Legal Writing For Law Firms: Appeals, Briefs, MSJs, MTDs, Complex Motions
Adam Wilson, Esq.
The Headlines: 2024-2025
Stanford Law + Law Review
Federal Appellate Clerkship (Third Circuit Court of Appeals)
Decade of Brief Writing at Am Law 100 Firms (Gibson Dunn)
8th Year of Freelancing
Repeat Business + Testimonials
Why freelancing? — I became a gallery-represented conceptual text- based artist in 2017. Both solo shows have been an Artforum Magazine ‘Must See.’
Briefing services only for law firms and lawyers.
Negotiable Market Rates
Updated for 2025
Big Law Partner-level appellate advocacy at a freelance price.
Negotiable major market rate $375 / hour.
Let’s make it work to fit your law firm’s particular market and needs.
Specialized Scope
Appellate briefs — federal and state appeals;
Complex trial motions — motions for summary judgment
Complex trial motions — motions to dismiss + demurrers
Appellate rehearings en banc
Supreme Court (SCOTUS) petitions for writs of certiorari
Supreme Court (SCOTUS) oppositions to writs of certiorari
Data-Proven Value
Big Law partner-level advocacy at freelance pricing — as evidenced by seven years of data, repeat work, and testimonials:
96% — very satisfied, repeat work, testimonial
4% — very satisfied with no repeat work (yet)
0% — dissatisfied
0% — missed deadlines
0% — re-writes or write-offs requested
Recent Examples — Updated July 2024
Successful opposition to petition for writ of certiorari, US Supreme Court (SCOTUS), federal copyright law in media licensing context.
Successful opposition to motion for summary judgment, financial contract context, California state law.
Briefing to the Maine Supreme Court (Maine Law Court) on issues of first impression re attorney-client privilege, conflicts of interest, breaches of fiduciary duties by lawyers; rules of professional responsibility; legal malpractice; legal ethics in the context of torts.
Recent Law Firm Testimonials
March 2024 — “You’re like the MVP who helps get us to the playoffs every time.” — Founder of Los Angeles boutique litigation firm; repeat work for this firm for five years.
Please see below for more.
Adam Wilson, Esq.
207-699-9957 cell
adam.daley.wilson@gmail.com
FAQs
What’s The Cost?
Negotiable 2025 major market rate: $375 / hour.
Let’s make it work to fit your law firm’s particular market and particular needs.
When Is Payment?
No money up front.
No invoice until you approve the brief.
Bank wire, check, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or bill.com.
Payment is by you, the law firm — not your client.
My LLC is a temp vendor / independent contractor to your law firm.
What Are The Logistics?
However you like to work it.
I stay in touch as much or as little as you want.
Set the internal deadline you want.
You receive it, approve it, sign it, and file it through your firm.
Guaranteed on-time delivery — In eight years, no missed deadlines and no displeased clients.
What Are My Credentials?
JD, Stanford Law School, 1999. Stanford Law Review, Moot Court.
Clerkship, U.S. Court of Appeals For the Third Circuit, 2004-2006.
Private practice at two Am Law 100 firms: (a) Gibson Dunn and (b) Crowell Moring. At both firms: Appellate and antitrust practice groups. Also complex commercial litigation and soft IP litigation.
Active Licenses: California (1999), the District of Columbia (2001), Maine (2009).
Full Resume — Click Here
Testimonials?
Yes — see next section.
Repeat Business?
Yes — see next section.
Who Does The Work?
I do 100% of the legal research and writing myself. No one else.
And no, I don’t use ChatGPT or any other AI or artificial intelligence.
Why Do I Freelance?
In 2017 I unexpectedly became a commercially successful conceptual artist. Since 2020 I’ve been represented by Engage Projects Gallery in Chicago, which represents about 20 conceptual artists from around the world.
Both of my solo shows to date have been Artforum “Must See” shows in Chicago, and I’ve also received positive international art press including from Mousse Magazine (Italy).
Scroll to the very end for screenshots from Artforum, recent works, etc.
