EXPERIENCED
CRIMINAL AND CIVIL
APPELLATE ATTORNEYS

helping you navigate the complex process of Virginia appellate law

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RYL_01_032824

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.

Ryan Weir

APPELLATE COUNSEL

I approach every legal question as a puzzle, scrutinizing every angle until the answer is revealed. A decade of litigation and 100+ briefs have sharpened this instinct—and led me to appellate law.

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.

A Reputation Built on Excellence

VIRGINIA
VIRGINIA

Yates Appellate Law began with a clear mission in April 2024:  Provide the highest level of advocacy for every client. In a short time, we have made a significant mark across the state—earning the respect of our peers and, most importantly, the trust of our clients.

AWARDS
  • Recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America 
  • Named to the “2025 Legal Elite” by Virginia Business
  • Honored with the Virginia Lawyers Weekly “2026 Influential Women of the Law” award 
TESTIMONIALS

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.

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