Grand Rapids, Michigan Appellate Lawyer

Specializing in criminal, civil, and federal appeals across West Michigan

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Why Hire Grand Rapids Appeals Lawyers?

At Brownstone Law, our Grand Rapids appellate attorneys focus exclusively on Michigan appeals—giving you a strategic advantage that trial lawyers simply can’t match.

We dedicate our practice entirely to appellate law, ensuring your case receives the precision, legal insight, and persuasive advocacy required to succeed before the Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, or federal appellate courts.

Experience is Key for Success

Appellate law demands deep familiarity with procedural rules, standards of review, and judicial expectations. Our attorneys have spent years mastering this specialized field, resulting in stronger briefs, sharper arguments, and better outcomes.

Fresh Perspective on Your Case

Your trial attorney may have missed critical legal errors. We conduct an independent, objective review of the entire record to identify reversible mistakes—giving your case a new chance at justice.

Total Attention to the Appeal Case

Unlike trial lawyers juggling multiple courtroom appearances, we handle appeals one at a time. This ensures meticulous attention to every detail, from the trial transcript to the final brief.

Mastery of Persuasive Writing and Oral Argument

Appellate judges decide cases based on written briefs—not emotion or courtroom theatrics. Our attorneys excel in crafting clear, compelling legal arguments and delivering focused oral presentations that resonate with appellate panels.

Objective Review of the Lower Court Record

We meticulously examine the trial court record to uncover preserved errors, ensure proper objections were made, and build a legally sound foundation for your appeal.

Broad Knowledge of the Law

Years of appellate practice have given us a comprehensive understanding of Michigan and federal jurisprudence. This breadth of knowledge allows us to spot nuanced legal issues that others overlook.

Cost-effective and Thorough

Handling an appeal in-house—without delegating to junior staff—ensures efficiency and value. We manage every phase: legal research, brief drafting, oral argument preparation, and post-decision strategy.

Understanding the Standards of Review

Not all trial errors justify reversal. We know which issues are appealable, how appellate courts evaluate them (e.g., “abuse of discretion” vs. “de novo”), and how to frame arguments accordingly.

Grand Rapids Criminal and Civil Appellate Services

Challenging a criminal conviction, an unfair civil judgment, or a federal sentencing decision, our Grand Rapids appellate team provides dedicated, high-level representation.

Criminal Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief in Grand Rapids

We handle direct appeals, motions for relief under Michigan Court Rule 6.500, habeas corpus petitions, and motions to withdraw guilty pleas. If your rights were violated at trial, we’ll fight to correct the record.

Civil Appeals Representation

From business disputes and insurance denials to medical malpractice, eminent domain, and intellectual property, our civil appellate attorneys represent clients in the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court.

Federal Appellate Lawyers Serving Grand Rapids

As licensed practitioners in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and other federal circuits, we represent Grand Rapids clients in federal criminal and civil appeals—including white-collar crimes, drug offenses, and constitutional challenges.

We proudly serve clients throughout Grand Rapids, Kent County, and Western Michigan, and we can handle appeals statewide and in federal courts nationwide.

News and Publications: Florida Appeals

RON VANALSTINE, and JOAN VANALSTINE v. LAND O’LAKES PURINA FEEDS, LLC
Plaintiffs operate a dairy farm in Eaton County. Defendant is a Minnesota corporation that manufactures and distributes animal feed and related products. Diversified Farms, LLC (Diversified) is a distributor of those products in Michigan. In July 2008, Diversified executed a Credit Application and Agreement (the Credit Agreement) with defendant that included a disclaimer of warranties and a remedy-limiting provision. “A motion for summary disposition under MCR 2.116(C)(10) tests the factual sufficiency of a claim, and is appropriately granted when, except as to the amount of damages, there is no genuine issue as to any material fact, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Tomra of North America, Inc v Dep’t of Treasury.