I also write about art theory in relation to Conceptual Art, Post-conceptual Art, Theory Art, and Post-Theory Art, including in this most recent article, September 2024, on SSRN, the Social Science Research Network: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4913371
Cell Phone + Email
Testimonials
Some Reviews that Establish Quality and Value.
“Stellar”
— Partner at Los Angeles boutique litigation firm re a Ninth Circuit brief on corporate law issues. Repeat work.
“Adam is a serious All-Star”
— Partner at Atlanta-based litigation firm. A referral through a partner at a Los Angeles litigation firm. For both, multiple oppositions to summary judgment motions and an unrelated state court appeal.
“Excellent work and very cool to work with.”
— Partner at Los Angeles boutique litigation firm re multiple summary judgment oppositions in state court. Periodic repeat work since 2019.
“$300 is well-worth it, I pay for quality, and you deliver it.”
— Owner of Detroit, Michigan litigation boutique.
“Excellent work, here comes another another appeal.”
— Founder of Houston boutique litigation firm. Five additional projects as repeat work so far including summary judgment oppositions and state court appeals.
“I keep calling you and using your briefs with virtually no changes, what higher compliment is there?”
— Partner at San Francisco complex litigation and class action firm. Ongoing repeat work for 18 months 2020-2021 until matter concluded.
“I love working with you. I have briefs in three new matters over the next two months, can you take it on?”
— Founder and partner at Los Angeles commercial litigation firm. Repeat summary judgment and motions to dismiss work.
“I trust your writing and I trust the way you think.”
— Silicon Valley solo practitioner formerly from Big Law. Repeat work including recent Ninth Circuit brief re corporate and transactional issues.
“We are very happy with the brief and are filing it today.”
— Two partners at Philadelphia / New York City intellectual property boutique re a Sixth Circuit brief on contract law and soft IP issues.
Earlier Testimonials
“[S]o perceptive and so competent . . . incredibly grateful to have [you] on our team.” — Founding partner at small Boston-based firm.
“Amazing.” — Partner at Los Angeles mid-size firm regarding summary judgment briefing with expert testimony on superseding causation issues.
“Fantastic again! I trust you 100%. More work coming.” — Las Vegas small firm partner re federal constitutional law matters, Section 1983, and Bivens claims. Five repeat projects and referrals to co-counsel in California.
“Excellent, thanks Adam! And thanks for working with us on pricing. We want to work with you again.” — Partner at same Philadelphia / metro New York media law boutique re a reply brief in the Sixth Circuit.
“Your [federal court] MTD was outstanding, especially on the RICO issues. I’m going to recommend you to all of my friends.” — Philadelphia antitrust class action attorney. Repeat work pending.
“Hey, thanks again. Excellent draft, just what I needed. I’ll be in touch for the next round.” — New York City federal false claims act (qui tam) small firm partner re drafting false claims act complaint. Periodic repeat work, 2018-2021.
“Five stars — Adam is efficient and responsive. He is clearly skilled and learned. Very happy for his help on my project.” — Partner at Los Angeles midsize law firm. Repeat work.
“The [two summary judgment] opposition briefs written by Adam were excellent.” — Partner and leading California appellate lawyer.
“I call Adam again and again because he does great work.” — Partner at a New York City boutique IP litigation firm.
“I first called Adam for a brief because of his clerkship. I keep calling him because he knows how to litigate and he’s a great sounding board for strategy on my projects.” — Silicon Valley solo practitioner. Repeat work.
“Adam polishes my motions, writes briefs from scratch, and in some ways serves as an outside senior associate. He gets the big picture fast, and he meets my clients’ budgets.” — California partner at three-partner law firm.
“It was a pleasure working with you and I will be in touch soon [for more brief writing].” Southern California sole practitioner. Repeat work.
“I can’t believe what a great fit you are with my practice. Thank you.” — Silicon Valley IP and business litigator. Six additional projects over 24 months, 2020-2022.
“Once again your help has been invaluable, and I will have more projects for you [next month].” Partner at small Silicon Valley / Bay Area business litigation boutique.
“Your [motion to dismiss pursuant to Fed. R. 12(b)(6)] in federal court was very, very good” — Pennsylvania / New Jersey complex litigation attorney.
