Appellate advocacy is often described as the most intellectually demanding branch of legal practice—one that calls for precision, persuasion, and the ability to distill complex cases into elegant, tightly reasoned arguments. Few lawyers embody that art better than Laurie Webb Daniel, founding partner at Webb Daniel Friedlander LLP, an appellate boutique based in Atlanta.

With decades of experience leading appellate teams in both Big Law and boutique settings, Daniel reflects on what makes appellate work distinct, when trial teams should seek appellate counsel, and how the craft has evolved in Georgia’s rapidly changing legal landscape.

What Distinguishes the Appellate Skill Set from That of a Trial Lawyer?

“When I decided to focus on appellate advocacy, I realized I wanted to be a lawyer’s lawyer—the person trial lawyers turn to when a judgment needs fixing,” says Daniel.

She explains that appellate advocacy is fundamentally different from trial work: “I’m the law person on the case. I argue to judges, not juries. My task is to deliver a winning message in only a few minutes or a few pages.”

When Is the Best Time to Hire an Appellate Lawyer?

“Ten years ago, I was typically hired after a bad verdict,” Daniel recalls. “But that often led to waiver problems—where an appellate court wouldn’t consider a great argument because it hadn’t been preserved at trial.”

Now, with Georgia’s reputation for “nuclear verdicts” in the tens of millions, her firm is often brought in before trial to ensure key issues are properly developed and preserved. “We’re the safety net if the trial is lost,” she says.

The Role of an Appellate Lawyer on the Trial Team

Appellate counsel can play a critical role during trial preparation and proceedings. Daniel notes that her team often:

• Ensures pretrial orders include all possible legal theories,

• Drafts motions in limine to exclude prejudicial evidence,

• Prepares pocket briefs for emerging issues during trial, and

• Assists with jury instructions and motions for directed verdict.

“Anything that requires deep legal analysis rather than factual development is our lane,” she explains.

Collaboration and Chemistry: Working with Trial Lawyers

While some might expect friction between trial and appellate attorneys, Daniel says the opposite is true. “The appellate and trial lawyers almost always make a seamless team,” she says.

“Many trial lawyers request our presence in court—not just for cover, but because having someone else handle the legal arguments lets them focus on witnesses and cross-examinations. No one wants to be stuck drafting jury charges right before closing arguments.”

The Rise of Appellate Practice in Georgia

Daniel founded the Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Georgia nearly two decades ago. “At that time, few private lawyers identified as appellate practitioners,” she says. “But Georgia’s appellate judges recognized the need and supported us. They believed it would improve the quality of briefs and oral arguments—and I think it has.”

Today, the appellate bar in Georgia is thriving, with more firms recognizing the strategic value of specialized advocacy.

Tips for Effective Legal Writing

Daniel shares a valuable insight she once received from Chief Justice John Roberts while chairing the ABA’s Standing Committee on Amicus Curiae Briefs.

“He said that as an appellate lawyer, he used to struggle to fit arguments within page limits. But once he became a judge, his perspective completely changed. His advice was simple: ‘Shorter is better.’”

Preparing for Oral Argument

“Preparing for a 20-minute argument can take weeks,” Daniel admits. “Georgia appellate judges are active questioners who won’t hesitate to interrupt with hypotheticals or nuanced legal points.”

Her preparation routine includes:

• Studying all briefing and cited cases,

• Reviewing transcripts and records in detail,

• Conducting a roundtable session with clients and co-counsel to refine themes, and

• Holding a formal moot court a few days before the real argument.

Advice for Young Lawyers Pursuing an Appellate Career

Her guidance is straightforward: “Work hard, give it your best, and if you win a big case—let people know.”

Daniel also recommends pro bono appeals and amicus brief opportunities as pathways to build credibility and courtroom experience. “These cases are a great way to get your foot in the door and make a name for yourself.”

Comparing State and Federal Appeals

Georgia’s appellate system, Daniel explains, now has its own identifiable bar—much like the U.S. Supreme Court bar. “Familiarity builds credibility, and credibility is everything in appellate practice.”

Still, there are procedural differences:

• In Georgia’s Court of Appeals, the panel of three judges is disclosed early via a docketing notice.

• In the Eleventh Circuit, which covers Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, panel identities remain unknown until two weeks before argument—and only if an argument is scheduled.

“Federal arguments tend to be more intense,” she adds, “but the Georgia Supreme Court—with nine active questioners—can be every bit as challenging.”

