Led by William W. “Billy” Wilkins, former chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Nexsen Pruet’s Appellate Advocacy Group provides clients a high level of experience, skill and knowledge. We are tenacious advocates whose foremost concern is for the well being of the individuals and institutions we serve.

Our attorneys recognize that the key to a successful appeal is the ability to present a logical, thoroughly researched legal argument in a compelling manner. Critical to that is an understanding that appellate is very different from trial practice. It is about the application of the law to the facts, not making emotional arguments. We have the ability to state cases and frame legal issues in the most convincing manner possible.

Persuasive practitioners

We also know that having a case that is strong on technical merits often isn’t enough. The law and the facts have to make sense. We have deep experience in the essential tools of presenting our clients’ positions persuasively:

• Brief writing: Often considered the centerpiece of the appeal, written briefs must be well researched, straightforward, clear, and concise. Our attorneys prepare written briefs that are direct and forceful, raising the right arguments and stressing the right facts in the right way.
• Oral arguments: We focus on the legal arguments rather than just the facts in oral presentations, and understand how to respond to judges’ questions effectively, without losing sight of our clients’ goals and positions.

Deep knowledge of a challenging process

In addition to having the technical and legal skills required to make the strongest possible case, Nexsen Pruet’s appellate lawyers also offer clients another advantage: A thorough understanding of the appellate process.  

This is critical because a wide range of challenges and hurdles – many of them hidden – can surface during an appeal. We know where they are and how to overcome them, helping clients navigate the complex rules that are at the core of the process.

Beyond appeals

Our appellate lawyers often work with Nexsen Pruet's litigation counsel during the pre-trial, trial, and post-trial stages of a case. This level of collaboration has proved highly beneficial to clients when the litigators address discovery and other pretrial motions, jury instructions, and other issues vital to the protection and preservation of the record on appeal. We have also been frequently asked to monitor and/or consult on trials conducted by other firms. We represent clients before government agencies and state and federal courts.

Nexsen Pruet recognizes the importance of having lawyers that reflect the broad diversity within our client base, our jury system, our colleagues, and our community at large.  To that end, we are committed to recruiting minority candidates, reducing minority attrition, supporting minority organizations, and expanding and improving our diversity program.  We also recognize that the pursuit of a diverse workplace is, and should be, ongoing. 

As a means of promoting these interests, we created the Nexsen Pruet Diversity Scholarship Program. Prior to creating the scholarship, we completed a written plan that identified methods by which the firm could recruit, hire, and retain minority lawyers. The plan includes expanding our recruitment efforts to other law schools, increasing recruitment of lateral minority and female candidates, and continuing to develop and enhance our relationships with minority law organizations such as the Black Law Students Association.  Our goal is to identify qualified minority candidates who may be potential members of the firm.

Nexsen Pruet understands the need for and value of increased diversity, and we are strengthening and building upon our commitment to provide an inclusive environment within our firm.  As such, we will maintain a continuing focus on doing whatever we can to achieve the important and necessary goal of diversity.

Nexsen Pruet Diversity Scholarship

Strengthening the Lawyers of Tomorrow...Today

   The Nexsen Pruet Diversity Scholarship aims to:  

• Support diversity within our firm and the bar  
• Enhance educational opportunities for talented minorities in the field of law  
• Inform minority law students of opportunities for private practice in the Carolinas   

The Scholarship Program will award $3000 to one or more exceptional first year minority law students planning a career in North or South Carolina.   

All scholarship recipients will be considered for summer employment in one of the Nexsen Pruet offices upon completion of their first year of law school.  Scholarship recipients are invited to re-apply for additional scholarships during their second and third years of law school.   

 Eligible students must be attending one of the following schools:

• University of North Carolina School of Law
• University of South Carolina School of Law
• Wake Forest University School of Law 
• North Carolina Central University School of Law 
• Charleston School of Law
• Charlotte School of Law