Appeals Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

What is your experience in handling federal and state criminal appeals?

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work has been pretty wide and varied
I’ve actually argued appeals in the
state of California in the Supreme Court
of Idaho in other Federal circuits but
the emphasis because we’re at Chicago
based is the seventh Circuit Court of
Appeals where I’ve argued many Federal
Criminal and Civil Appeals before the
seventh circuit and then also an
Illinois state court before the Illinois
Pelt courts in various locations in the
state arguing criminal cases on appeal
and also civil cases and that’s a much
different process and experience because
obviously you’re not before a trial
court judge you’re before a tribunal of
three judges and the fun part and the I
guess the exciting and scary part of
doing a pill work is that you know the
judges get to ask you whatever they want
whenever they want and interrupt you in
the middle of your argument so I think
it’s kind of a fun challenge as an
attorney to be able to think on your
feet and be the type of individual that
can just get peppered with questions and
be ready for you know sort of all comers

Chicago, IL criminal defense attorney Michael Leonard discusses his experience in handling federal and state criminal appeals. He explains that his legal work has been both broad and diverse, including appellate arguments in the state of California, the Supreme Court of Idaho, and various federal circuits. Based in Chicago, his practice primarily focuses on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where he has handled numerous federal criminal and civil appeals. He has also argued cases in Illinois state courts, presenting both criminal and civil appeals before appellate panels across the state.

Appellate practice differs significantly from trial court proceedings. Instead of appearing before a single judge, he presents arguments before a panel of three judges. This setting introduces a dynamic element, as judges may interject with questions at any point during the argument. Such an environment demands quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to respond effectively under pressure. For him, this aspect of appellate advocacy is both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding, highlighting his skill in thinking on his feet and addressing a wide range of complex legal inquiries.

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