We are successful on appeal because we understand the differences between arguing a factual case to a jury and presenting a persuasive legal argument to the court of appeal. We also understand the pitfalls so often missed by those unfamiliar with the procedures on appeal.

Shea Stokes represents clients at the appellate level before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the California Court of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. Shirley Gauvin, who is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law, leads the group.

Both appellants and respondents have prevailed because of the skills of our Appellate Practice Group. We have argued successfully in favor of and against petitions for writ of mandate/prohibition and motions to dismiss appeals. Our group represents clients involved in complex issues of insurance bad faith and coverage, premises liability, First Amendment, trial and appellate procedures, professional liability, environmental law, products liability, employment, statutes of limitations, and personal and subject matter jurisdiction questions.

We recognize that many times appeals are won or lost in the trial court and that making an effective appellate record can help ensure an ultimate victory. That is why our appellate group consults and strategizes in drafting pleadings, law and motion, and jury instructions.

Our group also helps preserve resources and credibility before the court through its careful evaluation and handling of writ petitions.

The more complicated the situation, the more reason to tap the expertise of Shea Stokes' appellate law practice.

PUBLISHED OPINIONS

• Triplett v. Farmers Insurance Exchange, 24 Cal.App.4th 1415 (1994)
• Truck v. Pozzuoli, 17 Cal.App.4th 856 (1993)
• Hughes v. Mid-Century Insurance Company, 38 Cal.App.4th 1176 (1995)
• Handy v. First Interstate Bank of California, 13 Cal.App.4th 917 (1993)
• Holland v. Sterling Casualty Insurance Company, 25 Cal.App.4th 1059 (1994)
• Fire Insurance Exchange v. American States Insurance Company, 39 Cal.App.4th 653 (1995)
• Campbell v. Superior Court, 44 Cal.App.4th 1308 (1996)
• Waller v. Truck Insurance Exchange, 11 Cal.4th 1 (1995)
• Beaty v. Truck Insurance Exchange, 6 Cal.App.4th 1455 (1992)
• Warner v. Fire Insurance Exchange, 230 Cal.App.3d 1029 (1991)
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center v. Superior Court, 43 Cal.App.4th 605 (1996)

TEAM MEMBERS

Shirley A. Gauvin
John R. Hunt