Appellate Attorney for Indiana and Beyond

4475 N. Benton Court
Bloomington, IN 47408-9564

Phone:  (812) 333-1384
Fax:  (812) 333-9544
Email:  kawyle@att.net

For the busy trial attorney, whether general practitioner or specialist, there is an alternative to the distraction and disruption an appeal can pose for your practice. Instead of re-learning appellate rules that may have changed radically, hire someone who keeps up with every change, big and small. Instead of scrambling to find time for the many hours of research and -- especially -- writing that even one appeal requires, turn to someone whose practice is structured around such tasks. An appellate attorney can offer the expertise and the resources that appeals require.

An appellate attorney also brings a fresh perspective on the facts, as well as knowledge of the special tactical considerations involved in satisfying the standard of review for this particular appeal.

And you won't have to worry about the trial judge's reaction when he sees your name on a Notice of Appeal.

Who Am I and What Do I Offer?

I am an appellate attorney with 30 years' experience. I graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1980. I primarily practice in the Indiana Court of Appeals and Indiana Supreme Court, but am a member of the bars for the U.S. Seventh Circuit and Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. I am also an inactive member of the California bar. I am located near Bloomington in Monroe County, Indiana -- but handle appeals throughout Indiana. I have also appeared pro hac vice in states including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.

I work on a few appeals at a time. I brainstorm with you about ideas and approaches, issues and tactics -- if and when you can make time to do so. I keep you apprised of developments. Beyond that, I take over the burden of the appeal. I negotiate the maze of appellate procedure; I do the research, the analysis, the writing, the rewriting. I handle the clerical aspects of filing the appellate briefs and related documents. Unless you prefer otherwise, I field clients' questions, explain the appellate process to them, and keep them posted about developments in their case. I can be sole appellate counsel, or act as your co-counsel. I also do limited consulting on an hourly basis, at any stage of the appeal where a consult is desired.

I will handle both civil and criminal appeals, although the bulk of my practice involves civil appeals. Those appeals may involve contracts, torts, family law, real estate disputes, municipal liability, etc.

Since writing an amicus brief in the case of Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000), I have also become well acquainted with the constitutional, statutory and public policy issues raised by grandparent visitation disputes.

Examples of My Work

Here are a few briefs I've written:

• Troxel v. Granville amicus brief
• Yoon v. Yoon transfer brief
• City of Linton brief

Other Useful Links

• Indiana Rules of Court
• Clerk of the Courts' Online Docket
• Indiana Code Table of Contents