Repeat Business
Some Repeat Work Examples
For a Los Angeles litigation boutique: Ninth Circuit brief on commercial / corporate issues — leading to second project — another Ninth Circuit brief in a separate matter.
For a Southern California small firm: Demurrer on complex transactional issues (jurisdiction, res judicata, collateral estoppel) — leading to additional briefing projects on separate matters. Also began serving as sounding board for subsequent mediations.
For a New York City partner at a small qui tam boutique: Most recent repeat business — fifth project — this time drafting a federal false claims act complaint with complex causation and damages issues.
For a San Francisco complex litigation and class action firm: Multiple brief writing assignments during state court litigation (motions for judgment on the pleadings, motion for decertification of class, more). On call as sounding board as case moves forward.
For a Los Angeles former prosecutor: Two California state court appeals in separate matters (business litigation).
For a New York City / Manhattan IP solo practitioner: Most recent repeat business — third project — this time preparing a draft brief on trademark and copyright issues in the fashion industry / market for mediation and related negotiations.
For an Orange County California small firm: Most recent repeat business — seventh project — this time drafting a motion to transfer venue.
For a Palo Alto / Silicon Valley small law firm: Appeal in California state court (commercial litigation) leading to demurrer and motion to strike (financial and IP litigation) on new matter. Sounding board re case strategies as the intellectual property case moved forward.
For a Los Angeles midsize law firm: Successful summary judgment opposition brief in California state court (tort claims) — leading to additional business — a second successful MSJ opposition brief (strict liability). Ongoing periodic independent contractor relationship for briefing. Also asked to advise on case strategies, oral argument prep, and Writs (personal injury / causation).
For a metro New York City law firm: Successful motion to compel in Federal District Court for a qui tam action (Chicago). Repeat work: Draft complaints in Federal District Court for two more whistleblower / False Claims Act actions (Philadelphia). More repeat work: Second motion to compel in Federal District Court (Seattle) for another fraud action. Five additional repeat projects; more repeat work pending.
For a San Francisco / Bay Area small law firm: Successful summary judgment opposition motion (soft IP / trade secrets / copyright) in Federal District Court.
For a Los Angeles midsize law firm: Successful opposition brief in response to motion for summary judgment (commercial real estate claims) in California state court. Repeat work: Second successful MSJ opposition brief (fraud, financial claims). Three additional repeat matters to date; additional repeat work pending.
For a New York City / Manhattan midsize law firm: Draft sections of brief in response to motion for summary judgment in multiparty complex litigation matter (federal statutory claims) in Federal District Court (SDNY). Subsequent work was scheduled then matter resolved.
For a Los Angeles midsize law firm: Opposition brief in response to motion for summary judgment (Fourth Amendment) in Federal District Court (Oregon). Subsequent projects were scheduled then matter resolved.
For a San Francisco / Bay Area midsize law firm: Complex discovery motion with multiple issues under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in Federal District Court for mass tort class action (San Diego); pending additional project became moot.
For a Los Angeles / Orange County midsize law firm: Case strategy / consulting and expert witness analyses for matters in Arizona state court and Washington, D.C. (business reputation / defamation and related financial claims with multiple experts). Four separate projects then matter resolved.
For a Manhattan / New York City environmental boutique law firm: Draft sections of opposition Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss in Federal District Court (New Jersey). Planned additional projects became unnecessary during motions practice.
For a Philadelphia law firm: Federal motion to dismiss under statue of limitations, Rule 9(b), and proximate cause grounds for multiple RICO claims and common law fraud, contract claims including breach of fiduciary duty and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Subsequent additional projects became moot.
For a Las Vegas litigation boutique: Rule 12(b)(6) opposition brief (Section 1983 / Bivens / FTCA claims) in Federal District Court (Nevada); multiple repeat briefing projects.
For a Maine small law firm: Opposition brief in response to motion for summary judgment in Federal District Court (Constitutional law / Fourth Amendment issues); subsequent repeat work.
For a Detroit, Michigan solo practitioner: Opposition brief in response to MSJ (commercial and financial litigation) in Federal District Court (Miami / Florida); subsequent repeat work (briefing contract law issues).
