Appeals
Helping You Win a Second Chance As highly skilled appellate lawyers, we bring significant trial experience and a deep understanding of the unique processes and workings of appellate courts. Many of our lawyers have served as clerks on federal or state courts of appeals, where they gained insight into how appellate decisions are shaped by helping judges analyze appeals and draft decisions. These strengths enable us to identify compelling appellate issues and present our arguments persuasively to the courts.
Individuals turn to us to represent them on appeal in a wide range of criminal and civil matters. Additionally, national and local organizations looking to weigh in on important legal issues before appellate courts ask us to draft amicus briefs that help shape the law. These cases often involve novel issues of first impression and result in landmark decisions or opinions clarifying previously unsettled issues of law.
We have represented clients or amicus organizations in the Supreme Court, federal appellate courts, and Massachusetts appellate courts. This important and highly specialized representation includes:
- Criminal appeals in Massachusetts appellate courts and in federal courts nationwide. We have won cases both on direct appeal and on collateral appeal. Our lawyers understand both the practical realities of criminal trials and the appellate process.
- Civil and employment matters in Massachusetts appellate courts and in federal court. Our lawyers have a range of experience in civil matters, and a particular expertise in employment law and restraining order/harassment prevention order appeals.
- Amicus representation in support of criminal cases. We have drafted numerous amicus briefs in support of defendants in criminal cases on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, The Constitution Project, Drug Policy Alliance, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, among others.
- Public interest amicus briefs. We have drafted amicus briefs regarding issues of public interest in a range of civil matters on behalf of groups such as the Massachusetts Employment Lawyers Association (MELA), American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, among others. We have particular insight into employment law matters in Massachusetts and in federal court because members of our legal team have served and continue to serve as Co-Chairs for the MELA Amicus Committee.
We Are Available to Help To learn more about how we can assist with an appellate issue, contact us at 617-742-6020 or complete our contact form.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
I hired Mr. Duncan to deal with a very sensitive issue that my daughter had. Since the first contact, I had a very good impression of him. He transmitted confidence and appeared to know exactly what to do. I called and emailed him many times, he was polite and comprehensible with the anxiety of a father and appeared to know every step to solve the case. I strongly recommend Mr. Duncan. Flavio Lajoia
★★★★★
If you are reading this review, it means either you or a family member is in trouble and needs immediate legal counsel. Please know your search can end right now because Zalkind, Duncan & Bernstein is the law firm to hire. They are honest, responsive, compassionate and have the experience and expertise to bring... Client
★★★★★
I contacted Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein to assist with a Title IX case. From our initial conversation, Naomi Shatz had a strong understanding of Title IX policies and conducted each step of the process with professionalism, honesty and a responsiveness that did not disappoint. Ms. Shatz displayed confidence and just as important, compassion when needed. Client
★★★★★
I worked with Emma Quinn-Judge and Monica Shah. And from my first contact on the phone, on to my first meeting in their office and during the trial, I found them and the firm's entire team to be a group of consummate legal professionals who are very knowledgeable, patient, dedicated, fair, honest and caring... Chantal C.
★★★★★
I am forever grateful to all the staff at this firm, but in particular, Ms. Shah, Mr. Zalkind and Mr. Silverglate. They represented my son who was being sought for extradition to Scotland. The case took years to fight, covering new legal ground, setting precedence. But each one of these legal eagles went above and beyond the duty of office... Suzanne D.