At Hinkle Law Firm LLC, our appellate attorneys bring experience, legal insight, and a strong command of appellate procedure to every stage of the appellate process. We advocate for clients in both state and federal appellate courts, providing strategic guidance through even the most complex legal challenges.
Understanding Appellate Practice:
Unlike a trial, an appeal does not provide an opportunity to present new evidence or retry the case. Instead, the party seeking appellate relief bears the burden of demonstrating that the trial court committed reversible error. Effective appellate advocacy requires identifying the strongest issues for review, determining whether those issues were properly preserved in the lower court, and presenting persuasive written and oral advocacy tailored to the appellate court.
How We Can Help:
Whether you are seeking to overturn an unfavorable ruling or defend a favorable judgment, our team understands the unique procedural nuances and strategic considerations involved in an appeal. From initial evaluation through final resolution, we offer effective, focused representation at every stage of the appellate process.
Our attorneys draft persuasive written briefs and deliver compelling oral advocacy, presenting arguments with clarity, precision, and a thorough understanding of the law. Every appeal we handle reflects a careful, client-focused approach designed to protect your interests and achieve the best possible result.
Services Provided:
- Evaluating trial court decisions for appealable issues
- Drafting and filing notices of appeal, docketing statements, and appellate briefs
- Arguing appeals before state and federal appellate courts
- Advising trial counsel on preservation of error and appellate strategy
- Providing appellate support in complex civil litigation cases
- Handling interlocutory appeals and post-judgment motions
Our Experience:
Our appellate attorneys have experience across a broad spectrum of legal issues. Some of our recent published appellate victories reflect the depth of that experience, including a Kansas Court of Appeals decision vacating more than $500,000 in criminal fines and remanding the case for resentencing, which reinforced the importance of limiting the imposition of criminal fines under Kansas law. Additionally, our attorneys secured a substantial victory through a Tenth Circuit decision affirming summary judgement for a client in a high-stakes Lanham Act false advertising dispute, reinforcing the requirement that the plaintiff must prove a real marketplace injury. Hinkle has been recognized as a Best Law Firm in Appellate Practice from 2011–2014 and again from 2019–present, a testament to the strength of our appellate advocacy and our commitment to excellence.
Meet Our Team:
Brian L. White:
Brian has been with Hinkle for over two decades and was recognized as Best Lawyers ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Appellate Practice in 2019. His practice focuses on civil litigation, with his primary concentration in the areas of professional liability litigation, including medical malpractice claims, construction litigation, and other personal injury litigation.
Ashley N. Jarmer:
Ashley has extensive appellate experience. Before joining Hinkle, she served as General Counsel to the Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court and as a research attorney for both the Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals. With more than 11 years of experience working for the Kansas appellate courts, Ashley brings valuable insight to Hinkles’ appellate practice.
Bradley J. Schlozman:
Bradley was recognized by Best Lawyers in Appellate Practice in 2026 and has nearly three decades of appellate litigation experience. He appears in federal and state appellate courts across the nation, primarily defending governmental entities on civil rights matters.
David M. Rapp:
David has practiced for more than four decades and is a leader in Hinkle’s litigation practice group. He was recognized as Best Lawyers ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Appellate Practice in 2020 and 2024. David has handled criminal and civil matters before federal, state, and appellate courts, as well as administrative agencies.
Michelle R. Stewart:
Michelle has practiced since 1999 and is the Member in charge of the firm’s Kansas City office. In 2010, she received the David A. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award from the Missouri Bar Foundation.
Peter G. Collins:
Peter is of counsel in Hinkle’s litigation practice group. For more than two decades, he has tried numerous cases in federal and state courts and has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in multi-million-dollar arbitrations. Peter is known as one of the region’s premier medical malpractice defense lawyers and has represented individual physicians and hospitals in litigation throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Krystle M.S. Dalke:
Krystle helps clients successfully navigate business transactions and protect their brands. Before joining Hinkle, she practiced appellate law at another firm and brings that valuable experience to Hinkle’s team.
Suzanne R. Bruss:
Suzanne has been practicing since 1997 and is located at the firm’s Kansas City office. She is a veteran defense attorney representing persons and entities sued for wrongful death, personal injury, or negligence.
Stephen M. Turley:
Stephen has over 15 years of legal experience. His practice focuses primarily on family law, including complex and high-asset cases. He also represents clients in civil litigation and appeals.
Sean D. Walsh:
Sean has substantial experience in commercial and complex litigation, as well as catastrophic loss litigation.
Garrett R. Roe:
Garrett is an Of Counsel attorney who joined Hinkle in 2021. He primarily represents clients in civil rights defense of governmental entities, government investigations, and insurance defense.
Kansas Bar Journal: Appellate Practice Refresher By Ashley Jarmer and Brian White