Life in an Appellate Boutique vs. Big Law

Having led the appellate team at a major national firm, Daniel found the transition to boutique practice refreshing.

“At our firm, we’re driven by the thrill of problem-solving, not the billable hour. Collaboration is genuine—we meet weekly to discuss our docket, and those conversations often spark insights that benefit clients in unexpected ways. There’s a sense of camaraderie here that’s increasingly rare in Big Law.”

About Laurie Webb Daniel

Laurie Webb Daniel
Webb Daniel Friedlander LLP – An Appellate Boutique
75 14th Street NE, Suite 2450
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Tel: (404) 433-6430
Website: www.webbdaniel.law

When construction projects or facility systems fail, the consequences can be complex—and costly. Few understand this better than Bill Acorn, an internationally recognized forensic engineer, expert witness, and founder of Acorn Consulting Services, LLC (ACS).

In this exclusive Lawyer Monthly feature, Acorn offers a detailed look at the world of forensic engineering, explaining how expert witnesses help legal teams resolve disputes in construction, design, and facilities management.

Understanding the Scope of Acorn Consulting Services (ACS)

ACS provides expert services related to the built environment, specializing in HVAC, piping, plumbing, fire protection, and energy management systems that affect the operation and performance of commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings.

“We evaluate both the design and construction of these systems,” Acorn explains, “and opine on matters related to defects, standard of care, environmental control, and contractual disputes.”

ACS also advises on intellectual property cases, including trade secret misappropriation and patent infringement related to building systems and technologies.

How ACS Supports Clients in Litigation and Forensic Matters

Each case involves a unique set of facts, participants, and technical challenges. Acorn and his team evaluate the who, what, where, and how behind each claim and develop a strategic plan to support the litigation process.

This often includes on-site investigations, component testing, document review, and collaboration with other subject-matter experts such as electrical, structural, or metallurgical engineers. In complex disputes, ACS helps coordinate expert efforts to avoid overlap and ensure consistency in the findings presented to counsel.

Inside the Litigation Consulting Process

The firm customizes its methods to each case, depending on the technical complexity and nature of the alleged failure. Evaluations may include:

• Observation and documentation of construction sites

• Review and reconstruction of design calculations

• Testing of materials, components, and systems

• Long-term performance trend analysis

• Non-destructive and destructive testing

Based on these results, ACS prepares authoritative expert reports, advises on discovery strategy, or develops rebuttal reports addressing opposing expert opinions—all while maintaining transparency and cost-effectiveness.

Expert Analysis for Plaintiffs vs. Defendants

ACS works with both plaintiff and defense teams, always maintaining scientific integrity.

“For plaintiffs, we build affirmative expert opinions based on sound engineering and verified evidence,” says Acorn. “For defendants, we evaluate the opposing expert’s methods and conclusions, recognizing those that are valid and rebutting those that are not.”

Through careful analysis, testing, and clear communication, ACS provides objective, defensible insights that help shape legal strategy on both sides of the courtroom.

Common Cases Involving Facility and Engineering Failures

ACS’s expertise spans a wide range of forensic engineering and construction-related disputes, including:

• HVAC system performance issues

• Cleanroom and humidity control failures

• Power and process piping system malfunctions

• Energy management system defects

• Fire, explosion, and chemical exposure claims

• Code compliance and design negligence cases

The firm frequently evaluates advanced manufacturing sites, hospitals, data centers, and large commercial buildings—anywhere technical failures have serious operational or legal consequences.

The Critical Role of Forensic Experts in Complex Litigation

“In complex facility disputes,” Acorn explains, “a forensic expert should be brought in as soon as possible.” Immediate engagement ensures that critical evidence, such as damaged components or environmental conditions, is preserved.

Delays can make it much harder—and more expensive—to determine the root cause of a system failure. A seasoned forensic engineer can help organize evidence, coordinate specialists, and present technical findings clearly to attorneys, judges, and juries.

Skills Every Forensic Engineer Must Master

Forensic engineering is both analytical and interpretive. “A skilled forensic analyst,” says Acorn, “must reconstruct what went wrong using limited data—facts that a layperson might find completely inadequate.”

Essential skills include:

• Deep technical experience and applied engineering judgment

• Strong written and verbal communication

• Objectivity under cross-examination

• Ability to simplify complex theories for lay audiences

Acorn adds that confidence, composure, and intellectual humility are equally vital. “The best experts know when to acknowledge weaknesses and prepare their clients accordingly.”

