Appellate

At every level of the Federal and State appellate systems, Brunini’s lawyers have successfully represented their clients in complex appeals.  We have represented a broad array of clients in cases on appeal following the firm’s representation of those clients at the trial level, and we also have been retained to serve as appellate counsel in cases that were handled at trial by other attorneys. From product liability, intellectual property and commercial disputes to mass tort, personal injury and constitutional issues, our appellate lawyers have an exceptional depth and breadth of experience to draw upon in guiding our clients through the appellate process.  Additionally, as a result of our broad appellate practice and successful track record, the firm is regularly engaged by industry trade associations to draft amicus curiae briefs in significant cases, including complex product liability and mass/toxic tort cases.  

Brunini counts among its lawyers former law clerks to Justices and Judges of the Mississippi Supreme Court and Mississippi Court of Appeals, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  As a result of these experiences, our appellate lawyers have a unique understanding of both the inner-workings of the State and Federal appellate systems, as well as the process by which appellate judges decide cases.

Brunini’s appellate lawyers can provide guidance regarding each of the following:

• How to preserve the trial record for appeal 
• Whether to pursue immediate appellate review of interlocutory orders via interlocutory appeal or writ of mandamus  
• Drafting petitions for interlocutory appeal, writs of mandamus and petitions for certiorari  
• State or Federal appellate jurisdiction and procedures   
• Drafting appellate briefs and conducting oral arguments   
• Identifying amicus curiae opportunities and drafting amicus briefs

Representative Matters

• Presently representing a national wood treating company on appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit following the successful defense of a complex environmental wrongful death claim. 
• Presently representing a publicly-traded financial services client on appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit following the successful defense of a putative class action implicating claims under ERISA.  See Harris v. Trustmark Nat’l Bank, 2006 WL 2850344 (N.D. Miss. 2006).   
• Successfully pursued interlocutory appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court of a Chancellor’s denial of our client’s Motion to Transfer the litigation from Chancery to Circuit Court.  See ERA v. Mathis, 931 So.2d 1278 (Miss. 2006).  
• Received an affirmance from the Mississippi Supreme Court of the Circuit Court’s Order granting summary judgment to our clients in a pharmaceutical product liability action.  See Price v. Purdue, 920 So.2d 479 (Miss. 2006).    
• Successfully pursued interlocutory appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court of the Circuit Court’s denial of our clients’ Motion to Sever and Transfer Venue.  See Purdue v. Heffner, 904 So.2d 100 (Miss. 2004).   
• Received an affirmance from the Mississippi Court of Appeals of an Order dismissing plaintiffs’ defamation and emotional distress claims based on the statutory immunity provided to school administrators who report to the State, in good faith, suspected child abuse.  See Howe v. Andereck, 882 So.2d 240 (Miss. Ct. App. 2004). 
• Received an affirmance from the Mississippi Supreme Court of a Chancellor’s Judgment finding a prescriptive easement and awarding attorneys’ fees to our clients.  See Graves v. Dudley Maples, L.P., 950 So.2d 1017 (Miss. 2007).