Experienced Appeal Lawyers Chicago

File an appeal to protect your rights with experienced representation of an appellate attorney in Chicago at every appellate level, including the Illinois Appellate Court, the Supreme Court of Illinois, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

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Our experienced attorneys will review your case and provide feedback on your appeal options at no cost.

All consultations are protected by attorney-client privilege. We respect your privacy and will not share your information.

Years of Experience

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Appeals Nationwide

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Handles State & Federal Appeals

Why Hire Our Chicago Appellate Lawyers?

When it comes to appeals, experience makes a difference. At Brownstone Law, our team of Illinois appeals lawyers is led by Robert Sirianni, a recognized name in appellate law. With experience in both civil and criminal appeals, we provide the strategic insight required to navigate complex appellate courts.

Here’s why clients choose our Chicago appeal lawyers:

Years of Experience in Civil & Criminal Appeals

We handle civil appeals involving contract breaches, business litigation, property disputes, and personal injury judgments. Our appellate lawyers also handle criminal appeals involving convictions, sentencing errors, and violations of constitutional rights.

Proven Success in Illinois and Federal Appeals

Our federal appellate lawyers have helped clients secure new hearings, challenge convictions, and pursue sentence reductions in both Illinois courts and federal courts, including cases reviewed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which handles federal appeals from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Tailored Legal Strategies

Each appeal is unique and requires a tailored strategy. One appeal may challenge improper jury instructions, and another may argue the trial judge’s misapplication of the law or the admission of improper evidence. Moreover, each court has different precedents, procedural rules, and judicial approaches. You get an experienced appellate lawyer in Chicago who understands your unique situation and creates a tailored strategy to win.

Free Consultation

An experienced appeals lawyer in Chicago at Brownstone Appellate Law Firm thoroughly reviews your case, discusses your legal options, and determines the best path forward for your appeal at no cost.

Civil and Criminal Appeals – Appeal Attorneys Chicago

Our Chicago appellate lawyers have extensive experience handling appeals across a wide range of practice areas. Whether it’s a criminal conviction or a complex civil dispute, our appellate lawyers have the expertise to handle every case.

Civil Appeals – Business, Employment, Healthcare & More

We handle a wide range of civil appeals, including:

Practice Area	Appeals
Business Disputes	Contract disputes Securities litigation Intellectual property conflicts
Employment & Labor	Wrongful termination Workplace discrimination Wage and hour disputes
Healthcare	Medical negligence claims Insurance disputes Healthcare billing issues
Product Liability	Injuries caused by defective or unsafe products

Criminal Appeals – Drug Charges, White-Collar Crimes, and More

Our criminal appeal attorneys in Chicago challenge unjust convictions or sentences, including:

Practice Area	Appeals
Drug-Related Offenses	Convictions under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (drug possession, manufacturing, and distribution offenses in Illinois)
White-Collar Crimes	Fraud Embezzlement Tax evasion
Assault & Violent Crimes	Assault Battery Robbery Homicide
Theft & Property Crimes	Burglary or theft Property damage Criminal trespass

How Do Our Chicago Appellate Lawyers Work?

Our team provides comprehensive appellate services, from filing an appeal to representing you in court arguments. Here’s how we help:

Initial Consultation

Your appeal begins with a free consultation to discuss your case details and evaluate your appeal options.

1. Case Review

We thoroughly review the following to identify the grounds for filing an appeal:

Trial transcripts
Motions and legal filings
Evidence presented at trial court
Jury instructions
Judicial rulings
Final judgment or sentence

2. Filing the Appeal

If your case was heard in a Chicago trial court or another Cook County courthouse, then we file your appeal with the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court. If your case was heard in federal court in Chicago, the appeal is reviewed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

3.Preparation of Legal Documents

We prepare and file the following key legal documents in the appellate court:

3.1 The Notice of Appeal

Informs the court and the opposing party that we intend to challenge the trial court’s decision.

The Notice of Appeal must be filed within 30 days of the trial court’s judgment.

3.2 Record on Appeal

A record of transcripts, evidence, motions, and court orders from the trial court.

3.3 Appellant’s Brief

A written argument explaining the reasons to reverse or modify the decision of the trial court.

3.4 Reply Brief

A brief filed to address the arguments raised in the appellee’s brief filed by the other party.

4. Oral Arguments

Appeals are decided primarily based on the trial record and written briefs. However, we also prepare and present persuasive oral arguments to strengthen your case in court.

Appeals Process in Chicago and Cook County

Depending on the trial court, the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, or the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reviews your appeal and orders oral arguments if required. Your appeal can result in:

If the appellate court upholds the trial court’s decision, you may petition the Illinois Supreme Court for review in state cases, or the U.S. Supreme Court in federal cases. Keep in mind that neither court hears every petition. They have discretion to accept cases.

Other Areas

Schedule A Free Consultation With A Chicago Appeals Lawyer

Don’t face the appeals process alone. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Chicago appellate lawyers today. We’re here to review your case, provide expert advice, and help you make the best decision for your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Illinois Appellate Court – First District?

The First District of the Illinois Appellate Court is the intermediate appellate court that reviews cases from Cook County’s trial courts (the Circuit Court of Cook County).

2. What types of cases does the First District Court of Appeals hear?

It hears appeals from criminal, civil, family, probate, and administrative law cases from the Circuit Court of Cook County.

3. How many judges serve in the First District?

The First District has 24 judges, who are divided into six divisions. Cases are usually heard by panels of three judges.

4. How are appellate judges selected in the First District?

Judges are elected in partisan elections for 10-year terms. Afterward, they must win a retention election to remain in office.

5. Can I appeal a trial court decision to the First District?

Yes, if you believe there was a legal error in your case, you can file an appeal with the First District. However, not all cases are eligible for appeal, and some require the court's permission.

6. Can decisions from the First District be appealed further?

Yes, you can petition the Illinois Supreme Court to review a decision from the First District, but the court decides which cases it will hear. In some cases involving federal law, you may also seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which similarly chooses which cases to accept.

7. Where is the Illinois Appellate Court – First District located?

It is located in Chicago at:
160 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601

8. How long does the appeals process take?

The length of an appeal varies depending on the complexity of the case, but it can take several months to over a year for a final decision.

9. Can I represent myself in an appeal?

Yes, but appellate cases involve complex legal procedures. It is highly recommended to have an attorney handle the appeal.

10. Where can I find decisions from the First District?

You can find published opinions on the Illinois Courts’ official website and legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis.

Read What Our Clients Says

Jerome Brown

I recently engaged Brownstone PA for legal assistance, and I couldn't be happier with the service I received. The lawyers were thorough, attentive, and always had my best interests in mind. They guided me through the legal process, explaining everything in a clear and concise manner. I felt confident in their abilities and trusted their expertise. I highly recommend Brownstone PA for their exceptional legal services.

Alyssa Lin

Brownstone PA is a highly professional and reliable law firm. The lawyers I worked with were knowledgeable, approachable, and provided me with excellent legal representation. They were responsive to my concerns and kept me informed throughout the entire process. The attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome were evident in their work. I highly recommend Brownstone PA for anyone in need of legal assistance.

Amily Moalin

I had a positive experience with Brownstone PA and their team of lawyers. They handled my case with utmost professionalism and achieved a favorable outcome. The lawyers at Brownstone PA were thorough in their approach, conducting in-depth research and providing well-crafted legal arguments. They were also compassionate and supportive throughout the process. I am grateful for their expertise and highly recommend their services.