How Experts Stay Current in a Rapidly Evolving Field

To maintain credibility, experts must stay at the forefront of their discipline. Acorn prioritizes continuing education, teaching, and publishing, noting that instructing others sharpens one’s understanding and communication.

“Teaching seminars or writing for professional journals forces you to organize information, challenge assumptions, and explain complex topics in simple terms,” he says.

By engaging in professional organizations like FEWA and NAFE, experts also learn the legal nuances that distinguish effective expert testimony from routine technical consulting.

Advice for Aspiring Litigation Consultants

Acorn encourages emerging professionals to cultivate both technical mastery and credibility:

“Be known as the go-to person in your field. Teach, publish, and stay active in professional organizations. Learn to communicate technical ideas clearly—and never stop challenging yourself.”

He emphasizes humility and lifelong learning: “There will always be someone with greater experience. The best experts never stop learning from others.”

About Bill Acorn and Acorn Consulting Services

William R. Acorn, P.E., DFE, FASHRAE, CFLC
Founder, Acorn Consulting Services, LLC
16420 N 92nd St, Suite 200B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
Tel: +1 602-888-7250 | Fax: +1 520-577-0851
E: bill@acs-eng.com

Bill Acorn is an internationally recognized authority on forensic engineering and facility system analysis, with over 45 years of experience. As an expert witness and litigation consultant, he has represented plaintiffs, defendants, and insurers in high-value cases exceeding $250 million.

Founded in 1999, Acorn Consulting Services specializes in diagnosing and resolving issues involving design, construction, code compliance, environmental control, and performance of mechanical and building systems.

Few experiences shape a lawyer’s purpose as powerfully as seeing injustice up close. For Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Denise Laureen Turner from DTurner Legal, LLC, that moment came as a teenager watching her younger brother walk into juvenile court in handcuffs — a memory that still drives her every day.

Since earning her J.D. from George Washington University Law School in 2010, Turner has built her career around advocating for those who feel unheard within Indiana’s criminal justice system. From her early years as a Marion County Public Defender to her current work handling major felonies and federal death penalty cases, Turner has become known for her compassion, direct communication, and tireless defense of clients facing the most serious charges imaginable.

In this candid conversation with Lawyer Monthly, Turner reflects on how personal experience shaped her empathy for clients and their families, the realities of public versus private defense in Indiana, and what true justice means in a system often misunderstood by those outside the courtroom.

Q&A with Attorney Denise Laureen Turner

Skilled Criminal Defense – When Your Future Is On The Line

1. You’ve spoken about the moment that inspired you to become a lawyer — seeing your brother in juvenile court. How has that personal experience shaped the way you connect with clients and families facing criminal charges in Indiana today?

Denise Turner: Being on the other side of the desk has had a profound impact on how I connect and communicate with clients and their families. Having been the big sister in the gallery, or the one who vets and pays for the lawyer, or the one whose calls go unanswered, gives me a unique perspective on what clients and their families go through.

I share my experience with clients and their families all the time, so they can feel comfortable knowing I’ve been where they’re at. I make it a point to keep lines of communication very open — that means paying for calls from the jail, meeting families in person, answering texts when true emergencies arise.

As many of my clients are young African-American men, I often see my little brother in each of them. It makes me work that much harder to get the best possible outcome for them and to reassure their families that their loved one is a priority.

2. You began your career as a public defender in Marion County before entering private practice. From your experience, what are the biggest differences between how defendants are treated in Indiana’s public defense system versus private representation?

Denise Turner: In theory, there should be no difference in the representation, but the reality is that there are not enough lawyers doing public defense work. That leads to higher caseloads and less time to spend with clients and work on cases.

A private attorney, by contrast, can choose what and how many cases to take. Oftentimes, those represented by appointed counsel feel rushed — like they’re not being heard or that their lawyer is too busy for them. Private attorneys generally have more time to investigate their cases, to talk with the families, and to keep them updated.

However, public defense lawyers often have access to more resources without being limited by a client’s income. Most public defense offices have in-house investigators, social workers, and court reporters on staff. Funding for experts is also easier to obtain. The difference in having access to these resources can have a profound impact on the outcome of a case. Clients represented by private attorneys may get more of their lawyer’s time, but they can be limited in obtaining the resources needed to fully defend themselves.

3. You’ve handled cases ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies and even death penalty cases. What do you think are the most misunderstood aspects of criminal defense work, particularly within the Indiana justice system?

