Experienced Trial Attorneys for Complex Legal Matters

Appellate Practice

An unfavorable court ruling is not always the final word. Our firm handles appeals of court decisions, requiring a sophisticated understanding of legal procedure and the ability to craft compelling written and oral arguments. Kevin Buchan's experience as a trial lawyer provides a strong foundation for identifying appealable errors and fighting for a different outcome at the appellate level.

Understanding the Appeals Process

The appellate process in New Jersey involves challenging a lower court's decision before a higher court. This requires a different skill set than trial advocacy. Rather than presenting evidence to a jury, appellate attorneys must identify legal errors in the trial court's proceedings and persuasively argue why the decision should be reversed or modified. Success in appellate practice demands meticulous attention to the trial record, mastery of procedural rules, and exceptional legal writing skills.

State and Federal Appeals

Our firm handles appeals in both New Jersey state courts and federal courts. In state court, this typically means appealing from the trial court to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. In federal court, we handle appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Each appellate court has its own rules and procedures that must be strictly followed. Missing a deadline or failing to comply with court rules can result in dismissal of an appeal, making it essential to work with attorneys who understand appellate practice.

Types of Cases We Appeal

We handle appeals across a broad range of practice areas including criminal convictions, family law decisions, civil litigation judgments, and administrative agency determinations. Whether you believe the trial court misapplied the law, improperly admitted or excluded evidence, or made other reversible errors, we can evaluate your case and advise you on the likelihood of success on appeal. Not every unfavorable decision is appealable, but when grounds for appeal exist, we fight vigorously to obtain a better result.

Strategic Appellate Advocacy

Successful appellate practice requires identifying the strongest arguments and presenting them in a clear, persuasive manner. Appellate courts are typically concerned with legal questions rather than factual disputes. Our attorneys carefully review the trial record to pinpoint errors that warrant reversal, then craft appellate briefs that effectively communicate why the lower court's decision was wrong. When oral argument is granted, we present compelling advocacy before the appellate panel.

If you received an unfavorable decision in trial court and believe there are grounds for appeal, contact Buchan & Cardamone to discuss your options. Time limits for filing appeals are strict, so it's important to act quickly to preserve your appellate rights.