About Daniel J. Koes

California Civil Appellate Lawyer

Daniel J. Koes provides clients and trial counsel with effective legal strategy, analysis and advocacy in their most demanding and important cases. His clients depend on him when the stakes are high and the legal questions are on the cutting edge.

Of course, winning at the trial court level is extremely important for the individual plaintiff and defendant. But it has little impact beyond those specific players because the law--often affecting the entire future of an industry--is made by the legislature and by the appellate courts. Published opinions are extremely important because trial courts considering similar issues in future cases are required to abide by the law as stated in published cases.

Clients and trial counsel are encouraged to think about the eventual appeal from the first day of pre-trial work so the trial can be structured to support any eventual appeal. Once a client has decided to invest in an appeal, Koes will file the documents necessary to perfect the appeal, determine strategy, prepare briefs, present oral argument and prepare post-opinion submissions. He is called upon for the following types of services:

• Pre-trial, trial and post-trial pleadings and law and motion:
  Jury instructions should be reviewed before the complaint is drafted and throughout the litigation. To be preserved for appeal, a variety of issues must be raised in the trial court.
  
• Ghost-writing
  When clients and trial counsel make a strategic decision not to let their opponent know that they have retained appellate counsel, Koes works behind the scenes and his name does not appear on the trial pleadings or appellate briefs.
• Emergency legal proceedings
  To preserve the status quo pending resolution of a critical issue, the need to file an emergency motion often arises in the trial and appellate courts.
• Amicus curiae briefs
  Known as "friends of the court," appellate court briefs filed by amici curiae weigh in on momentous legal and public policy issues.
• Interlocutory appeals
  An appeal from an interim court ruling before the trial has concluded (e.g., disqualification, anti-SLAPP and class certification issues).
• Writs
  Appellate court review of interim trial court rulings that are not directly appealable are sought by filing a petition for writ of mandate or prohibition.
  
• Evaluating the merits and chances of success on appeal
• Reviewing and perfecting appeals
• Appellate briefs
• Oral argument
• Rehearing petitions
  A petition filed in the appellate court after the issuance of its opinion.
• Petitions for review
  A petition filed in the California Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeal's decision.
• Consultation at the trial and appellate level
• General advice on appellate and trial matters

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you are seeking an appellate attorney to handle an appeal--whether in state or federal court--contact Daniel J. Koes to discuss the range of his services and how he may be able to assist. Call 310-400-5898 to schedule a free consultation or contact him via email.

NOTE: Use of the Internet for communications with Daniel J. Koes will not establish an attorney-client relationship and messages containing confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent.