Litigation: Appellate: California

THE FIRM This firm's appellate practice is undoubtedly one of its greatest strengths. The group is known for its involvement in complex, high-stakes litigation. The team has recently been retained by Walgreen, successfully overturning a San Francisco ordinance that prohibited the sale of tobacco at any establishment with a pharmacy.

Sources say: "It's a megafirm with a very substantial appellate group."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Theodore Boutrous is a leading national appellate lawyer, hailed as "a true innovator and a go-to guy on cutting-edge cases." He is perhaps best known for his putative damage and First Amendment expertise. Daniel Kolkey is a former California State Justice, and sources say: "He knows the appellate practice inside and out." He recently led on the Walgreen matter.

THE FIRM This Los Angeles-based boutique is a go-to team for civil appellate matters, and appellate matters arising out of the insurance industry. The group is praised for consistently attracting top-level work.

Sources say: "This is a first-rate firm, with top-rank individuals."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Kent Richland is highly experienced in appellate law. One client comments: "Kent's work product is always thorough, well researched and well reasoned. He has excellent understanding of Californian appellate practice, based on experience." Robin Meadow is well known for being "very technology-savvy." Sources add: "He is very smart, conscientious, experienced and sophisticated in his approach to appellate work."

THE FIRM This top-rated appellate boutique continues to grow in size and strength. Clients praise the firm's depth of experience and collaborative nature. The team recently successfully represented Southern California Gas in overturning a judgment in a product liability case arising from a natural gas explosion.

Sources say: "They are a high-quality group with a strong Californian base."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Axelrad has an impressively broad practice and has also authored a number of texts on appellate matters. Mitchell Tilner is recognized for his expertise in employment, insurance and contractual disputes.

THE FIRM This firm is nationally recognized for its appellate expertise, and its Los Angeles office reflects this strength. The team comprises a number of highly experienced individuals, and clients value their breadth of expertise. The team recently represented plaintiff Dafna Uzyel in her breach of fiduciary duty claim against Neil Kadisha.

Sources say: "The quality and professionalism of this group is outstanding. I've never been less than thrilled with the representation that they provided."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "smart, charming and thoughtful" Rex Heinke is recognized for his expertise in the media sector. He argued the appeal in the Uzyel v Kadisha matter.

THE FIRM This ten-strong San Francisco-based team remains one of the strongest appellate practices in California. The team recently acted for Autodesk in a case that affirmed the principle that a software user is a licensee under copyright law, as opposed to an owner. The decision had implications for the software industry as a whole.

Sources say: "Very good presentation and oral advocacy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jerome Falk is an "accomplished appellate litigator" commended for his intelligence and his "ability to handle himself well in oral arguments." He led in the Autodesk matter. Sean SeLegue is cochair of the firm's appellate practice group. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in matters concerning attorney liability. 

THE FIRM The San Francisco office of this international firm houses a highly respected appellate team. The team recently recovered almost $700 million for the California Department of Insurance after successfully confirming an arbitration award arising from a reinsurance dispute.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former judge Margaret Grignon is highly regarded for her knowledge of all areas of appellate law, product liability and tort. She led in the California Department of Insurance matter.