Department profile
Goodwin Procter LLP

Appellate Law

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Goodwin Procter LLP

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About

Provided by Goodwin Procter LLP

Our Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation team argues cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, all 13 U.S. courts of appeals, and state appellate courts. We handle complex motions at the trial level and bring actions against state and federal governments challenging laws, regulations, and agency actions.

Eight members of our team clerked at the U.S. Supreme Court and many have clerked on federal courts of appeals or state supreme courts, or held positions with U.S. Office of the Solicitor General. Five Goodwin partners have collectively argued more than 20 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including some of the most high-profile intellectual-property cases of the past decade. Our ERISA and patent appellate teams are among the best in the business.

We work closely with litigation teams in the trial courts, ensuring the development of trial records that will maximize the potential for success in appeals.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Appellate Law - USA - Nationwide

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
Goodwin's appellate practice employs the firm's signature strengths in acting for technology and life sciences clients when appearing intellectual property appeals before the Supreme Court, Federal Circuit and beyond. The group offers wider capabilities in criminal law issues and regulatory challenges.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Goodwin represented Hugo Monsalvo Velázquez before the US Supreme Court in an immigration case addressing the calculation of statutory filing deadlines. The Court resolved a circuit split by holding that a voluntary‑departure deadline falling on a weekend or legal holiday extends to the next business day, reversing the Tenth Circuit’s contrary ruling.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Goodwin team stands out not only for its substantive excellence, but also for the collaborative spirit they bring to everything they do.

    Appellate Law respondentUSA

  • They're incredibly talented and spot the issues. They're both highly intelligent and incredible writers, plus they're very practical. They have been great partners.

    Appellate Law respondentUSA

  • They combine a deep knowledge of appellate practice, including the procedure, their familiarity with courts and judges, and their persuasive advocacy, with an ability to distill issues to their lean core. They are creative thinkers and collaborate effectively and willingly with co-counsel.

    Appellate Law respondentUSA

  • Goodwin is one of our go-to law firms, really our first-choice firm, for life sciences issues. Their strengths are their industry expertise and their top-notch written and oral advocacy skills. They know the life sciences industry, including how our companies really operate.

    Appellate Law respondentUSA

  • They provide really very high-quality work product and clear thinking, keeping their eye on the ball of what the appellate court is going to do. The whole team give practical, actionable advice – not just the theory, but the actual thought process and practicality. We find that super helpful.

    Appellate Law respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • William M Jay
    William M Jay

    William M Jay

    William Jay has a wealth of experience acting for clients in the Supreme Court and wider federal appellate courts, with particular expertise in IP matters.

    • He combines an incredible degree of smarts with practicality and intuition. He knows what appeals to judges. The unusual combination of his disarmingly non-confrontational, charming style with unbelievable IQ and hard work makes him unstoppable.

      Appellate Law respondentUSA

    • He's the epitome of what a lawyer should be – calm, incredibly good on his feet and can familiarize himself with technicals very quickly.

      Appellate Law respondentUSA

    • Willy Jay is probably the best appellate lawyer I've ever worked with. He's fantastic and crystal-clear in his briefs. He's got us amazing results.

      Appellate Law respondentUSA

    • Willy is the premier appellate lawyer in the life sciences industry.

      Appellate Law respondentUSA
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  • Jaime Santos
    Jaime Santos

    Jaime Santos

    Jaime Santos is frequently engaged on state and federal appellate matters, with notable expertise in handling ERISA and IP disputes.

    • She provides strategic advice on matters, offering valuable insights on issues where her expertise is uniquely aligned.

      Appellate Law respondentUSA

    • Jaime is a brilliant lawyer and talented advocate, and she also keeps close watch on the Supreme Court and other key appellate courts, enabling her to advise her clients on the best strategy.

      Appellate Law respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Goodwin Procter LLP (2)

USA - Nationwide

Members

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