Appellate Practice For Ohio Civil Litigation
Last updated on May 7, 2026
Litigation does not always end when a jury renders its decision. After a trial, the parties have the opportunity to appeal. Whether you need to protect a successful verdict or reverse an unfortunate outcome, Wuliger & Wuliger can help. From our office in Cleveland, our attorneys have successfully handled appeals in both state and federal courts, including some that have set new precedents.
Understanding Our Tiered Judicial System
We have a tiered judicial system, and cases often move up and down the appellate ladder before a final resolution can be reached. The system is complicated, so a skillful appellate lawyer is required when a ruling is challenged. An appellate lawyer must:
- Be able to identify the legal issues
- Conduct thorough research
- Write winning and comprehensive legal briefs
- Persuasively argue your case to the bench
In fact, the same skills that make a good appellate attorney are those that help you win your case before you even go to trial.
A Successful Appellate Record
Wuliger & Wuliger attorneys have successfully handled countless appeals in both federal and state courts – including many precedent-setting cases. Some of our more notable appellate cases include:
- Caruso v. Leneghan, 2014-Ohio-1824, (8th Dist.). We successfully fended off an attempt by the appellant, the majority shareholder of a coffee roasting company, to reverse a seven-figure judgment awarded to our client at trial for breach of fiduciary duty and related claims.
- Gas Natural, Inc. v. Osborne, 624 F.App’x 944 (6th Cir.2015). In a case of first impression involving the interpretation of federal securities law, we obtained the reversal of a federal court order enjoining our client from communicating with shareholders of a public corporation.
- Kelley v. Buckley, 2011-Ohio-1362 (8th Dist.). We successfully overturned the trial court’s grant of summary judgment against our widowed client in a legal malpractice case against her deceased husband’s former attorney, ultimately resulting in a multi-million dollar settlement in her favor.
- Kelley v. Ferraro, 2010-Ohio-2771 (8th Dist.). We succeeded in obtaining a new trial on a widow’s claims against her deceased husband’s former partner and law firm after the trial court precluded her from presenting portions of her case to the jury. Ultimately, we turned a $4.22 million jury award into a settlement worth over $10 million.
- Liberte Capital Group, LLC v. Capwill, 462 F.3d 543 (6th Cir.2006). We succeeded in upholding a contempt order against a major insurance company, paving the way for a multi-million dollar settlement in favor of our client, a federal equity receiver in viatical fraud class action case.
- M.S. v. Toth, 2017-Ohio-7791 (9th Dist.). We succeeded in overturning the judge’s decision directing a verdict against our client on claims relating to the fraudulent theft of her horse. The case later settled in her favor while pending retrial.
- Rosen v. Celebrezze, 117 Ohio St.3d 241, 2008-Ohio-853. In an interstate custody dispute, we successfully blocked the Domestic Relations Court from revisiting a parental rights determination made by an out-of-state court, following the mother’s recent move to Ohio in an effort to remove the children from their father’s care.
- Taylor v. Heary, 2019-Ohio-3094, (8th Dist.). We succeeded in upholding a contempt order against our disabled client’s ex-husband for failure to pay her long-term care insurance premiums as required under their 20-year-old divorce decree.
- Thomas v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 2008-Ohio-3662 (8th Dist.). We successfully overturned the trial court’s grant of directed verdict against our client, an injured driver, on claims against her insurer for underinsured motorist coverage.
At Wuliger & Wuliger, our trial lawyers have earned a well-deserved reputation as formidable appellate attorneys. We will put that reputation and their skills to work for you.
Our Promise To Our Appellate Clients
Unfortunately, judges sometimes make mistakes that can cost litigants dearly. Moreover, even a win at trial does not guarantee swift payment of the resulting judgment. A good appellate lawyer can’t change these realities, but they can help you ultimately get the justice you deserve. When finality is what you need, they can also be the key to achieving a post-trial settlement, guaranteeing an end to seemingly endless legal proceedings.
Frequent Questions About Ohio Appellate Cases
The process of appealing a court’s decision can be complicated in Ohio and requires more than simply challenging a lower court’s decision. The answers to these common questions can help
clarify how a Cleveland appellate attorney can support your case.
How can an appellate attorney help me beyond just filing a notice of appeal?
A skilled Cleveland appeal lawyer does far more than initiate the process. They analyze trial records for reversible errors, research applicable case law, draft persuasive briefs and present oral arguments before the appellate court.
This strategic advocacy can influence how the court interprets the law and applies it to your case. Effective appellate counsel also provides guidance on procedural pitfalls and helps preserve legal issues for further review.
How long does the appellate process typically take?
The timeline for an Ohio appeal varies. It typically depends on the complexity of the case and the court’s docket. Most appeals take between six months and one year from filing to resolution. Delays may occur if extensions are granted or if the court requests supplemental briefing.
A knowledgeable Ohio appeal lawyer can help manage expectations and keep the process moving efficiently.
What is a legal malpractice case, and how does an appeal factor into it?
Legal malpractice arises when an attorney’s negligence causes harm to a client, often through missed deadlines, inadequate representation or failure to apply the law correctly. If malpractice occurred during trial, an appeal may be necessary to correct the error or preserve the client’s rights.
An Ohio appellate lawyer can assess whether the trial outcome was affected by malpractice and pursue appellate remedies accordingly.
Can you take on my appeal if you did not handle my trial?
Yes. Many come to us seeking a new perspective after an unfavorable trial result. Our Cleveland appeal lawyers can independently review the trial record and identify appealable issues without having participated in the original proceedings. We can provide numerous benefits by helping ensure a fresh, objective analysis and a focused appellate strategy.
Schedule A Consultation With An Experienced Appellate Lawyer
If you need help with an appeal, our appellate lawyers are available by appointment for an initial consultation and case evaluation. To schedule an appointment, you can call us at 216-781-7777. You can also send us an email through our website.