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 upon which to draw 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.  Indeed, in 2012, Brunini was selected as the Benchmark Appellate Law Firm for the South, which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Brunini counts among its lawyers former law clerks to the Mississippi Supreme Court, Mississippi Court of Appeals, and 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

The Firm has experience in state and federal courts in trademark, copyright and patent litigation, including litigation of issues involving opposition, cancellation, infringement, and breach of contract. The firm’s attorneys also advise clients concerning intellectual property issues, including advertising, labeling, and federal regulatory compliance, as well as protecting their interests in computer software and related materials.

Brunini has handled hundreds of premises liability actions arising from a variety of scenarios, including slips and falls, security issues, criminal acts by third parties, wrongful death, massive industrial plant and natural gas explosions and pollution and hazardous exposures. Our clients have included  hotels, casinos, hospitals, nursing homes,  banks, chemical plants, and retail facilities. Brunini attorneys’ experience includes conducting initial investigations, retaining competent experts, conducting focused discovery, pursuit of summary judgment, and trying cases cases in State and Federal Courts throughout Mississippi and other states.

The Firm represents media and commercial clients in the defense of defamation actions arising both from libel and slander allegations in federal and state courts. Another important aspect of Brunini’s First Amendment practice is its work in the access area.  Through use of the federal Freedom of Information Act, as well as Mississippi’s Public Records and Open Meetings Acts, the Firm’s team of lawyers interacts with public bodies, the Mississippi Ethics Commissions and the courts, to gain access to information vital to clients from public agencies.  The Firm also regularly represents clients with regard to advertising, circulation and related issues.

The Firm’s bankruptcy and creditors’ rights attorneys provide secured and unsecured creditors with a broad range of legal services, including pre-bankruptcy debt collection, loan restructuring and workouts, general bankruptcy practice, and lender liability litigation. The bankruptcy and creditors’ rights practice group consists of attorneys from the commercial and litigation departments in the Firm.