Appellate Law
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 415 268 7000About
Provided by Morrison Foerster
Morrison & Foerster is at the forefront of appellate litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court, the federal courts of appeals, and state appellate courts. Our appellate team leverages its substantive and strategic expertise to take on some of the most challenging legal issues before the appellate courts. Our team takes full advantage of the firm’s vast platform that combines the expertise of attorneys across multiple specialties, including those in the firm’s highly ranked Intellectual Property practice.
The lawyers in our group specialize in appeals, spending the vast majority of their time in appellate courts. The practice is co-chaired by Deanne Maynard and Joe Palmore, both former Assistants to the Solicitor General; they collectively have argued 24 cases in the United States Supreme Court and dozens more in the federal courts of appeals. The group is also home to Miriam Vogel, a former Justice on the California Court of Appeal who is now among California’s most prominent and successful state court appellate practitioners.
We regularly represent major corporations, trade associations, and industry groups before the Supreme Court. We are skilled at presenting our clients' positions in a context that facilitates the Supreme Court's resolution of a broad legal issue presented, while also advancing our client's interests in the particular case. We are experienced at briefing and oral argument before the Supreme Court on the merits of cases, and also at the certiorari stage.
Chambers Review
Morrison Foerster houses a cadre of experienced appellate attorneys with significant governmental and state court judiciary experience. The firm's signature IP specialization is complemented by excellent capabilities in class action, antitrust and copyright matters. It is also highly active in pro bono work, with expertise in civil rights and wider public interest cases.
Work Highlights
- Morrison Foerster successfully represented Unilever in the Ninth Circuit, which affirmed the dismissal of a class action challenging the labeling of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!" spray.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They're really fantastic."
"I rate them very highly. They are phenomenal in IP work and excellent for appeals."
"MoFo provide a first-class service and they're the top of our list for the big cases."
"They have outstanding legal analysis, drafting skills and ability to handle oral arguments."
"MoFo does a good job constructing teams with a balance of lawyers at different levels which provides varied perspective. They have a track record of success."
"They're really fantastic."
"I rate them very highly. They are phenomenal in IP work and excellent for appeals."
"MoFo provide a first-class service and they're the top of our list for the big cases."
"They have outstanding legal analysis, drafting skills and ability to handle oral arguments."
"MoFo does a good job constructing teams with a balance of lawyers at different levels which provides varied perspective. They have a track record of success."
Notable Practitioners
Deanne Maynard is held in high esteem for her expert handling of appeals, being particularly noted for her deep experience in patent cases.
"Deanne is incredible."
"I cannot sing Deanne's praises too highly. Her work is excellent, her manner is exceptional and clients love her."
Joseph Palmore advises clients on a wide range of disputes, including bankruptcy, environmental law, ERISA and fiduciary duty matters, among others. He is experienced in representing clients before the federal courts of appeals as well as the US Supreme Court.
"He is an outstanding lawyer and legal advocate."
"He is well known for his calm and collected advocacy; he can address any issue and is unflappable."
"An experienced appellate litigator with strong written and oral advocacy skills."