Denise Turner: Hands down, the most misunderstood aspect of criminal defense work is the assumption that everyone accused is guilty. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “How do you do it?” or “How do you represent those people?”

What people don’t realize is that everyone who’s accused isn’t always guilty. Another misconception is that our only goal is to “get people off.” Truly, the goal of any criminal defense attorney is to protect the client’s rights and hold the government accountable.

It’s our job to make sure that police and prosecutors are doing their work according to the law and not taking shortcuts or cheating to get the outcome they want. Defense attorneys care just as much about the community, safety, and justice as anyone else — we simply express that commitment in a different, but equally vital, way.

“Winning” doesn’t always mean a not-guilty verdict. It’s defined by the client — for some, that means a shorter sentence; for others, it may mean treatment or simply having their voice heard in court.

4. There’s growing discussion across Indiana and the U.S. about bail reform and access to counsel. What changes would you most like to see to make the criminal justice process fairer and more transparent?

Denise Turner: First, I’d like to see bail and case data made fully transparent statewide. The process involving bail and whether someone qualifies for appointed counsel is extremely subjective and varies widely between counties. Transparency in data would make it easier to expose bias and develop fairer solutions.

Each county in Indiana has its own bail schedule, so there’s no statewide standard. Second, I’d like to see a statewide program to help those who are partially indigent find private attorneys willing to take their cases at reduced rates.

Currently, the IndyBar Modest Means Program in Marion County helps people who can’t afford full private representation connect with attorneys who charge reduced fees. Judges must refer eligible clients, and it currently only covers misdemeanors and low-level felonies. Expanding this program statewide and including higher-level felonies could help relieve public defender caseloads and improve access to justice.

5. You’ve said that honesty and open communication with clients — even when the truth is hard to hear — are central to your practice. How does that philosophy guide your approach to building trust and defense strategies?

Denise Turner: Being open and honest with my clients and their families from day one is pivotal to building trust. Only when a client has all the information can they make the right decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

I make sure my clients know as much as possible about their case and my advice — that always includes telling the truth, no matter how hard it may be to hear. I often tell clients, “There’s too much at stake. It’s not fair for me to blow smoke.”

I’ve found that clients respect and appreciate honesty more than empty promises. Many families come to me after hearing false assurances from other lawyers, and they can tell when someone isn’t being truthful. Strangely enough, being the bearer of bad news often builds more trust — it shows the client that their lawyer is serious, invested, and not just collecting a paycheck.

6. As a member of the federal CJA panel representing indigent clients, what unique challenges do you encounter when working on federal or capital cases, and how do you prepare for those high-stakes situations?

Denise Turner: Federal and capital cases are more complex and take longer to resolve. They demand more investment — not just in legal work but in understanding the client and their family on a deeper level.

Because these cases are so detailed, organization and time management are critical. Staying focused, knowing when to ask for help, and maintaining structure are key.

The emotional toll is another challenge. In federal and death penalty cases, the stakes are so high that humanizing the client is essential but difficult. I make a point to learn my client’s full story — the good, the bad, and especially the ugly. I meet their family and friends to understand who they are beyond the charges.

Managing that emotional load requires discipline. I stay centered by keeping my end goals clear, staying organized, and knowing when to pause and reset.

7. For young lawyers and law students in Indiana considering a career in criminal defense, what advice would you give them about finding both purpose and resilience in such a demanding field?

Denise Turner: My advice is to find something to relate to in your clients. The case and the client have to mean something to you.

For me, it’s seeing my little brother in my clients that fuels my drive. For others, it might be standing up for the underdog because you once were one. Finding that personal connection gives your work purpose and drive.

But it’s equally important to protect your own well-being. Emotional fatigue is real in this field. Practice self-care — schedule a massage, go to the gym, take a vacation. Taking care of yourself helps you better take care of your clients.

Turner’s commitment to criminal defense is rooted in humanity — a belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and defended with integrity. Whether she’s answering a late-night text from a worried mother or preparing for a complex federal trial, her focus remains on giving clients the same respect and attention she once wished for her own family.

Her advice to the next generation of lawyers is as personal as her mission: “Find something that resonates with you,” she says. “When your work means something to you, that’s where purpose and resilience begin.”

From the gallery of a juvenile courtroom to the forefront of Indiana’s defense bar, Denise Laureen Turner has never lost sight of what first inspired her — the belief that justice must begin with understanding.