For a Maine small law firm: Administrative appeal in Federal District Court (Massachusetts); assist counsel with oral argument prep. Repeat work: Second administrative appeal in another matter.
For a Silicon Valley business / commercial litigation boutique for startups: Multiple repeat work assignments over time including (1) draft first amended complaint (FAC), (2) draft brief in support of motion to stay, and (3) drat successful oppositions to both a demurrer and a motion to strike punitive damages and related causes of action.
For a Hollywood / Los Angeles / Southern California law firm: Multiple projects on multiple matters including (1) successful defense of two demurrers and two motions to strike as to defamation, slander, and libel claims and related actual damages, special damages, and punitive damages claims; related questions of first impression under per se and per quod defamation law in California.
For a Maine small law firm: Refined and polished brief in support of motion for preliminary injunction to improve clarity of fact section and improve persuasiveness and credibility of argument section; additional scheduled work not needed because matter settled.
For a Bay Area / Oakland small law firm: Opposition brief in response to motion for summary judgment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56 with multiple admissibility issues under the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE); further work scheduled but matter resolved.
For a Southern California Firm — draft two complaints with causes of action including California’s unfair competition law (UCL) under Business and Professions Code Section 17200 and under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) regarding false and deceptive advertising; repeat business included opposing demurrers re same.
More FAQs
What Shows My Legal Experience?
Resume — click here.
20 years in litigation:
First-hand trial court, appellate, mediation, and arbitration brief writing experience. Both federal and state courts.
Both plaintiffs and defendants — corporations, smaller companies, startups, and individuals.
Personal work experience in federal and state judicial branches.
Experience working with federal and state government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.
16,000 hours drafting and analyzing trial-level and appellate briefs as a freelancer, at firms, and clerking:
Including 9,500 hours since 2017 as a half-time freelancer (why not full-time? — click here).
For litigation boutiques, small firms, mid-size firms, solo practitioners, and clients of the two global law firms where I practiced.
For industries ranging from electronics, hardware, and software to manufacturing to consumer goods to financial markets.
Education, Clerkship, Licenses:
Stanford Law School, 1999. Law Review, Moot Court.
Judicial Law Clerk, The Hon. Franklin S. Van Antwerpen, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
California (1999), District of Columbia (2001), Maine (2009).
What Shows My Subject Matter Knowledge?
I don’t hold myself out as specialized, but I have expertise in brief writing a the trial court level and the appellate level — and knowledge of legal subject matter areas including but not limited to — as shown in the charts below — Commercial and business litigation; intellectual property (not patents); business torts; defamation and personal torts; constitutional law; criminal constitutional law; federal statutory law (for example, antitrust, white collar, environmental, copyright); SLAPP and anti-SLAPP litigation; class actions (consumer, environmental); antitrust (including price-fixing), unfair competition, and restraints of trade; professional responsibility (legal ethics); pre-trial procedure, evidence, jurisdiction, choice of law, and similar legal subject matter areas that are relevant to brief writing.
What Shows My Skill Across Types of Filings?
As also shown in the charts below, as a freelancer I have primarily drafted federal appeals and state court appeals for both appellants and appellees, federal FRCP 56 summary judgment briefs (moving and opposition), federal FRCP 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss briefs (same), demurrers, federal and state complaints and revised complaints (FACs, SACs), and related filings, such as motions to change venue.
For some redacted exemplars of my work product — click here.
How I Establish Authoritative Credibility With Courts
I write matter-of-fact briefs that are detached and persuasive.
They have logical analysis of law and fact. Not rhetoric.
I establish for the court and the law clerks that yours is the correct position — and I expose the factual and legal flaws of the other side.
I establish that the court and the law clerks can trust your brief — that they may rely on your brief as credible and authoritative.
I write briefs that are the judicial chambers go-to brief — the one the judge and the clerks consider most authoritative and trustworthy.
Brief Writing Experience — In Charts
For those who prefer a summary of my knowledge, skill, and lawyer satisfaction in chart form. Six years of data in percentages:
Percentages re subject matter areas since start of freelancing.
