Our Approach
Since Manning Fulton’s inception in 1952, our attorneys have handled appeals of trial court decisions to federal and state courts of appeal, including the Supreme Court of the United States, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Appeals require a different strategy than trial court litigation. The focus shifts from building the factual record to identifying legal errors, preserving key arguments, presenting persuasive written briefs, and advocating effectively before appellate judges. Manning Fulton’s appellate attorneys help clients evaluate the strength of an appeal, develop a clear strategy, and pursue or defend appellate matters with precision and care.
What We Do
Manning Fulton represents clients in appeals involving trial court decisions, administrative rulings, and second-level appeals. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage, from evaluating appeal rights and preserving issues, to briefing, oral argument, and post-appeal strategy.
Appeals in State and Federal Courts
Manning Fulton handles appeals before state and federal appellate courts. Our attorneys assist clients with challenging erroneous rulings, defending properly awarded judgments, and navigating the complex procedural rules that govern appellate review. Our appellate work includes matters before:
- North Carolina Court of Appeals;
• North Carolina Supreme Court;
• Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals; and
• The Supreme Court of the United States.
Appellate Strategy and Case Evaluation
Manning Fulton helps clients evaluate whether an appeal is appropriate and what strategy best serves the client’s legal and business objectives. Our attorneys assist with:
- Evaluating potential grounds for appeal;
• Assessing appellate risks and likelihood of success;
• Reviewing trial court records and rulings;
• Identifying legal errors and preserved, appealable issues;
• Navigating appellate deadlines and procedural requirements; and
• Developing strategy for pursuing or defending an appeal.
Appellate Briefing and Oral Argument
Effective appellate advocacy depends on clear legal writing and focused argument. Manning Fulton’s attorneys prepare persuasive appellate briefs designed to present complex legal issues in a clear, organized, and compelling way. Our work includes:
- Drafting appellate briefs;
• Filing motions and petitions;
• Compiling the Record on Appeal and developing appealable issues;
• Oral arguments; and
• Post-argument and post-decision matters.
Petitions, Writs, and Amicus Briefs
Manning Fulton assists clients with petitions, extraordinary writs, and amicus briefs when those tools are appropriate for the case or issue involved. Our attorneys assist with:
- Petitions for discretionary review;
• Petitions for writs of certiorari;
• Extraordinary writs;
• Amicus briefs;
• Strategic briefing on important legal issues; and
• Appellate support in cases with broader legal or industry significance.
Who We Serve
Manning Fulton represents clients involved in appellate matters across a wide range of disputes, including:
- Businesses appealing or defending trial court decisions;
• Individuals and companies involved in appeals of complex civil litigation;
• Clients seeking review before North Carolina appellate courts;
• Clients involved in federal appeals before the Fourth Circuit;
• Parties seeking petitions, writs, or discretionary appellate review;
• Organizations or interested parties seeking to file amicus briefs; and
• Clients facing appeals involving business, real estate, employment, insurance, commercial, or other civil disputes.
Partner With Manning Fulton
Whether you are considering appealing an erroneous ruling, defending a judgment, seeking discretionary review, or looking for other appellate support, Manning Fulton’s appellate attorneys are ready to help. We bring decades of litigation and appellate experience to matters in state and federal courts. Our attorneys focus on clear strategy, careful analysis, persuasive briefing, and effective advocacy because appellate litigation often turns on precision, timing, and the strength of the legal argument.
