Writs, Motions, & Appeals

McCune Law Group (MLG) is co-counseling with law firms in need of specialized appellate and law and motion support. Our seasoned attorneys collaborate with trial counsel to provide specialized appellate law expertise, ensuring no legal stone is left unturned when the stakes are at their highest. The influence of the written word in legal practice has never been stronger than it is now. Overburdened courts are shortening hearings or dispensing with them altogether. Instead, they are relying on the parties’ briefs to educate them about the case and guide their judgments. Since courts may confront dozens of briefs a day, they look to attorneys to provide them what they need to know in an efficient, powerful, and organized way. 

Expert Strategic Support 

Despite their best efforts, sometimes courts still get it wrong. At that point, a case may benefit from a new pair of eyes – lawyers who have years of experience analyzing and preparing cases for appellate courts. In such situations, it’s crucial to bring in experienced appeals lawyers who can offer a fresh perspective and deep knowledge of appellate procedure. Our appellate attorneys work seamlessly with trial teams to identify and address errors made during trial, improving the chances of reversal or modification on appeal. 

Proven Success in Appellate and Written Advocacy 

Since our founding in 2007, MLG has built a reputation for excellence in written advocacy. Our team of more than 20 lawyers has successfully briefed and argued appellate cases at every level of the judiciary, including the United States Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the California Court of Appeal, and trial courts throughout the country. We’ve handled a wide range of lawsuits, from high-profile class actions to product liability matters and consumer protection cases. 

Whether you’re appealing a dismissed lawsuit, defending a favorable verdict, or challenging procedural errors at trial, our appellate attorneys can deliver the strategic insight and compelling arguments necessary for success.  

If you have a complex motion or appeal, our team can help maximize your odds of success. Call us today at (909) 757-1812 or fill out our online form.

Accepting cases on a contingency basis, our appellate lawyers are available to handle: 

  • Appeals for cases dismissed as a result of dispositive judgments (motions to dismiss, summary judgments, anti-SLAPP motions)
  • Appeals defending substantial trial verdicts
  • Appeals for cases lost at trial due to improper court rulings
  • Complex dispositive motions

Writs, Motions, & Appeals practice group leader Steven Haskins has specialized in written advocacy since he began practicing law in 2005. Before joining MLG as partner in 2019, Mr. Haskins drafted appeal briefs for cases before the U.S Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the California Court of Appeals, and various other appellate courts around the United States. He has also drafted amicus curiae briefs for the U.S. and California Supreme Courts and the Central District of California. In addition to his appellate practice, Mr. Haskins maintains a robust trial court practice, where he specializes in complex litigation and class action practice. 

As both an appellate attorney and seasoned litigator, Mr. Haskins provides a rare combination of strategic insight and practical courtroom experience. His leadership helps ensure that every lawsuit MLG touches, whether at trial or on appeal, is positioned for the best possible outcome. 

MLG Representative Cases 

MLG’s class action and product liability practices have always depended on the success of its written advocacy. As a result, MLG has established a strong team of attorneys, some of whom have clerked for judges and all of whom have developed and demonstrated expertise in legal research and writing to maximize our clients’ and our co-counsel’s clients’ chances for success. 

MLG’s representative cases include: 

  • Gutierrez v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A 
    Ninth Circuit affirmed a $203 million trial verdict holding that bank wrongly charged overdraft fees to consumers.
  • Varela v. Lamps Plus 
    Ninth Circuit affirmed the trial court‘s order denying the Defendant’s motion to compel arbitration and to enforce class waiver. The Ninth Circuit’s order was taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court where MLG partner Michele Vercoski briefed and argued the case. The U.S. Supreme Court followed the trend of enforcing arbitration clauses and reversed the Ninth Circuit.
  • Bennett v. Filter Recycling Services
    Successfully obtained the dismissal of an appeal from a bankruptcy court’s order of remand to the state court.
  • Cooper v. State Farm Mutual Insurance 
    California Court of Appeal affirmed trial court’s determination that insurance company was responsible for destroying evidence.
  • Eastman Kodak Co., et al. v. Henry Bath, LLC, et al. 
    Second Circuit reversed summary judgment issued by the trial court in an antitrust MDL.
  • Elite Logistics Inc. v. Hanjin Shipping Co., 2014 WL 4654383 
    Ninth Circuit affirmed district court’s order denying petition to compel arbitration based on unconscionability of arbitration clause and successfully opposed defendant’s subsequent petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.
  • Elite Logistics Inc. v. Wan Hai Lines (America) Ltd. 
    California Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s ruling that MLG’s client was subject to binding arbitration on grounds of unconscionability.
  • Tostado v. City of Lake Havasu 
    Arizona Court of Appeals reversed trial court’s issuance of summary judgment against client on grounds that municipality could not claim absolute immunity and material issues of triable fact existed on the merits.
  • Lusnak v. Bank of America, N.A. 
    Ninth Circuit reversed trial court’s dismissal ultimately resulted in a $35 million settlement and change of the bank’s overdraft practices.
  • Lowry v. Johnson Marine 
    California Court of Appeal affirmed a $4.28 million trial verdict in a boating product liability action. 

Call McCune Law Group at (909) 345-8110, or fill out our online form, to see how we can assist you with your motion or appeal.