We review de novo issues of statutory and contractual interpretation. Heritage Resources, Inc v Caterpillar Fin Servs Corp, 284 Mich App 617, 632; 774 NW2d 332 (2009). Plaintiffs were not parties to the Credit Agreement. Read more about this civil appeal in Michigan: Michigan Appeals.

United States v. Jerry Duval
June 4th, 2013, Case No. 12-2338

Appellants challenge the constitutionality of the Michigan Marijuana Act Read More about this Constitutional Appeal by clicking here. Jerry Duval Brief in Federal Court – Medical Marijuana

Bhan v. Battle Creek Health
August 19th, 2013, Case No. 13-1682

This case arises out of the suspension of Dr. Raakesh Bhan’s medical staff privileges at two Michigan hospitals: Battle Creek Health System (“BCHS”), located in Calhoun County, and Borgess Medical Center (“Borgess”), located in Kalamazoo County. Read more about this Michigan appeal here: Bhan v. Battle Creek Health – United States Court of Appeals – Western District of Michigan

United States v. Jonathan Agbebiyi
November 25th, 2013, Case No. 12-2559, Robert L. Sirianni, Esq.

Pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure Rule 34(a), Appellant, Jonathan Agbebiyi, M.D. (“Dr. Agbebiyi”), respectfully requests oral argument because the Court’s consideration of the issues presented by this appeal may be assisted or advanced by the presence of counsel before the Court to comment upon the issues and respond to inquiries from the Court. Read more about this Michigan appeal here: USA v. Agbebiyi – United States Court of Appeals – Eastern District of Michigan

Lashawn Redmond v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
December 2, 2014, Case No. 1-0111348

This is a civil appeal in Michigan. As the concurrence states: Moody was wrongly decided on both legal and practical grounds and should be overruled. Pursuant to MCR 7.215(J)(1), the Court must follow Moody despite a concurring judge’s disagreement with it. This would normally lead the Court to request a special conflict panel pursuant to MCR 7.215(J)(2). However, because the Supreme Court has granted leave to appeal in Moody, the Court believe such a request would be inappropriate.

Read more about this Michigan civil appeal here: Michigan Civil Appeal – Redmond v. State Farm Mutual Automobile

Mattie King v. Park West Galleries, Inc.
December 2, 2014, Case No. 314188

This case stems from a cruise plaintiff took in April of 1999 with her now deceased husband. While aboard the ship, plaintiff and her late husband decided to attend a shipboard auction put on by defendant Park West Galleries, Inc. During this auction, plaintiff purchased a complete set of Salvador Dali’s Divine Comedy collection. This art collection was represented by Park West’s auctioneer as a good investment that would increase in value over time. Further, defendant’s auctioneer stated that these works had been signed by Dali.

Plaintiff purchased the works at the auction for $165,000. Plaintiff, as part of the purchase, received certificates of authenticity and appraisals to ensure that representations made by Park West’s auctioneer were accurate. Defendant Albert Scaglione, the CEO of defendant Park West Galleries, Inc., signed the documents, and they were mailed to plaintiff after the cruise was over.

Read more about this Michigan civil appeal here: Mattie King v. Park West Galleries

People v. Leon Finnie, Jr.
December 2, 2014, Case No. 314200

Defendant appeals as of right his jury trial convictions of assault with intent to commit murder, MCL 750.83; torture, MCL 750.85; and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, MCL 750.349b. He was sentenced to concurrent terms of 20 to 40 years’ imprisonment for the assault with intent to commit murder conviction, 20 to 40 years for the torture conviction, and 8 to 15 years for each of the unlawful imprisonment convictions. Because there was sufficient evidence to convict a defendant of assault with intent to murder, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting expert testimony or allowing the late endorsement.

Read more about this Michigan criminal appeal here: Michigan Criminal Appeal – People of the State of Michigan v. Leon Finnie

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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.

Get Free Consultation & Initial Case Review

Time is critical in appeals—deadlines are strict and unforgiving. Let our Grand Rapids appellate attorneys evaluate your case at no cost and advise you on the strongest path forward.

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Read What Our Clients Says

Jerome Brown

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

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

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.

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