Appellate Spotlight: A Lewis Brisbois Podcast

In a brand new episode of Appellate Spotlight, our co-hosts Danny and Tracy provide an informative overview of the State of California’s appellate procedure, from the filing of the initial notice of appeal, to the beginning of the briefing stage. They are joined by the Founder and Chair of Lewis Brisbois’ appellate practice Jeff Miller, who has over 30 years of legal experience arguing in all six districts of the California Courts of Appeal. Jeff brings our listeners a wealth of knowledge in this area of law, having handled hundreds of appellate matters in both state and federal appellate courts. He provides us with key insights on the foundational concepts of appealability, the importance of timeliness when it comes to filings, and how to make an informed call on whether a decision should be appealed based on its chance of success. This is a can’t-miss episode for California trial attorneys who want to educate themselves on how and whether their client should appeal their case, potential errors that can derail court proceedings, and how to navigate exceptions surrounding appealability rules and deadlines.  

In Episode 3 of Appellate Spotlight, co-hosts Danny and Tracy lead a timely discussion on recent California legislative changes to filing motions for summary judgment. This includes changes to the deadlines to move for summary judgment, oppose summary judgment and file a reply in support of summary judgment. Our hosts are excited to welcome special guest Michael Fullam to the show, a Partner in Lewis Brisbois’ General Liability Practice with substantial experience litigating civil actions. Michael provides our listeners with key insights on how to draft an effective summary judgment, the importance of tailoring your motion to your assigned judge, and best practices for procuring the right discovery and evidence to support the motion. Read the referenced cases of Brooke Stokes v. Forty Niners Stadium Management Co. here, Erin Hughes v. Farmers Insurance Exchange here, and Geoff Cole v. Superior Court here.

In Episode 2 of Appellate Spotlight, co-hosts Danny and Tracy discuss recent California cases that involve arbitration alongside special guest Chris Choi, a Healthcare Partner in our Sacramento office. Chris highlights the prevalence of arbitration provisions in our day-to-day lives, and how the Harrod case heard in front of the California Supreme Court will potentially impact the legal landscape. This timely conversation also looks at general court trends, such as possible changes California courts could make to arbitration law in the near future. Read the referenced appellate court's opinions on Mark Harrod v. Country Oaks Partners, LLC here, Sarah Anoke v. Twitter here, and Massiel Hernandez v. Sohnen Enterprises here.

Join co-hosts Daniel Velladao and Tracy Forbath for our inaugural episode of Appellate Spotlight, as they discuss recent developments in California case law on primary assumption of risk and waiver with special guest Amy Frerich. This exciting discussion will highlight the application of the primary assumption of risk doctrine to surfing, and whether any sport could be considered to be in the "public interest." Read the referenced appellate court's opinions on Olson v. Saville here and Whitehead v. City of Oakland here.