About

Provided by Wright Close & Barger, LLP

Appeals

WCB has handled some of the most important appellate cases in Texas over the past two decades. The firm regularly argues in the Texas Supreme Court, the various Texas Courts of Appeals, and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. We have also handled appellate cases in various other states, including Oregon, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

Attention to the appeal must start in the trial court, preferably before the trial begins. While the trial lawyer focuses on winning the jury verdict, the appellate lawyer has an eye towards the appeal. WCB appellate lawyers remain focused by taking responsibility for matters including pretrial motions, mandamus petitions and interlocutory appeals, research on special legal and evidentiary issues, and the critical work on the court’s jury charge. We do all of this, in addition to handling post-verdict motions and the appeal itself. Seventeen of our attorneys clerked for state or federal appellate courts. Eleven of our lawyers - Tom Wright, Jessica Barger, Russ Hollenbeck, Brian Cathey, Brad Snead, Marie Jamison, Natasha Taylor, Jim Marrow, Rachel Stinson, Heidi Gumienny, and Kelley Morris are Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Two of our partners served on appellate courts - Eva Guzman (Texas Supreme Court and 14th Court of Appeals) and Wanda Fowler (14th Court of Appeals) for a total of 35 years and add their judicial perspective to all of our cases.


Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Litigation: Appellate - Texas
3
Band 3
What the team is known for

Wright Close & Barger, LLP is a respected litigation boutique with a strong track record before state and federal appeals courts. The firm offers expertise in a wide range of claims, including personal injury, insurance, intellectual property and product liability.

Work Highlights

Provided by Wright Close & Barger, LLP
  • Wright Close & Barger, LLP represented New Prime, Inc. before the Texas Supreme Court in an appeal stemming from a $39 million wrongful death case.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Thomas Wright
2
Thomas Wright
2
Band 2

Thomas Wright has a wealth of experience in handling appellate litigation in Texas and federal courts. His commercial disputes practice includes oil and gas appeals.

"Thomas has a deep knowledge of Texas law and the judiciary as well as the plaintiff Bar."

"He is articulate, succinct and incredibly knowledgeable. Thomas puts things in a way that is very 'cut to the chase' with judge and jury."

"Thomas brings gravitas to oral arguments and brief writing."

Jessica Barger
3
Jessica Barger
3
Band 3

Jessica Barger is an experienced litigator who frequently appears in appeal courts at the state and federal levels, including the Supreme Court of Texas.

"Jessica is a knowledgeable appellate lawyer who is able to distill complex matters in an easy-to-understand manner. She is also a strong appellate advocate."

"Jessica is a sharp lawyer who is in innovative in how she approaches things."

Eva Guzman
4
Eva Guzman
4
Band 4

Eva Guzman utilizes her wealth of experience as a former Justice of the Texas Supreme Court to represent clients in sophisticated appeals.

"Eva is a meticulous brief writer who has excellent ideas of what catches the Texas Supreme Court's attention."

Wanda McKee Fowler
4
Wanda McKee Fowler
4
Band 4

Wanda McKee Fowler is a well-regarded appellate litigator who draws on her experience as a justice in the Fourteenth Court of Appeals. She advises clients on a wide range of matters including insurance, contracts and product liability.

Ranked Lawyers at
Wright Close & Barger, LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Texas

Litigation: Appellate

Thomas Wright
2
Thomas Wright
2
Band 2
Jessica Barger
3
Jessica Barger
3
Band 3
Eva Guzman
4
Eva Guzman
4
Band 4
Wanda McKee Fowler
4
Wanda McKee Fowler
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by Wright Close & Barger, LLP

Brian Cathey

Howard C. Close

Jessica Zavadil Barger

Kenneth J. Fair

R. Russell Hollenbeck

Raffi Melkonian