The Appellate Advocacy and Legal Research Division has primary responsibility over appellate litigation and legal research throughout the state. It assists circuit public defenders and conflict defenders with all stages of litigation--from case planning to research to brief-writing-- and serves as a reference source for defense counsel with substantive or procedural questions.

It does not offer any representation in civil, habeas corpus, or federal cases.

Purpose:

To elevate the quality of legal advocacy for indigent clients. To better identify the research needs of public defenders and to respond with superior resources. To maximize the possibility of successful appellate litigation by planning for and steering appellate advocacy in a statewide system. To fulfill this purpose by achieving the following goals:

• Offer consultation with both trial and appellate counsel in Circuit Public Defender Offices and for conflict defenders
• Assist circuit public defender offices and conflict defenders with direct appeals, from case-planning to brief-writing
• Track important appellate cases and issues statewide
• Provide superior online research resources, including a brief bank
• Direct and coordinate appellate litigation by filing cert petitions and amicus briefs where appropriate
• Assist the Training Division by co-sponsoring seminars on appellate practice and procedure and developments in the appellate courts

	Table of Contents Brief Bank Index Appellate Forms Table of Contents Practice Tips Useful Links

Contact us:
Appeals Division
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council
225 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 900, South Tower
Atlanta, GA 30303
Tel 404-739-5151
Fax 404-739-5155

Email:
James C. Bonner, Jr.
Appellate & Legal Research Manager

Trish McCann
Appellate Attorney and Juvenile Advocacy Attorney

Jimmonique R.S. Rodgers
Juvenile Appeals Attorney

Leigh Schrope
Senior Appellate Supervising Attorney

Susan Teaster
Senior Attorney