Davis Polk partner and Supreme Court & Appellate practice head Kannon Shanmugam was quoted in Law360 Pulse discussing the benefits of law firms having an appellate litigation practice. 

The article mentioned that BigLaw, including Davis Polk, has been investing in appellate litigation because it is a practice area that firms increasingly see as key to winning and retaining clients. 

Appellate litigation “often provides an opportunity for firms to bring in new clients,” Kannon said.

“It’s a point of decision for many clients. When things go wrong at the trial level, they’re often looking to bring in new counsel at the appellate level, and it’s a way of attracting clients to firms that might not previously have been clients. … That is extraordinarily valuable in the current competitive legal landscape,” he added.

The article also explained that Kannon and partner Masha Hansford moved to Davis Polk this spring to launch the new Supreme Court and appellate practice. 

Kannon noted there has been “enormous demand” from Davis Polk clients for the new appellate practice.

Additionally, the article pointed out that appellate lawyers can strengthen the case before an appeal is filed. Appellate lawyers “are increasingly core parts of the trial team,” Kannon stated.

There has been “growing involvement of appellate lawyers at the trial level, not just in preparing for the appeal but in handling important parts of the district court proceedings themselves,” he further noted.

“Why Top BigLaw Appellate Lawyers Are Switching Firms,” Law360 Pulse (September 18, 2026) (subscription required)

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