The goal of a trial is to resolve a factual dispute where opposing camps persuade the judge through the questioning of witnesses and evidential findings. In an appellate setting, there are no witnesses to be cross-examined. The appellate lawyer is also bound by the various positions taken and the evidential record set in the court below.
An appellate lawyer is looking to perform a post-mortem of sorts to distill errors of law and, in certain cases, errors of fact.
US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts explains:-
“The skills that are needed to be a good trial lawyer are different from the skills needed to be a good appellate lawyer. Occasionally, you get great people who can do both …”
Appeals are often tied to very short timelines (e.g. 14 days, 28 days or 1 month from the date of the decision) and strict procedural conditions where non-compliance with same could lead to the inability to make substantive arguments on appeal or, in the worse case, potentially spell the premature end of an appeal.
ML Chambers handles a range of appellate work. We represent our clients in appeals across the different levels of the Singapore appellate courts and in wide-ranging subject matters including civil appeals, matrimonial, criminal and regulatory appeals (against non-court tribunal decisions).
Our lawyers are used to handling complex briefs at short notice. Appeals require clear, rigorous thinking and careful attention to detail. Our team is well-equipped to guide you in what may be your final opportunity to have your voice heard in court.
We are not afraid to challenge conventional wisdoms and tread uncharted waters.
