Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Partner Gretchen Harris Sperry was recently featured in an article published in Appellate Issues, a publication of the American Bar Association (ABA) Judicial Division.
The article highlights a panel discussion from the 2024 Appellate Judges Education Institute Summit, where legal professionals, including Sperry, examined the critical role of embedded appellate counsel in trial proceedings. Panelists stressed that early involvement of appellate counsel helps preserve the record and strategically position a case for a potential appeal.
Sperry expanded on this point, noting that when she joins a case post-trial, she often encounters missed opportunities or preservation issues that could have been avoided. She also emphasized that by integrating appellate counsel into the trial team early, particularly at the summary judgment and motion in limine stages, businesses can ensure stronger arguments and a cleaner record, ultimately improving their chances on appeal.
Sperry is Co-Chair of the firm’s Appellate practice and a Partner in the Chicago office. She is a seasoned appellate advocate with experience in state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. She frequently serves as embedded appellate counsel at trial, developing appellate strategies in complex commercial litigation, high-exposure catastrophic injury cases, mass torts, constitutional litigation, and labor and employment matters. She currently serves as Chair of the Council of Appellate Lawyers for the American Bar Association.
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