Our Process
Learn how Lotus Appellate Law works with clients — from initial consultation and retainer setup through briefing, oral argument, and final resolution. Clear, transparent appellate representation in Utah.
How we manage your Case
From your first conversation through final resolution, this is the process we use at Lotus Appellate Law to manage your matter, handle your retainer, and keep you informed at every stage of the appellate process.
1
Your matter begins with a conversation. We review the circumstances of your case, assess whether viable appellate issues are present, and give you a candid evaluation of the path forward—including an honest assessment of the challenges involved.
No commitment is required at this stage. If Lotus Appellate Law is the right fit for your matter, we will let you know on the call and walk you through our fee structure and next steps. A formal engagement letter will follow outlining the scope of representation in writing before anything begins.
2
Once the engagement letter is signed, Lotus Appellate Law will set up your case file and request the initial deposit before work begins. We use LawPay—a secure payment platform built specifically for law firms—to send payment links directly to your email. Funding your account is simple. If you prefer to pay by wire transfer, let us know and we will provide wire instructions promptly.
At this stage, our attorneys will file the notice of appeal, order transcripts, and file any necessary appellate documents. Please note that timelines vary depending on the nature of your matter. A standard appeal to the Utah Court of Appeals typically takes three to six months before briefing begins, because the appellate record must be compiled and deadlines set by the court. Other court filings—such as interlocutory appeals or post-trial motions—will move faster and work may begin within days or even hours of engagement.
Lotus Appellate Law is an hourly firm that works from client retainer accounts. We require a minimum retainer balance that we will discuss with you during the onboarding call—so there are no surprises before work begins.
3
After the appellate record is filed with the court of appeals, our attorneys obtain and analyze the complete trial court record—reviewing transcripts, exhibits, docket entries, and rulings to identify the strongest preserved issues for appeal. As the record review progresses, Lotus Appellate Law will keep you informed of what we are finding and how it shapes the direction of your case.
Once your matter is underway, our attorneys work against your retainer balance. As that balance approaches the minimum threshold, Lotus Appellate Law will send a secure LawPay payment request to plus up your account.
If we do not receive a replenishment, work on your matter will pause until the balance is restored.
4
Briefing is the heart of appellate practice—and where the outcome of most appellate work is determined. Our attorneys research the controlling law, synthesize the record, and construct the written arguments that will stand before the court. This is rigorous, time-intensive work performed at the highest level. This phase requires focused attorney time and can draw retainer funds more quickly than clients anticipate.
We manage all deadlines and coordinate with opposing counsel as required. Because briefing draws substantially on retainer hours, a second deposit is typically required at or before this phase begins.
Throughout your matter, Lotus Appellate Law keeps you informed at every meaningful stage.
5
Not every appellate matter proceeds to oral argument—many are decided on the briefs alone. But if oral argument is granted, Lotus Appellate Law prepares extensively: listening to the panel’s prior arguments, anticipating lines of questioning, and conducting internal moot sessions if requested. We will notify you of the scheduled argument date and keep you informed as that stage approaches.
6
When the court issues its opinion, we analyze it with you and explain the result in plain terms. We then walk through your available options—whether that is a petition for rehearing, a petition for certiorari, proceedings on remand . . . or case closure!
Your retainer account is fully reconciled at closing. Any remaining balance is returned to you. Our representation does not end until you have a complete understanding of the outcome and what it means going forward.
A complete accounting of all fees drawn is provided at case close. Any unused retainer funds are returned. Nothing is retained beyond what was earned in the representation.
Transparency in Every Engagement
How Our Billing Works
Lotus operates on a retainer model. Fees are drawn from your account as work is performed—you receive regular statements, advance notice before any replenishment is needed, and a full accounting at the close of your case. Here is what to expect at each step.
Itemized statements
Through your client portal, you have access to every invoice—each of which includes your current trust balance—so you always know exactly where your account stands. The portal also allows you to upload case documents and send messages directly to our team, keeping all communication and case materials in one place.
secure payment links
All payments are made through a secure link delivered directly to you. You will never be asked to call in financial information or mail payment.
Advance notice before replenishment
You receive a balance notification and new payment link before work pauses. Replenishment is your decision, not an automatic charge.
Unused funds returned at close
At the conclusion of your matter, any balance remaining in your retainer account is returned promptly. We retain only what was earned.