and efficient execution

Best Law Firms | Cleveland

  • Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy

Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh

  • Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
  • Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial

Best Law Firms | US

  • Band 2 – Litigation – Bankruptcy

*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.