Many people assume that once a lawsuit goes to trial, the verdict is final. Often that’s true, but not always. If a judge makes an error in ruling or if mistakes occur during the trial, the parties have the right to appeal the result to a higher court.
In many states, appeals first go to a court of appeals and then, if appropriate, to the state supreme court. In the Wyoming state court system, however, there is no court of appeals. Cases that are appealed are heard directly by the Wyoming Supreme Court, which sits in Cheyenne.
State and Federal Appeals in Wyoming
Not every case is filed in state court. Some must be brought in the federal court system, which is separate from state courts. In Wyoming, four federal judges sit in Casper or Cheyenne, while magistrate judges sit in Cheyenne, Lander, Casper, and Yellowstone.
Wherever these federal judges hear cases, all appeals go to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.
Experience With Appeals
Vickery & Shepherd has handled appeals in many appellate courts across the country, including cases before the Wyoming Supreme Court. Recent examples include:
- A family trust dispute involving land in Big Horn County.
- An appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court from a business dispute in which two Wyoming companies and various individuals sued each other over an investment opportunity.
The firm has also handled many cases in federal courts of appeals, including a significant number in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, as well as cases in the United States Supreme Court. In the Tenth Circuit, for example, the firm recently handled the appeal of a breach of contract case involving an organization based in Cody and a digital consulting company that claimed it had not been paid for its work.
Why Appellate Experience Matters
Of course, not every case justifies an appeal simply because one party loses at trial. But when choosing a law firm, it is important to consider not only whether the attorneys have trial court experience, but also whether they recognize and preserve potential appellate issues.
Even if a case never reaches the appellate stage, a lawyer who keeps the “big picture” in mind signals to the opposing party that every angle of the case, including potential review by a higher court, is being considered. This adds value whether the case settles, goes to trial, or moves forward on appeal.
At Vickery & Shepherd, we combine trial experience with appellate skill. Whether your case is in state court, federal court, or on appeal, our team is prepared to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to discuss your case.