|
Mike Hatchell has experience as lead counsel in over one hundred appeals. He has argued more than 30 appeals in the Supreme Court of Texas, en banc to the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals twice, and in all fourteen courts of appeals in Texas.
Mike began his interest in appellate advocacy in 1964 while serving as briefing attorney for the senior associate justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. Since 1965, he has specialized in civil appeals from state and federal courts in Texas. He is board-certified in civil appellate law, is a founding member and past president of the state bar's Appellate Practice and Advocacy Section, and has served several terms on the board that approves candidates for the civil appeals specialization exam.
Mike employs a very hands-on approach to his cases. Following a personal review of each appellate record, he devotes considerable effort to strategic analysis of the case to develop legal issues with the highest probability of success. Known for his persuasive writing, Mike devotes extra effort to making each brief readable and entertaining, yet logical and forceful.
The Supreme Court of Texas has recognized Mike's interest in appellate procedure by asking him to serve three terms on the permanent committee that advises the Court on rules for trial and appellate practice, and he has also been appointed by that Court to special task forces on the jury charge and judicial campaigning. Because of his continuing interest in the evolution of Texas law and his involvement in precedent-setting Texas cases, Mike is a frequent lecturer at legal seminars and his opinion and commentary on Texas legal issues have often been sought by The Wall Street Journal, The Texas Lawyer, and The Houston Chronicle.
Email: mike@hatchellpc.com
|
|
Molly Hatchell has experience on more than fifty state and federal appeals. She has argued cases before the Tyler, Texarkana, Corpus Christi, and Eastland Court of Appeals, as well as the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is board-certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Molly specialized in appellate practice immediately upon graduation from South Texas College of Law, where she was on the Editorial Board of the school's law review. She served two years as briefing attorney for the chief justice of the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals and one year as a briefing attorney with the Tyler Court of Appeals.
Molly contributes to the legal profession by her involvement in academic writing and professional activities. She previously served on the State Bar's Court Rules Committee, and the Appellate Section's Rules Committee. She currently serves as a Director for the Smith County Bar Association. She also authored independently (and with Mike) several papers on appellate advocacy and the rules of appellate procedure. She recently authored (with Prof. William V. Dorsaneo) the "Class Action" chapter of The Texas Litigation Guide.
Email: molly@hatchellpc.com
|
|
|
