Best Appeals Lawyers in Denver and Boulder

Appeals are a very specialized area of law, with their own unique rules, standards of review, and particular briefing requirements. In Colorado, a trial court’s decision is most often appealed to the Colorado Court of Appeals (although in certain circumstances, matters can be appealed directly to the Colorado Supreme Court). After the Colorado Court of Appeals renders a decision, there is usually one more chance to appeal if you still feel it was the wrong decision—this time to the Colorado Supreme Court. The federal appellate process is similar, with appeals from the Colorado District Court going to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and, eventually, the United States Supreme Court.

Appellate courts are not a chance to “do it over.” Instead, they are courts that correct significant legal errors or examine the record—that is, the filings, the exhibits, and the testimony—to make sure the judge or jury’s decision is supported by the evidence. Generally, no new evidence can be presented on appeal. Because of this, appeals are very different from trials. In fact, many trial attorneys refuse to pursue cases on appeal because it is so different from typical litigation. If you are considering an appeal, it’s important to retain a lawyer who specializes in appellate practice.

To succeed on appeal, you need an appellate attorney who is well respected in the legal community. Belzer Law is a dedicated, professional, and successful appellate law firm—and if you need an attorney for your appeal, we invite you to contact us. 

However, if you choose to go with a different firm, it’s still important to us that you end up with someone who will serve you well. To that end, we have developed this list of some of the best appellate lawyers in Denver and Boulder for you to consider. We are not Avvo, FindLaw, or Justia—and lawyers do not pay us to be listed. We are former appellate clerks who have been in the Colorado legal community for a long time. These recommendations are based on our experience of practicing law in this jurisdiction. We hope this information helps you decide on the right attorney for your appeal.

1. Belzer Law

The attorneys of Belzer Law are not only familiar with appeals—we excel at them. Our attorneys have specialized, intimate knowledge of the appellate process because we are former appellate law clerks and have worked in chambers with judges in courts of appeals, discussed appellate cases with panels of appellate judges, and helped draft the very decisions those judges eventually issue. This unique experience of engaging in the appellate process gives our attorneys a considerable edge in evaluating, briefing, and defending appeals.

Belzer Law attorneys are consummate wordsmiths, carefully crafting persuasive and authoritative appellate briefs on behalf of our clients. Beyond writing winning appellate briefs (some of which have changed the law and changes decades of precedent in Colorado), our attorneys also have experience in presenting oral arguments in appellate courts—a feat that requires a deep knowledge of the trial record, a firm grasp of all legal issues, and a sharp mind to highlight the merits of the case with a panel of judges.

Belzer Law handles all types of appeals—civil, criminal, domestic relations, and administrative. Our attorneys are licensed in both state and federal appellate courts. If you are considering filing an appeal or if the other party has filed an appeal that you must defend, contact the lawyers at Belzer Law to help you identify potential appellate issues, discuss the costs and benefits of an appeal, and evaluate your appellate strategy.

2. Anne Gill

Anne is a remarkably accomplished and well-respected Colorado appellate attorney.  A former staff attorney at the Colorado Court of Appeals, she has tremendous experience in Colorado appellate practice, and she provides effective appellate representation.  Anne handles appeals from civil litigation and family law cases. 

3. Joel Pratt

Joel is another outstanding appellate attorney in Colorado.  He represents appellate clients in family law, juvenile law, civil, and probate cases. He has substantial experience in the Court of Appeals and has litigated cases addressing complex financial issues as well as sensitive child custody disputes in the trial and appellate courts.  I have co-counseled with Joel in the Court of Appeals and can attest to his excellent appellate work. 

4. Sharlene Aitken

Sharlene is an experienced and very reputable Colorado appellate attorney.  Her practice is focused exclusively on prosecuting and defending civil appeals.  Sharlene handles all aspects of civil appeals from post-trial motions or consulting on appellate issues in the District Court to handing the appeal with the Colorado Court of Appeals to petition for certiorari in the Colorado Supreme Court and back again for remand proceedings with the District Court.