Our Legal Team
	Todd Richardson Director email | bio
	Bette Dodd Director email | bio
	Carol Sparks Drake Director email | bio
	Joseph P. Rompala Associate email | bio

Appeals

Civil Appeals Practice

Trial advocacy is the first component of effective litigation services. Lewis & Kappes also represents clients in appellate proceedings in the Indiana Court of Appeals, challenging or defending trial court judgments and administrative rulings.

Success on appeal calls for a different set of skills than those at the trial level. Appellate practice places a premium on careful research and persuasive written presentation. Our appellate attorneys have the experience and perspective to handle matters before both state and federal appellate tribunals.

Appellate advocacy complements our representation in virtually every area of the firm's practice, including:

• Business and commercial litigation
• Utility regulation
• Intellectual property
• Family law
• Personal injury cases
• Civil rights claims
• Employment disputes
• Insurance matters
• Land use and zoning
• Securities litigation

Lewis & Kappes has represented clients in a number of precedent-setting appeals (see also, our cases):

• We persuaded the Indiana Court of Appeals to strike down unconstitutional legislation designed to benefit an in-state industry to the detriment of economical utility rates.
• We successfully advocated a broad reading of the Wrongful Death Act to preserve the claims of an elderly client who died while the case was pending.
• We turned around a grant of summary judgment to our clients' favor in a contract claim.
• We vindicated a client's ability to distribute electricity privately within its operations without regulatory interference.

Highly-experienced Attorneys with Unique Backgrounds in Appellate Law

The appellate lawyers in our firm each bring extensive experience to this unique area. Attorney Todd Richardson has been named an Indiana Super Lawyer in appellate practice. He is a legal lecturer in appellate law. Carol Sparks Drake is highly-accomplished and recognized in the appellate area, a former chair of the appellate section of the Indiana State Bar. Both Bette Dodd and Joe Rompala clerked for Justices in the Indiana Supreme Court.

For effective representation on appeals in civil cases, contact our Indianapolis appellate lawyers. Lewis & Kappes represents businesses, local governments, and individuals throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, Zionsville, Bloomington, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Lafayette, Gary, and Evansville.