EXPERIENCED
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL
APPELLATE ATTORNEYS
helping you navigate the complex process of Virginia appellate law
I’m Rachel Yates
I have over a decade of experience as an attorney, successfully representing clients in a wide variety of legal matters, but it is my passion for Virginia appeals that led me to start my own appellate law practice. Whether you are a client or trial counsel, I will work tirelessly to help you navigate the complexities of Virginia appellate law to receive the best possible outcome.
Meet Our Attorneys
We work collaboratively to provide you with the highest level of representation and service.
Rachel Yates
FOUNDER, LEAD APPELLATE COUNSEL
FOUNDER,
LEAD APPELLATE COUNSEL
I have over a decade of experience as an attorney, successfully representing clients in a wide variety of legal matters, but it is my passion for appeals that led me to start my own appellate law practice.
Oliver Ward
APPELLATE COUNSEL
After moving to the U.S. from the U.K., I served as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Virginia. This invaluable experience ignited my interest in appellate law and the art of strategic brief writing.
Rachel Yates
FOUNDER, LEAD APPELLATE COUNSEL
FOUNDER,
LEAD APPELLATE COUNSEL
I have over a decade of experience as an attorney, successfully representing clients in a wide variety of legal matters, but it is my passion for appeals that led me to start my own appellate law practice.
Jennifer McCarthy
Jen McCarthy
APPELLATE COUNSEL
As an appellate specialist, I bring over a decade of experience in litigation and appellate procedure. My diverse skill set allows me to approach legal matters from multiple, strategic angles.
Oliver Ward
APPELLATE COUNSEL
After moving to the U.S. from the U.K., I served as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Virginia. This invaluable experience ignited my interest in appellate law and the art of strategic brief writing.
Practice Areas & Services
This practice is exclusively devoted to appellate advocacy, offering the following custom services to clients and trial counsel.
Criminal Appeals
We are a team of former public defenders, law clerks and prosecutors. We’ve handled numerous appeals in the criminal appeals section of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Because of these experiences, we’re able to bring a unique perspective to criminal litigation—one that encompasses all sides of the justice system. In addition to serving as appellate counsel, we can assist clients and trial counsel during each stage of the trial process to ensure all issues are ripe for review.
Civil Appeals
We’ve worked as an in-house counsel for organizations that generate over a billion dollars in revenue each year. We’ve handled a variety of civil and administrative legal issues and successfully appealed improper circuit court judgments. We may assist with any matter before the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Virginia. These types of cases are examples of civil matters we can assist with: Personal Injury, Family Law, Administrative Process Matters, Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estate Law, Insurance Law.
Consulting
If your case would benefit from assistance with an experienced appellate lawyer, we can provide our services on an hourly basis. Some trial counsel would like to keep their appeal and simply want appellate counsel to assist as-needed. We can take on as much as you’d like—from motions drafting and review of your briefs to answering questions and providing substantive advice. Typical consulting work includes: Brief Writing, Research, Consultations & Advice, Moot Courts.
Embedded Appellate Counsel
In today’s legal climate, it’s important all issues are prepared for appellate review even before trial begins. We can function as an embedded appellate counsel and work alongside trial lawyers at any stage of litigation—before, during, after trial, and on appeal. Embedded appellate counsel can draft pretrial motions, provide objection scripts, review motions to strike and jury instructions, and otherwise ensure that the correct result is reached by future appellate courts.
Feedback From Clients
Let’s Talk
Our practice operates virtually with physical conference space available in Richmond, Virginia, if needed. This format allows us to offer our appellate legal services statewide at reasonable rates, while clients connect with us from the convenience of their home or office.
To schedule a consultation, provide your contact info below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
