Federal Appeals Lawyer | 10th Circuit Representation
Federal appeals are different from trials because courts decide them based on the existing record only. Therefore, they do not involve new witnesses or evidence. A federal appeals lawyer focuses on identifying and correcting errors made by the trial court. At Alderman Law Firm, we represent clients in the Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals and in the U.S. Supreme Court. We handle all kinds of federal appeals, including criminal, civil, and tax matters.
Appeals require a federal appellate lawyer trained to dissect the record, research legal issues, and frame arguments that persuade appellate judges. Attorney Kimberly Rufe brings advanced legal education, experience as a law professor, and 15 years of appellate experience to every case. As a result, clients benefit from strategic issue selection, persuasive writing, and client-centered representation.
Why Hire a Federal Appeals Lawyer?
Trial and appellate practice are not the same. For example, trial lawyers present evidence, examine witnesses, and build a factual record. Meanwhile, federal appellate lawyers work from that record to show how the law was applied incorrectly. And a specialized appellate lawyer will ensure your arguments are framed in the way appellate judges expect and greatly improves the chances of success.
Federal Criminal Appeals
We represent clients appealing federal convictions and sentences. In federal criminal appeals, you can raise arguments on evidentiary rulings, constitutional violations, procedural mistakes, and sentencing errors. Therefore, these cases require precise briefing and strict compliance with appellate rules.
Federal Civil Appeals
Civil appeals in federal court often involve significant stakes—real estate contracts, constitutional challenges, business disputes, or commercial litigation. We handle appeals seeking to overturn or defend judgments, focusing on targeted issues that have the strongest chances of success.
IRS and Tax Appeals
Adverse IRS or Tax Court decisions can result in lasting financial harm. For instance, deficiency notices, disallowed claims, or collection actions may all be challenged on appeal. By combining appellate experience with advanced tax education, we work to secure practical outcomes for individuals and businesses in appellate litigation with the IRS or state tax authorities.
U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) Petitions
In select cases, the next step is a petition for review by the United States Supreme Court. We prepare cert petitions, responses, and merits briefs when review is granted. However, the vast majority of cases in the U.S. Supreme Court are discretionary review of decisions from U.S. Courts of Appeals or highest state courts. And while Supreme Court review is rare, you need appellate counsel who understand the unique process and deadlines to maximize the chances of success.
Flat-Fee Options and Costs
We often are able to offer flat-fee arrangements for federal appeals. Specifically, we base flat fees on milestones and hold the funds in a COLTAF trust account until earned, in compliance with Colorado Rule 1.5(h). Moreover, clients often appreciate the predictability of flat-fee appeals rather than not knowing how much the appellate process is going to cost.
Experience and Credentials
Attorney Kimberly Alderman Rufe brings:
- Advanced legal education (LL.M. in Taxation in progress)
- Experience as a law professor
- A clerkship background
- 15 years of appellate experience
Together, these qualifications, combined with years of federal appellate practice, give clients confidence their case will be handled with the rigor the federal appeals courts expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a federal appeal take?
Circuit Courts of Appeals typically take 9–18 months from filing the Notice of Appeal to decision, sometimes longer, depending on the court’s docket and complexity of the case.
Can new evidence be introduced?
No, federal appeals courts decide cases solely on the existing trial record. Therefore, the court reviews whether the law was applied correctly, not whether new facts exist outside of the record.
Do you accept clients from outside Colorado?
Yes. In fact, we handle federal appeals for clients nationwide, especially in the Tenth Circuit but also in other Circuits. We also prepare Supreme Court petitions from any state supreme court or circuit court of appeals.
How much does a federal appeal cost?
Costs depend on record size and number of issues. Since appeals are time-intensive and require specialized expertise, with extensive and strict procedural rules, they can be expensive. Flat-fee arrangements, when feasible, provide certainty of cost. For example, a single-issue appeal with a standard record may cost around $10,000 in legal fees, while a complex federal appeal with an extensive trial record may exceed $40,000.
Contact Alderman Law Firm
If you need an experienced federal appeals attorney, contactn Kimberly Alderman Rufe at the Alderman Law Firm at 720-588-3529. We serve clients across Colorado and nationwide in federal appellate matters.