There are at least three reasons to involve an appellate specialist in your litigation or arbitration matter: we increase the likelihood of winning through use of expertise, we help clients allocate resources to assure victory, and we provide a fresh but keenly-focused set of eyes to bring critical review of the strategy and issues in order to advance your most effective arguments. Dykema has a dedicated team of appellate lawyers who understand that the proper preparation for an appeal begins long before the judgment, verdict, or other ruling to be reviewed is rendered. These attorneys complement our other litigators, who are experienced in numerous appellate courts, including the highest courts of many states, most of the United States Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Our appellate lawyers are available to consult with the trial lawyers, many of whom have clerked for federal or state appellate court judges, at all stages of the litigation to identify potential appellate issues and their preservation. Members of the appellate team are available to work closely with the trial lawyers on any post-trial proceedings and during the course of the appeal to provide expert briefing and argument of the issues.

Because of the large, varied nature of Dykema's litigation practice, our appellate practice is similarly varied. Our attorneys have experience in all types of appeals, including emergency appeals, en banc proceedings, and appeals from administrative agency rulings, and in virtually every substantive area of law, from products liability to securities law to real estate to taxation. We are often retained to handle appeals in cases previously litigated by other firms, and have filed amicus curiae briefs for such groups as trade associations, professional groups, and charitable organizations.

The appellate practice team is led by Jill Wheaton. Ms. Wheaton is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and is currently a member of the Michigan State Bar Appellate Practice Section Council. Ms. Wheaton also teaches on appellate practice at continuing legal education events. The appellate team leader in our Illinois offices is Rosa Tumialán. Ms. Tumialán is a graduate of Loyola University Law School and a former clerk to Illinois Appellate Court Judge Robert Cahill. She is active in state and federal appeals.

If you have any questions about, or would like more information regarding Dykema's appellate practice team, please contact:

Jill M. Wheaton 734-214-7629
Rosa M. Tumialan 312-627-2139