Los Angeles Appellate Attorney

Experienced Representation in California Appeals, Writ Petitions, and Post-Judgment Proceedings

Decker Law represents clients throughout Los Angeles County in appeals, writ proceedings, post-judgment motions, and complex litigation matters. Whether challenging an adverse judgment, defending a favorable result on appeal, or seeking extraordinary relief from a trial court order, Decker Law provides focused appellate advocacy backed by substantial experience in California state and federal courts.

Appellate litigation requires a different skillset than trial work. Successful appeals often turn on legal analysis, preservation of error, standards of review, and persuasive written advocacy. Decker Law handles appeals at every stage—from evaluating potential appellate issues to briefing, oral argument, and post-opinion proceedings.

Decker Law regularly represents clients in matters arising from Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Court of Appeal for the Second Appellate District, and the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Los Angeles Appeals and Writ Proceedings

Decker Law handles a wide variety of appellate matters, including:

  • Civil appeals

  • Family law appeals

  • Domestic violence restraining order appeals

  • Administrative mandamus proceedings

  • Professional licensing matters

  • Post-judgment proceedings

  • Motions to vacate judgments

  • Writ petitions

  • Anti-SLAPP appeals

  • Attorney fee disputes

  • Sanctions appeals

  • Real property appeals

  • Business litigation appeals

Many clients seek appellate counsel after receiving an unfavorable ruling, while others retain appellate counsel earlier in the litigation process to preserve important issues for review.

Courts Served in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Superior Court

The Los Angeles Superior Court is the largest trial court system in the United States, encompassing dozens of courthouses and handling a broad range of civil, family law, probate, and administrative matters.

California Court of Appeal – Second Appellate District

Appeals from Los Angeles County are generally heard by the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, located in downtown Los Angeles.

The Second District hears appeals involving:

  • Family law disputes

  • Business litigation

  • Real estate litigation

  • Professional licensing matters

  • Domestic violence proceedings

  • Administrative mandamus cases

  • Anti-SLAPP rulings

  • Post-trial motions

  • Sanctions orders

United States District Court – Central District of California

Decker Law also represents clients in federal appellate matters arising from the Central District of California and proceedings before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Representative Los Angeles Results

Decker Law has successfully represented clients in numerous matters originating from Los Angeles County.

  • Family Code Section 271 Sanctions Reversed

    • Decker Law successfully obtained reversal of a sanctions award imposed under Family Code section 271 after demonstrating that the sanctions were not properly supported by evidence connecting the award to attorney's fees and costs.

  • Nursing License Revocation Overturned

    • Decker Law obtained a writ of administrative mandamus requiring the California Board of Registered Nursing to vacate its decision revoking a registered nurse's license.

  • CSLB Discipline Challenged Through Administrative Writ Proceedings

    • Decker Law secured writ relief requiring the Contractors State License Board to set aside multiple disciplinary findings and reconsider a contractor licensing matter.

  • Anti-SLAPP Sanctions Vacated

    • The Superior Court granted relief under Code of Civil Procedure section 473(b), removing an attorney from an $80,400 sanctions award entered in connection with anti-SLAPP proceedings.

  • Arbitration Award Reversed

    • Decker Law secured a reversal on an order confirming an arbitration award, resulting in (successful) remand proceedings concerning whether the parties entered into an enforceable arbitration agreement.

  • Anti-SLAPP Order Reversed

    • The Second District Court of Appeal reversed an order granting an anti-SLAPP motion, finding the operative Complaint did not arise from protected activity.

  • Domestic Violence Restraining Order Reversed

    • The Court of Appeal reversed a five-year Domestic Violence Restraining Order after concluding that the trial court improperly denied the respondent a meaningful opportunity to testify and present evidence during the evidentiary hearing.

Appeals in Family Law Matters

Los Angeles family law litigation often presents unique appellate issues involving:

  • Child custody disputes

  • Domestic violence restraining orders

  • Family Code section 271 sanctions

  • Spousal support

  • Child support

  • Attorney fee awards

  • Enforcement orders

  • Post-judgment proceedings

Appellate review can provide an important remedy when a trial court has committed legal error, failed to follow statutory procedures, or deprived a party of a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Administrative Mandamus and Professional Licensing

Administrative mandamus proceedings provide a mechanism for courts to review decisions issued by state licensing agencies and administrative bodies.

Decker Law represents professionals seeking judicial review of decisions involving:

  • Nursing licenses

  • Contractor licenses

  • Professional discipline

  • License suspensions

  • License revocations

  • Administrative penalties

These cases frequently involve highly technical standards of review and strict procedural requirements.

Motions to Vacate Judgments and Post-Judgment Relief

In addition to appellate work, Decker Law handles post-judgment proceedings involving:

  • Default judgments

  • Void judgments

  • Service by publication issues

  • Code of Civil Procedure section 473

  • Code of Civil Procedure section 580

  • Relief from sanctions

  • Motions for new trial

California law provides several mechanisms for obtaining relief from judgments and orders entered without proper notice, jurisdiction, or procedural fairness.

Why Clients Choose Decker Law

Clients frequently seek appellate counsel because they need focused legal analysis and strategic advice after a significant ruling.

Decker Law provides:

  • Dedicated appellate representation

  • Extensive experience with California appeals and writ proceedings

  • Thoughtful issue identification

  • Strong written advocacy

  • Strategic evaluation of appellate options

  • Representation throughout California

Because appeals are largely brief-driven proceedings, clients throughout Los Angeles County can work with experienced appellate counsel regardless of where the attorney's office is physically located.

Contact Decker Law

If you are considering an appeal, writ petition, or post-judgment motion arising from Los Angeles County Superior Court or another Southern California tribunal, contact Decker Law to discuss your options

FAQs

Where is your office located, and do you handle appeals throughout Los Angeles?

1

Our office is located in Manhattan Beach, but we handle cases throughout Los Angeles—and, in fact, throughout the State of California. As a statewide practice, we have considerable experience throughout the California judicial syste.


5

What types of cases can be appealed?

2

Many judgments and orders may be appealed, including family law rulings, civil judgments, restraining orders, sanctions orders, attorney fee awards, and administrative decisions.


What is a writ petition?

3

A writ petition is an extraordinary proceeding that asks an appellate court to review a trial court ruling before a final judgment has been entered.


How long do I have to file an appeal?

4

Deadlines vary depending on the type of case and the order being challenged. Missing an appellate deadline can result in the loss of the right to appeal.


Can Decker Law represent clients throughout Los Angeles County?

Yes. Decker Law represents clients in matters arising from Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Second District Court of Appeal, and courts throughout California.