Federal Civil Appeals Lawyer | Colorado & 10th Circuit

Decoding Federal Civil Appeals: Strategic Counsel with Alderman Law Firm
Whether you’re seeking to reverse an adverse judgment or defend a favorable one, a federal civil appeal demands a distinct approach. At Alderman Law Firm, we represent clients in appeals across the 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th Circuits. Our federal appellate work emphasizes precision, clarity, and results.

What Is a Civil Appeal?

In a federal civil appeal, a litigant asks the Court of Appeals to review a final decision by the trial court. Appellate courts do not re-weigh evidence or hear new testimony. Instead, they review the trial record for legal or procedural errors, applying standards such as abuse of discretion or de novo review depending on the issue.

What’s the Process After Filing a Notice of Appeal

  1. Notice of Appeal — the first step is filing within the strict deadline from the trial court’s final judgment.

  2. Designation of Record — selecting the transcripts, pleadings, and exhibits that will go to the appellate court.

  3. Briefing Schedule — once record is filed, the federal court sets deadlines for opening, response, and reply briefs.

  4. Oral Argument (if granted) — optional; sometimes the court decides on the briefs.

  5. Potential Certiorari — if the Court of Appeals issues a decision, a petition to SCOTUS is sometimes filed, though most are denied.

If the appeal is denied, you may seek Supreme Court review, though only a small fraction of petitions succeed. SCOTUS looks for cases that raise major legal conflicts or systemic importance.

What Alderman Law Firm Can Do for You

Because roughly nine in ten appeals result in affirmance, exceptional precision is essential. Your briefs must spotlight the strongest issues and present them persuasively. At Alderman Law Firm, we:

  • Review your case record to identify appealable issues

  • Draft elegant, technically sound opening and reply briefs

  • Ensure compliance with all formatting, citation, and procedural rules

  • Prepare for oral argument if granted

  • File petitions for rehearing or certiorari if appropriate

Our goal is not just to argue — it is to maximize your chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reintroduce evidence on appeal?
No. Appeals are limited to the trial record only; you may argue that the record was inadequately preserved, but you cannot introduce new facts.

How long do federal civil appeals take?
Typically 12–18 months, depending on circuit, complexity, and court backlog.

Do you accept clients outside Colorado?
Yes. We represent clients nationwide in federal civil appeals, especially in the 10th Circuit and for Supreme Court petitions.

How do your fees work?
In many cases, we offer flat-fee arrangements with milestone billing. Fees are held in trust, released only as each phase is completed. Contact us for a personalized estimate.

Serving You Across Jurisdictions

While based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Alderman Law Firm handles federal civil appeals across the 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th Circuits and assists with Supreme Court petitions. We bring appellate-level experience to clients regardless of geography.

Contact Alderman Law Firm

If you need experienced representation for a federal civil appeal, contact Alderman Law Firm at 720-588-3529. We provide strategic appellate advocacy with clear, client-centered communication.