Daphne A. Burns represents clients in appeals and original actions in Oklahoma appellate courts.  She works with trial attorneys and/or parties to appeal trial court judgments or orders, or to defend them on appeal.  She has over two decades of experience in appeals before state and federal courts.  

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Why Hire an Appellate Attorney?

 

Attorneys who represent clients before state and federal appellate courts generally possess a unique set of skills different from that of trial attorneys.  For instance, whereas a trial attorney is often focused exclusively on the issues as presented at trial, an appellate attorney analyzes the case with a broader lens as well—with a view toward framing the issues in the context of current case law. 

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​A practicing appellate attorney also has a working knowledge of the appellate court rules, which informs their strategy.

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A good appellate attorney understands that there is an art to crafting solid, well-reasoned, and well-supported arguments that provide the bases for an appellate court's decision. 

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On a more subtle level, a good appellate attorney also understands the difference in dynamics between a courtroom trial and a paper record, and they draft appellate briefs with that in mind.

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A seasoned appellate attorney takes the time to write concise briefs—understanding the limits on the appellate court's resources.  

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​​Appellate work involves a discipline and manner of thinking different from that of trial work.  It is often advantageous to hire an appellate attorney to handle a case on appeal—or, at a minimum, to assist with drafting the briefs.   

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