Jim Layton publishes, speaks on 8th Circuit practice

Oct 16, 2020

Tueth Keeney’s Jim Layton is the author of a chapter in the ninth edition of the Eighth Circuit Appellate Practice Manual, released in October 2020 . The Manual takes a comprehensive look at current practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. That court, based in St. Louis, hears appeals from U.S. district courts in seven states.

Along with authors of other chapters, Jim also spoke at a continuing legal education program on Eighth Circuit Practice presented by the Minnesota Bar’s CLE program.

Jim’s chapter and presentation focus on jurisdiction-on what kinds of cases can be brought on appeal to the Eighth Circuit.  Jim was the author of the same chapter in the prior edition.  In earlier editions, he had been the author of a chapter on direct review of administrative actions.

Jim has handled many appeals heard by the Eighth Circuit. He most recently argued before the court in September (via remote video connection) on behalf of a Missouri county.


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.

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.