Apellate Practice

Members of the BODELL, BOVÉ, GRACE & VAN HORN appellate practice group have not only persuaded State and Federal Appellate Courts to rule in favor of their clients, but have also guided those Courts in reaching precedent setting decisions.

Attorneys have represented clients before the Pennsylvania Supreme and Superior Courts in cases involving dram shop and social host liability claims;
In cases involving presumption of due care;
In cases involving the entitlement of a worker's compensation subrogation lien to recovery from the proceeds of a tort settlement;
In cases involving the product liability defense where plaintiff abused or misused the product.

With decades of appellate experience among its members, the firm has successfully briefed and argued appeals in cases throughout the legal spectrum, including important issues of product liability, professional liability, motor vehicle law, construction defects, and premises liability.

The Firm members routinely provide services to clients that only experienced appellate attorneys can offer, such as:

A fresh analysis of the case from the viewpoint of the appellate court - not that of the trial lawyer and trial court;
A critical analysis as to whether to appeal, including realistic estimates of cost and chances of success;
Compliance with often confusing procedural matters such as appellate bonds, preparing the pleadings, records, motions, petitions for writ, and other filings;
Professionally crafted briefs demonstrating mastery of both facts and applicable legal issues;
Skillful and convincing oral arguments.

When a matter in litigation proceeds to appeal, binding legal precedent may be set, affecting the client's interest not only in that matter but in similar litigation for years to come. Referring appellant work to BODELL, BOVÉ, GRACE & VAN HORN offers the finest opportunity to overturn adverse judgment or to protect favorable judgments from reversal.