Appellate Support for Litigation
- Award-Winning Law Firm
- State & Federal Court Experience
- Experienced MN Litigators
- Serving Minnesota Since 2003
Appellate Counsel for Trial Attorneys
The strongest appeals often begin long before a notice of appeal is filed. Burns & Hansen works alongside trial attorneys throughout Minnesota, providing appellate guidance during litigation, after trial, and throughout the appellate process. Whether you want another perspective on a significant legal issue, assistance with post-trial strategy, or appellate counsel after a verdict, our attorneys can serve as a strategic resource at every stage of the case.
Why Burns & Hansen for Appellate Support
When you work with Burns & Hansen, you benefit from:
- A dedicated appellate team that regularly works alongside trial counsel before, during, and after trial.
- Attorneys who collaborate with trial counsel in complex civil and criminal matters.
- Experience spotting appellate issues while the case is still developing.
- Extensive appellate experience before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
- Flexible representation tailored to your role, whether you want appellate consultation, co-counsel, or full appellate representation.
- Direct access to experienced appellate attorneys throughout the litigation and appellate process.
Common Situations We Can Help With
You may benefit from appellate support during litigation if you're looking to:
- Identify issues that may become important on appeal.
- Evaluate complex legal questions before or during trial.
- Prepare or respond to significant motions.
- Assess how rulings and evidence may affect later appellate review.
- Add appellate counsel before or after trial.
- Handle briefing, oral argument, or other appellate proceedings.
- Collaborate with appellate attorneys while remaining lead trial counsel.
- Address another appellate concern during litigation, or aren't sure whether appellate counsel could add value to your case. Contact Burns & Hansen to discuss your situation with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is appellate support during litigation?
Appellate support involves bringing an appellate attorney into a case before an appeal is filed. The appellate attorney may assist trial counsel with significant legal questions, motions, potential appellate issues, post-trial proceedings, or other matters that could affect later review.
When should appellate counsel become involved?
There is no single right time. Appellate counsel may become involved before trial, during significant motions or rulings, after a verdict, or once an appeal is underway. Earlier involvement can be useful when a case presents legal questions likely to affect later appellate review.
Do I have to refer my client to Burns & Hansen?
No. We regularly work alongside trial attorneys as appellate counsel while trial counsel remains actively involved in the representation.
Can Burns & Hansen assist with post-trial motions?
Yes. We assist trial attorneys with post-trial motions, appellate strategy, and other matters that may determine which arguments are available if the case proceeds to appeal.
Can Burns & Hansen handle only the appeal?
Yes. We frequently become involved after a judgment has been entered to handle the appellate process while coordinating with trial counsel as needed.
What role does the trial court record play in an appeal?
The appellate court generally reviews what occurred in the trial court rather than receiving a new presentation of the evidence. The rulings, objections, motions, exhibits, testimony, and other materials developed during litigation can therefore have a significant effect on the arguments available on appeal.
Speak With an Appellate Attorney
Whether you're preparing for trial, evaluating post-trial strategy, or handling an appeal, Burns & Hansen can provide appellate support that complements your litigation team. Contact Burns & Hansen to discuss how we can assist with your case.






