Minneapolis Appeals Attorneys
- Award-Winning Law Firm
- State & Federal Court Experience
- Experienced MN Litigators
- Serving Minnesota Since 2003
Minnesota Appeals Attorneys
A trial court's decision is not always the final word.
If you believe a legal error affected the outcome of your case—or if the other side has appealed a favorable decision—experienced appellate counsel can make a meaningful difference. Appeals are different from trials. Rather than presenting new evidence, appellate courts review the trial court's decisions to determine whether legal errors justify reversing or modifying the outcome.
Burns & Hansen is home to one of the largest and most experienced appellate practices in Minnesota. We represent individuals, businesses, and trial counsel in civil and criminal appeals before Minnesota and federal appellate courts, and we regularly become involved before an appeal is filed to identify potential appellate issues while the case is still before the trial court.
Civil Appeals
Appealing judgments and court decisions involving businesses, contracts, real estate, employment, probate, and other civil matters.
Family Law Appeals
Helping clients challenge or defend family court decisions involving divorce, custody, parenting time, support, and property division.
State Appeals
Representing clients before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court in civil and criminal matters.
Federal Appeals
Handling appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and other federal appellate courts.
Litigation Support
Working alongside trial counsel to preserve issues, strengthen the record, and position cases for a successful appeal.
Why Choose Burns & Hansen for Appeals
When you work with Burns & Hansen, you benefit from:
- One of the largest and most experienced appellate practices in Minnesota.
- Experience before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Minnesota Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
- Attorneys who regularly handle both civil and criminal appeals in state and federal courts.
- Attorneys who understand that many appeals are won or lost during trial, when the issues that can be raised on appeal are often established.
- Appellate counsel who can become involved before an appeal is filed to evaluate how trial-court decisions may affect a future appeal.
- A collaborative resource for trial attorneys seeking appellate strategy, post-trial motion support, or appellate representation.
- Direct access to experienced appellate attorneys throughout your matter.
Common Situations We Can Help With
You may benefit from appellate counsel if you're trying to:
- Determine whether you have grounds to appeal a trial court decision.
- Respond after the opposing party has filed an appeal.
- Challenge a jury verdict, judgment, or court order.
- Appeal a civil judgment, criminal conviction, or administrative decision.
- Preserve important legal issues during trial for a possible appeal.
- Evaluate whether legal errors affected the outcome of your case.
- Add experienced appellate counsel to an ongoing litigation team.
- Understand appellate deadlines before your right to appeal expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a trial and an appeal?
A trial determines the facts of a case through witnesses, evidence, and testimony. An appeal reviews the trial court's legal decisions to determine whether errors affected the outcome. Appeals do not involve new evidence or new witnesses.
Can I appeal just because I disagree with the judge or jury?
Usually not. An appeal must generally identify a legal error that affected the outcome of the case. An unfavorable result alone is not enough.
How long do I have to file an appeal in Minnesota?
Appellate deadlines vary depending on the type of case and the court involved. Some deadlines are relatively short, and missing them may permanently waive your right to appeal. Speaking with an appellate attorney as soon as possible is important.
Can I hire a different attorney just for my appeal?
Yes. Many clients retain appellate counsel after trial, and Burns & Hansen also works alongside trial attorneys to provide appellate strategy and representation.
Can Burns & Hansen help before an appeal is filed?
Yes. We frequently become involved during or immediately after trial to help preserve appellate issues, assist with post-trial motions, and evaluate potential appellate strategies.
What happens if the other side appeals a case I won?
An appeal does not automatically change the outcome of your case, but it does require a response. We represent clients defending favorable judgments and work to preserve the result achieved in the trial court.
Speak With a Minnesota Appeals Attorney
If you're considering an appeal or responding to one, time matters. Burns & Hansen can help you evaluate whether an appeal is available, explain the issues involved, and discuss the next steps before important deadlines pass. Contact Burns & Hansen to speak with an experienced appellate attorney.
