Texas Civil Appeals
An appeal requires a focused assessment of the trial-court record, the governing law, and the issues that may affect the outcome. Pumarejo Law represents clients seeking to overturn adverse rulings and clients defending favorable results in Texas appellate courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Based in Austin, Ricardo Pumarejo handles appeals independently and works with trial counsel on particular issues or throughout the appellate process.
Why engage appellate counsel?
Trial and appellate practice demand different skills. Trial lawyers develop the evidence, examine witnesses, and present a persuasive account of the facts. Appellate lawyers focus on the record created below: identifying potential error, evaluating whether an issue was preserved, applying the governing standard of review, and explaining why a ruling should be upheld or reversed.
An appeal also involves a different audience and a different task. Trial counsel’s understanding of which arguments resonate in the courtroom does not always translate to what will persuade an appellate court. Arguments that appeal to a jury may carry little weight with appellate judges, whose review centers on specific legal issues, the record, and the applicable standards of review. Effective appellate advocacy requires reassessing the case through that lens rather than simply repeating the arguments made at trial.
That work depends on selecting the strongest issues, conducting focused legal research, and presenting a clear, carefully structured written argument. Oral argument calls for a concise presentation and direct answers to the judges’ questions about the record, the law, and the consequences of the proposed ruling.
Engaging appellate counsel brings a fresh perspective to that work. Trial counsel’s familiarity with the case remains valuable, while an attorney approaching the record through an appellate lens can reassess arguments, identify weaknesses, and concentrate on the issues most likely to affect the outcome. Ricardo can assume responsibility for the appeal or collaborate with trial counsel.
Ricardo also brings experience from inside an appellate court. He spent three years as a briefing attorney at the Texas Thirteenth Court of Appeals, assisting with opinions, legal research, and preparation for oral argument. That experience informs his understanding of how appellate judges evaluate arguments and decide cases—and how to present a client’s position with clarity, precision, and attention to the court’s concerns.
Challenging an adverse ruling. Defending a favorable result.
For a party considering an appeal, the work begins with identifying potential grounds for review. That assessment includes what the record establishes, whether an issue was preserved, the applicable standard of review, and the relief an appellate court could grant.
For a party defending a judgment or order, the task is to answer the challenges presented and explain why the result should stand. Ricardo develops appellate arguments around the issues that matter to the court’s decision.
Appellate representation
Appeals from final judgments
Representation in civil appeals involving commercial and contract disputes, real estate, employment and civil rights, personal injury and wrongful death, and family law.
Interlocutory appeals and mandamus proceedings
Representation in proceedings seeking review of trial-court rulings before a case reaches final judgment, as well as opposition to another party’s request for appellate relief.
Appellate briefing and oral argument
Research, analysis, and written advocacy grounded in the record and controlling law, together with preparation for and presentation of oral argument when granted.
Rehearing and further review
Evaluation and preparation of motions for rehearing, petitions for review, and responses seeking to preserve a favorable appellate decision.
Working with trial counsel
Appellate work often builds on decisions made long before an appeal is filed. Ricardo collaborates with trial lawyers to understand the case’s history, evaluate potential appellate issues, and develop a consistent approach to the proceedings ahead.
An engagement may cover the entire appeal or a defined assignment, such as briefing a particular issue or preparing for oral argument. Ricardo also provides litigation support while a case remains in the trial court.
Appellate representation throughout Texas
Your appellate attorney does not need to maintain an office near the court hearing your appeal. Much of appellate practice involves reviewing the record, researching the law, and preparing briefs—work that can be performed remotely, with documents filed electronically and client meetings conducted by telephone or video.
Ricardo has represented clients before appellate courts in Edinburg, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans. If a court schedules in-person oral argument, he can travel to present it. Many appeals are decided on the briefs and record without oral argument.
Appellate experience
Ricardo has served as lead appellate counsel in approximately 150 state and federal appeals. His representative matters include defending judgments, challenging adverse rulings, and opposing petitions for writ of mandamus.
Questions about the appellate process?
The Frequently Asked Questions page explains the appellate record, briefs, oral argument, and potential outcomes.
Discuss a potential engagement
Contact Ricardo to inquire about availability and engagement terms for civil appellate representation.
Legal services begin only after a written engagement agreement is signed and any required advance payment is received. Please do not send confidential information or documents before an engagement is established.