Riker Danzig's formal relaunch of its Appellate Law Practice Group and the Firm's new flat-fee amicus representation offering was featured in Law360's Pulse newsletter. Managing Partner Michael P. O'Mullan and Partner Stuart M. Lederman spoke with Jake Maher from Law360 about the group's formation and what the new fee offering means for clients.
"What we've done here is relaunched our Appellate Law Strategies Group to better emphasize the strength to clients and practitioners," Mike said.
Mike explained that the Firm's new flat-fee amicus offering is designed to remove cost uncertainty for clients. For a fixed fee, the Appellate Law Group will conduct an expedited review of the matter, prepare and file an amicus brief, and present oral argument where the court permits it. With costs fixed in advance, organizations can weigh the value of being heard against the risk of sitting a case out.
"Someone in the industry might consider the costs and benefits of entering the fray and taking a position as a friend of the court on an industry matter," Mike explained, "and so we've tried to make it more user-friendly by offering a flat fee component there." Stuart noted regarding the flat-fee offering, "In an amicus, it's really important that you're timely and you're poignant, and we already do that, but this says to people, 'we are timely and poignant, and we will do this for you.'"
The article noted that the group brings together appellate capabilities the Firm has offered for decades. Riker Danzig attorneys have previously contributed to the New Jersey Appellate Practice Handbook, and Riker has now published an official Appellate Law Blog, which provides analysis and commentary on decisions and developments, such as rulings, rule changes, and other newsworthy developments, and practical guidance and nuances in appellate law, such as procedure, the preservation of error, and more.
Stuart also discussed the Firm's established practice of pooling expertise and collaborating on appellate issues. "I have a lot of colleagues who are great appellate advocates, both in writing and appearing in court and arguing appeals," Stuart said. "We have a very deep bench in that regard."
Click here to learn more about the Appellate Law Practice Group and to read new Appellate Law Blog posts.
Click here to read the Law360 Pulse article (subscription required).
