Legal Grounds | Todd Smith On the Art of Appellate Law, the Benefits & Burdens of Owning Your Own Practice, and Evolution of Technology in the Appeals Process

Whenever a trial is notable enough to make the headlines, the initial verdict is often the only one that sticks in the public-consciousness. 

But when it comes to appeals, unless it’s a particularly heinous criminal case, the process is rarely deemed newsworthy. 

I suspect there’s a litany of reasons for this lack of coverage, though at the end of the day I think it comes down to the appeals process being both nuanced and - using the metrics of 24-hour news - excruciatingly slow. 

And while it’s not always granted, the ability to appeal a verdict is still fundamental to our legal system because ultimately it allows the space for humility. A space to say, “I never considered _____”. A space to grow.

In my estimation, being an appellate attorney is more akin to being a craftsman or artisan than any other field of practice. It also takes a level of patience and flexibility that many attorneys (myself included) don’t revel in.

My guest this week is one of these craftsmen.

Todd Smith is the Founder and Principal of the Texas Appellate Counsel, which helps attorneys implement the tools of emerging technology thoughtfully, effectively, and ethically.

Todd has devoted his career to appellate practice, starting more than 3 decades ago with a two-year judicial clerkship at the Texas Supreme Court, moving to private and solo practice throughout his career.

Todd and I discuss his journey towards discoing a passion for appellate work, the lessons he’s learned being on both sides of the leadership role, and how technology does and doesn’t impact the ways law will be practiced in the years to come. 

Enjoy the show!  

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