Litigation: Appellate
USA Guide 2024 : California
Band 2
About
Provided by Complex Appellate Litigation Group LLP
The Complex Appellate Litigation Group LLP is one of the nation's leading appellate specialty boutiques, with more than two-dozen award-winning appellate attorneys and former appellate court law clerks. The firm has no associates, so every one of its lawyers has at least a decade of experience taking on high-stakes appellate matters for businesses, governments, organizations, and individuals. The firm has a nationwide appellate practice, with special expertise in California and the Ninth Circuit.
Recently, the firm:
- obtained vacatur of a $36.5 million jury verdict against a mechanical engineering corporation sued in a wrongful death action;
- achieved victory for a large insurance company in a $29 million appeal involving defamation and invasion of privacy claims;
- won a complete victory across five separate, related appeals totaling more than $13.5 million, in a contract and tort dispute between business founders;
- and successfully defended on appeal an intellectual property judgment in favor of one of the world’s leading technology firms.
The firm is currently representing a European conglomerate in a contract and tort appeal with more than $100 million at stake, a large insurer in a precedential COVID-related coverage appeal in the California Supreme Court, a Fortune 500 company in an appeal arising from litigation over the largest-ever female-driven Ponzi scheme, and many more. The firm also often embeds its experts on trial teams.
Chambers Review
Complex Appellate Litigation Group is a distinguished appellate boutique that acts for an impressive client base of major corporates, midmarket companies and individuals in complex appeals. The firm appears regularly before the California state courts and the Ninth Circuit.
Work Highlights
- Complex Appellate Litigation Group represented Apple in California's Sixth District Court of Appeal, in a consumer class action alleging that Apple App Store products constituted an “unfair” business practice under California’s Unfair Competition Law.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The service level at this firm is first rate. I have never had a problem with responsiveness. All of my cases have been handled in a diligent and responsive manner."
"They were very responsive and were willing to take the time to explain complex issues."
"Their team is sophisticated and can handle even the most complex of appellate litigation issues and situations."
"The service level at this firm is first rate. I have never had a problem with responsiveness. All of my cases have been handled in a diligent and responsive manner."
"They were very responsive and were willing to take the time to explain complex issues."
"Their team is sophisticated and can handle even the most complex of appellate litigation issues and situations."
Notable Practitioners
Mary-Christine Sungaila maintains a well-regarded and broad appellate practice, with recent experience in employment, trademark and immigration matters.
"MC was great to work with and was able to synthesize and understand our very complex litigation situation very well. I would not hesitate to recommend MC."
"She is a top-notch lawyer, with a deep understanding of successful arguments."
Rex Heinke is a highly regarded and well-respected veteran of state and federal appellate court disputes. He has impressive experience in acting for large international corporations across a range of sectors, as well as representing individuals.
"Rex is a consummate professional with a depth of experience which is largely unmatched in the legal market."
"He was always available to explain the issues."
Brian Sutherland is an experienced appellate litigator, with a strong track record in appearing before federal appellate courts on behalf of both individual and corporate clients.
"He is adaptable, hard-working, and extremely smart."
"Brian is a clear thinker, he's diligent and he makes persuasive arguments."
"He's a pleasure to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Complex Appellate Litigation Group LLP
California
Members
Provided by Complex Appellate Litigation Group LLP
Anna-Rose Mathieson
Ben Feuer
Head of Department
Charles Kagay
Claudia Ribet
Frank McGuire
Greg Ellis
Greg Wolf
Jennifer Teaford
Jens Koepke
Jessica Weisel
Jocelyn Sperling
Johanna Schiavoni
Katy Graham
Kelly Woodruff
Kirstin Ault
Melanie Gold
Michael von Loewenfeldt
Pat Benke
Robert A. Roth
Sharon Baumgold
Susan Horst
Susan Yorke