A trial verdict feels final. But trial courts make mistakes, and appellate courts exist to correct them. Whether the error involved improper jury instructions, inadmissible evidence, incorrect application of law, or abuse of discretion, appeals provide opportunity to challenge unfavorable outcomes and obtain new trials, reduced sentences, or reversed judgments.
Texas has one of the most complex appellate systems in the country. Fourteen intermediate Courts of Appeals handle initial appeals from trial courts. The Texas Supreme Court reviews civil matters while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals handles criminal cases. Federal appeals from Texas proceed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Each court has distinct rules, procedures, and judicial tendencies that experienced appellate attorneys understand.
What Appellate Attorneys Handle
Criminal Appeals
Criminal appeals challenge convictions and sentences based on errors during trial. Common grounds include ineffective assistance of counsel, improper admission or exclusion of evidence, erroneous jury instructions, prosecutorial misconduct, and insufficient evidence to support conviction. Appellate attorneys review trial records to identify preserved errors, brief legal arguments, and present oral arguments before appellate panels. Successful appeals can result in reversed convictions, new trials, or modified sentences.
Civil Appeals
Civil appeals challenge judgments in business disputes, personal injury cases, family law matters, real estate controversies, and other non-criminal litigation. Appellate attorneys evaluate whether the trial court correctly applied the law, whether sufficient evidence supported the verdict, and whether proper procedures were followed. They draft appellate briefs presenting legal arguments and respond to opposing parties’ briefs. Civil appeals can reverse judgments, remand cases for new trials, or modify damage awards.
Post-Conviction Relief
Beyond direct appeals, criminal defendants may pursue post-conviction remedies including habeas corpus petitions. These proceedings allow challenges based on constitutional violations, newly discovered evidence, or other grounds that weren’t available during direct appeal. Texas has specific procedures under Article 11.07 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for state habeas petitions.
Original Proceedings
Appellate courts have original jurisdiction over certain matters including mandamus petitions seeking to compel trial court action and prohibition writs seeking to prevent trial court action. These extraordinary remedies address trial court errors that cannot wait for post-judgment appeal.
How to Choose an Appellate Attorney
Appellate focus. Appellate practice requires different skills than trial work. Choose attorneys who concentrate on appeals rather than trial attorneys who occasionally handle them.
Specific court experience. Different appellate courts have different procedures and judicial philosophies. Ensure your attorney has experience in the relevant court, whether state intermediate courts, the Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, or federal appellate courts.
Briefing strength. Appeals are largely won or lost on written briefs. Review sample briefs or ask about the attorney’s appellate writing background.
Timing awareness. Appellate deadlines are strict and often cannot be extended. Engage appellate counsel early, ideally before trial concludes, to ensure proper preservation of issues and timely filing.
Texas Appellate Attorneys
Jackson Walker LLP
Location: Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio (statewide)
Website: https://www.jw.com
Phone: (713) 752-4200
Jackson Walker’s appellate practice has earned Tier 1 national ranking in Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers since 2020, with Tier 1 metropolitan rankings in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston. Seventeen attorneys are recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Practice. The team includes attorneys who have clerked for justices, served on the Texas Supreme Court Rules Committee, and held positions on the Board of Disciplinary Appeals and Texas Judicial Council. Former Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht of the Texas Supreme Court recently joined the firm as a partner.
Practice Focus: Civil appeals in state and federal courts, bet-the-company litigation appeals, constitutional issues, administrative law appeals, insurance disputes, condemnation and eminent domain, class action appeals, original proceedings including mandamus
Clouthier Law
Location: The Woodlands, Texas (Houston area)
Website: https://www.clouthierlaw.com
Phone: (346) 443-4300
Lead attorney Susan J. Clouthier, a 2007 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, focuses entirely on appellate law. The firm represents clients in criminal, civil, and family law appeals in Texas state courts and federal courts including the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. The practice handles bankruptcy appeals and post-conviction matters including habeas corpus petitions. The firm emphasizes accessibility, ensuring clients have direct contact with their appellate attorney.
Practice Focus: Criminal appeals and post-conviction relief, civil appeals, family law appeals, federal appeals in multiple circuits, bankruptcy appeals, original proceedings, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals matters
Law Office of Niles Illich, Ph.D., J.D.
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth area
Website: https://appealstx.com
Phone: (972) 204-5452
Attorney Niles Illich served as a briefing attorney for a Justice on the First Court of Appeals in Houston before entering private appellate practice. This judicial experience provides insight into how appellate courts evaluate cases and reach decisions. The practice handles both criminal and civil appeals, representing clients convicted of crimes ranging from DWI to murder and civil litigants seeking to protect or challenge trial court judgments.
Practice Focus: Criminal appeals including aggravated robbery, sexual assault, DWI, and murder cases, civil appeals, commercial law disputes, family law appeals, business dispute appeals
Costs and Fees
Appellate representation typically involves flat fees or hourly billing depending on case complexity. Simple criminal appeals with limited issues might cost $5,000 to $15,000. Complex civil appeals with substantial records and multiple issues often cost $25,000 to $75,000 or more. Federal appeals typically involve higher fees reflecting more extensive procedural requirements. Post-conviction matters like habeas petitions vary widely based on complexity. Initial consultations to evaluate appellate options typically cost $200 to $500, though some firms offer free case evaluations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an appeal?
In Texas criminal cases, notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing or entry of the appealable order. Civil appeals generally require notice within 30 days of judgment, though some deadlines are shorter. Federal appeal deadlines vary but often require notice within 30 to 60 days. Missing these deadlines typically forfeits the right to appeal, so engage appellate counsel immediately after an adverse ruling.
Can new evidence be presented on appeal?
Generally, no. Appellate courts review the record created in the trial court and do not consider new evidence. This makes preserving objections and evidence at trial critical. Post-conviction proceedings like habeas corpus may allow consideration of newly discovered evidence in limited circumstances.
Should I use my trial attorney for the appeal?
Often, no. Appellate work requires different skills than trial advocacy. Fresh perspective from an appellate specialist may identify issues trial counsel missed. Additionally, one common appellate argument involves ineffective assistance of trial counsel, which creates obvious conflicts if the same attorney handles both. Many appellate courts and experienced practitioners recommend separate appellate representation.
This directory provides general information about appellate attorneys in Texas. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Appeals involve strict deadlines and complex procedures. Consult directly with a qualified appellate attorney about your specific situation.
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, endorsement, or recommendation of any attorney or law firm. Information about attorneys and law firms was compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current or accurate. We make no representations or warranties about the qualifications, experience, or quality of any attorney listed. Fee estimates are approximations only and actual costs may vary significantly. Always verify attorney credentials with the State Bar of Texas, confirm current contact information, and conduct your own due diligence before hiring legal counsel. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this directory.