James R. Layton
Publisher Thomsen Reuters has released the 2019 Supplement to its Appellate Practice volume in the Missouri Practice Series, authored by Tueth Keeney’s Jim Layton. The supplement updates rules, statutes, and caselaw pertinent to practice in all Missouri appellate courts. Jim has authored the annual supplements for more than a decade. Each year he reviews all Missouri appellate decisions, compiling changes that affect what parties should do on appeal.
This year, Jim identified as most significant: changes in formatting rules; clarification of the appropriate content of an appellate record; greater definition of what constitutes finality for appeal; and explanation of the relationship between the payment of fees and court jurisdiction. He also identifies the most common errors in drafting “points relied on” (a particular requirement for any Missouri appellant’s brief).
James Layton leads the firm’s Appellate practice group and is a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Labor, and Education groups. He assists clients with analysis and presentation of complex legal issues in Missouri and federal courts, both trial and appellate. In addition to handling cases himself and with other attorneys at Tueth Keeney, Jim consults with clients on appellate strategy and assists other counsel in high-stakes, complex appeals.
Jim has briefed and argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and before all Missouri appellate courts””including nearly 100 cases before the Missouri Supreme Court. He has represented clients in U.S. district courts and in Missouri circuit courts from Jackson County to the City of St. Louis. He has extensive experience with government-related litigation and state taxation disputes. Jim is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, a past president of the Bar Association of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and a past chair of the American Bar Association’s Council of Appellate Lawyers. He is a frequent speaker in the areas of appellate practice and constitutional law, both state and federal.
Appellate Practice – Tueth Keeney lawyers have briefed and argued hundreds of appeals, including appeals in all Missouri and Illinois state and federal appellate courts and in the U.S. Supreme Court. The Appellate Practice Group represents clients on a wide range of issues impacting businesses, individuals, government entities, and educational institutions. Tueth Keeney attorneys are also available to contribute their considerable experience (including more than 90 arguments before the Missouri Supreme Court) to appeals handled by others””strategizing, assisting with briefs, and preparing for oral argument.
Commercial Litigation – Tueth Keeney has aggressive and talented litigators with a record of client satisfaction and success. Our litigation attorneys have represented large and small businesses in the prosecution and defense of numerous complex commercial litigation matters in the state and Federal courts of Missouri and Illinois. Our philosophy is to quickly evaluate the facts of each case and develop the most convincing and cost-effective litigation strategy. Tueth Keeney’s construction practice includes all aspects of contract drafting and negotiation, claim preparation, and dispute resolution. We represent owners, developers, and contractors in a variety of public and private projects.