Honea Lee Lewis IV

I brief and argue select cases to the Washington and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal.

Trial attorneys and appellate attorneys are, at their core, highly-skilled persuaders. But a great trial lawyer and an effective appellate advocate rarely exist in the same body. The reason is simple: the rhetorical tools used at trial to persuade a fact-finder are far different from those necessary to persuade a panel of appellate judges.

While good trial lawyers are adept at ferreting out information through discovery, examining witnesses and making spontaneous tactical decisions in court, an appellate lawyer must be especially talented in persuasive writing. On appeal, the focus shifts from developing facts to mastering the record, researching legal principles, understanding subtle distinctions and emerging legal trends, exploring creative analogies, and guiding policy considerations that shape the law, and then assembling everything in a concise, persuasively written brief. Too many trial lawyers fail to make this adjustment. Indeed, too many trial lawyers do not even realize that an adjustment is required—to the detriment of their clients.

Trial lawyers have busy schedules: court appearances, depositions, discovery, client meetings, travel. The day-to-day life of a trial lawyer leaves little time for the thoughtful reflection, exhaustive research, and precise, persuasive writing that effective appellate representation requires. I focus my practice on what I do best: briefing and arguing to the Washington and Ninth Circuit appellate courts. If you are a Washington trial attorney facing an appeal, I can help.