If you lost a case on the trial court level, you may be able to ask the appellate court to review the decision. You must be an aggrieved individual to qualify for an appeal. If the trial court makes a decision that is not in your favor, and this will affect your legal rights or cost you money, you can work with your lawyer to file an appeal. Hiring an appeals lawyer can be important if your current attorney does not handle appeals. Filing a claim with the appellate court is an entirely different process than the initial trial. Use a lawyer with experience with appeals for your best odds of success.
You will have a limited time in which to file an appeal – usually 30 days from receiving the trial court’s decision. You or your lawyer must file the initial Notice of Appeal document by your deadline. You may receive an extension to file if your California Trial attorney files a timely motion requesting a new trial, asking to vacate the judgment, asking for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict or asking to reconsider an appealable order. Although it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer for an appeal, it could significantly help you with the legal process.