Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

The lifespan of high exposure cases often transcends the verdict or judgment rendered in the trial court. For the attorneys in HBS' Appellate Practice Group, these events are often just the beginning. Appellate review is the last stop in the judicial process, a process that should protect against arbitrary or mistaken decisions by juries and trial judges. Advancing the client’s position on appeal requires a different skillset and the appellate attorneys at HBS specialize in the art of appellate advocacy. The odds of success on appeal increase when handled by a specialized and experienced group of attorneys who are keenly aware of the rules, standards, and policies upon which appellate decisions turn, the pitfalls and snares that may trap the unwary, and the dynamics of the appellate courts.
 
The attorneys in HBS’ Appellate Practice Group have argued nearly one thousand federal and state appeals in many types of cases, including products liability, premises liability with catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, long-term care, insurance, construction, class actions, sovereign immunity and unique issues of constitutional magnitude. The Practice Group's individual attorneys have decades of experience, and centuries of cumulative experience in briefing, arguing and winning post-judgment motions and appeals. Their insight, advice, and editorial experience are, also, regularly sought by clients and other law firms. Similarly, the members prepare or assist with amicus briefs for national and state interest groups. Members of the Practice Group are also deeply involved in appellate practice committees in state and national bar associations, publish in state and national journals and speak at CLE seminars. Having recognized that the plaintiffs’ bar is protecting its verdicts by retaining appellate counsel prior to trial, the firm’s clients and other law firms routinely seek the Practice Group’s involvement in trials. When “embedded” with the trial team, the appellate team “perfects and protects” the record. Selected by Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and individuals, by health systems and rural hospitals, and by other national, regional and local entities, the group proudly and zealously represents their clients’ interest in state and federal appeals.

Since the firm’s inception, HBS has embraced the value of diversity, and we continue to cultivate an environment of inclusion and success for all individuals.  We are committed to a cohesive and productive work environment where our varied cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives are communicated, understood, and embraced to enrich our employees and best serve our clients.

Our Commitment
Our efforts to enhance our diverse environment are not restricted to minority employees.  Instead, we believe that everyone, regardless of his or her race, age, or gender, must be included in our diversity mission in order to ensure its success.   The firm’s Diversity Committee is comprised of partners and senior staff members who ensure our diversity mission is not just a sentiment but is also a part of the fabric of HBS.     

HBS actively participates in a variety of events and sponsorships geared towards highlighting the importance of diversity, and the firm continuously seeks opportunities to enhance our diversity program.  This includes involvement with organizations such as the Corporate Counsel for Women of Color and the Minority Corporate Counsel of America as well as our internal mentor/protégé program, in which our senior, female and minority attorneys reach out and mentor other women and minority attorneys and clients.