California Supreme Court & Court of Appeal

Horvitz & Levy appears more often in the California appellate courts than any other firm. In the California Supreme Court, we have appeared as counsel of record or as counsel for amicus curiae in nearly 200 cases over the last 30 years, including 60 appearances in the last decade. In the California Court of Appeal, we have appeared as counsel of record in more than 1,300 cases since 1990.

As a result of our extensive experience, we have an unparalleled knowledge of the justices, procedures, and culture of the California appellate courts. Members of our firm literally wrote the book on California appellate practice. Founding partner Ellis J. Horvitz was one of the original co-authors of the leading treatise on civil appeals and writs in California, the Rutter Group’s California Practice Guide: Civil Appeals and Writs. Curt Cutting and Bradley S. Pauley are co-authors of the California chapter of the Appellate Practice Compendium, published by the American Bar Association.

Our experience has translated into results. For example, since 2008 we have prevailed in 55% of cases in which we have represented appellants, compared to an average success rate of 20-25% for California civil appeals. 

We have been ranked as the #1 appellate practice in California by The Best Lawyers In America, and listed in the highest tier of California appellate firms by Chambers and Partners U.S.A., which has lauded the “strong performance and fresh perspective” of our attorneys and our “insight into the workings of the Supreme Court of California.”

Horvitz & Levy also conducts and participates in appellate moot courts for attorneys and clients dealing with high-stakes and complex matters. Participation in our moot court sessions, followed by in-depth discussions and comprehensive evaluations of issues and strategies by our experts, delivers invaluable insights. Our moot courts can uncover potential challenges, help prepare for the unexpected, and give clients a winning edge.

Drawing on our extensive experience in the California Supreme Court, we provide news and commentary on the practice of law before that court through our blog, At the Lectern. Contact H. Thomas Watson and Emily V. Cuatto for more information about our California Supreme Court & Court of Appeal practice.