Schedule a time to speak with Zara.

 
Thank you for all you do! Your legal research is a solid foundation and your brief writing makes my work easier.
— John Crane, Esq., John M. Crane, PC

This is a legal analysis and writing service by Zara Watkins, Esq. who analyzes the issues and drafts briefs for appeals and substantive motions in state, federal, and immigration cases for attorneys across the US.

She can also appear for oral argument (in New York only), whether she writes your brief or not.

Zara writes to win. If there is a path to success for your client’s appeal or motion, she will find it.

  • Legal analysis and writing is niche lawyer work like:

    diving deep into the facts and researching case law with an eye towards finding the best potential arguments for motions and appeals, also assessing whether your clients’ appeal is viable;

    drafting briefs for taking and defending appeals, substantive motions, oppositions to motions, and all kinds of memos of law — see samples

    oral argument for appeals & substantive motions in New York (as Of Counsel to your law office; Zara can appear regardless of who wrote the briefs)

  • Because you should use an appellate attorney to research and draft your clients’ motion and appeal briefs.

    If your client lost after you filed a motion or had a trial, you should NOT handle the appeal. There is a reason you lost; an appellate lawyer will find it, and look for ways to get your client a win.

    If you won after a motion or trial, you should let an appellate lawyer defend any appeal so you don’t trip on the many landmines that might help your adversary win reversal.

    If you are filing a motion or prepping for trial, an appellate attorney will find the best arguments to support your client’s position.

    See what Zara’s lawyer clients say about her service.

  • Solo attorneys and small law firms across the country that:

    • are too busy to create perfect legal writing;

    • dread the heavy legal analysis that is required for appeals and substantive motion practice;

    • need to send a fresh face (but not a novice) to oral argument;

    • want to work with someone who is passionate about serving their clients;

    • love to be a hero to their clients.

    Zara’s experience writing and consulting on briefs for appeals and motions in federal and state courts covers a vast range of practice areas, including: federal regulation disputes; construction law; personal injury; medical & dental malpractice; business disputes; real estate and property disputes; class actions; residential and commercial foreclosure defense; immigration; family/divorce; elder abuse; bankruptcy; civil procedure; landlord/tenant; and civil rights/constitutional law.

    Zara is ready to help you and your clients with an appeal or substantive motion.

  • • You contact Zara here. Be sure to tell her some details about your motion or appeal (otherwise she will think it is spam, which she gets a lot of).

    • She emails you back to schedule a time to talk about your motion or appeal.

    • After gathering some key information, she gives you a flat fee quote for the brief (or other project you request).

    • You send her the fee (by Venmo, wire transfer, or old-fashioned check), digitally sign her legal services e-agreement, and your brief (or other project) gets on her calendar—away she goes to find the best argument for your client.


Join Zara’s semi-annual newsletter and access her 4-step flowchart for commencing an appeal in the New York Appellate Division.


Not a lawyer? Zara Watkins, Esq. can help you with immigration appeals; federal & state appeals (except criminal; New York only); or foreclosure defense appeals (New York only).



Who is Zara? Read about her love of arguments (and a few other things).