Percentages re types of briefing since start of freelancing in 2017.
Percentages re satisfaction with briefs since start of freelancing in 2017.
Some locations of law firms, lawyers, and attorneys served since 2017.
Recent Outcomes?
Here’s a few from late 2022 and early 2023.
As you know, I can’t predict outcomes — if I could, I’d go to Vegas.
Successful demurrer in California state court (Los Angeles) on defamation claims.
Successful outcome in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on intellectual property, copyright, media licensing, and related IP issues; reversal of District Court summary judgment order.
Successful outcome in California Superior Court (Los Angeles) on summary judgment; all crucial evidentiary objections sustained.
Successful demurrer in California Superior Court (Sacramento) on defamation, NIED, and IIED claims.
Why Am I Freelancing?
When not writing winning briefs for repeat customer firms, I’m a gallery represented conceptual artist —
Update — Third Solo Show Announced — Chicago 2025.
I left the full-time practice of law in 2017 when I unexpectedly became a commercially successful conceptual artist. A prominent New York / Los Angeles collector discovered me, I was offered representation by a noted international gallery in 2020, my first two solo shows (2021, 2023) have both been selected ‘Must See’ by Artforum, the 2023 solo show was also a curatorial section of Mousse and made the front cover with a short article, and as of early 2023 a prominent London / Berlin art advisor ranks me in the top ten percent living artists worldwide and in the United States, and in the top five percent globally for artists associated with Postminimalism, Postconceptualism, Conceptual Painting, Appropriation Art, and Text-Based Art. Smaller works are currently approximately ten thousand and the largest works are twenty-five thousand. My pieces are in private and corporate collections in places such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Chicago, Miami, and elsewhere.
I’m represented by Engage Projects Gallery in Chicago, which enjoys a growing international reputation in contemporary conceptual art with a roster of twenty artists from eight countries on several continents, several of whom have been acquired by the leading museums in the United States and Europe and have been featured in The New York Times and similar. I’m fortunate to be in a gallery with these excellent international artists.
In addition to making art I write occasionally write about aspects of art theory and art history, as well as art ownership.
engage-projects.com (gallery)
adamwilsonart.com (portfolio)
But I thrive on legal writing — writing excellent briefs that win — so I won’t stop.
I spend about 60% of my time writing briefs and about 40% of my time on the art.
The brief writing always receives first priority, as reflected in the data above.
Rehearings En Banc and Writs of Certiorari — Petitions and Oppositions
Some 2020-2023 Appeals and Writs / Federal and State Courts
Supreme Court — pposition to petition for Writ of Certiorari on copyright / intellectual property / contract / circuit split issues.
Ninth Circuit — corporate / commercial / business, appellee.
Sixth Circuit — copyright / intellectual property / contract, appellant.
California Court of Appeals — SLAPP / defamation, appellant.
Ninth Circuit — commercial / contract / business, appellee.
Louisiana Court of Appeals — education / negligent supervision, appellant.
Ninth Circuit — Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) / common law tort, appellant.
Ninth Circuit — Constitutional Law / Fourth Amendment / Section 1983.
Some prior appellate briefing at Big Law (on 2-3 person appeals teams)
First Circuit — environmental law / Clean Water Act / administrative law, appellant.
Second Circuit — vexatious litigation / ethics / FRCP Rule 11, appellee.
Third Circuit — [two-year clerkship / Hon. Franklin S. Van Antwerpen].
Fourth Circuit — environmental law / CWA / CAA, appellee.
District of Columbia Court of Appeals — Constitutional Law, damages, appellee.
SCOTUS — petition for Writ of Certiorari — statutory issues / federal land use.
SCOTUS — merits brief — statutory issues / federal land use.
SCOTUS — amicus curiae brief — Constitutional Law / punitive damages.
SCOTUS — amicus curiae brief — tort issues.
What About Pro Bono and Public Service?
Pro Bono
If you’re handling a matter pro bono, let me know. I can help by a rate reduction or by writing off some hours. I most recently did this in late 2022 for three related briefs for a midsize firm. Let’s talk.
Public Service
Over the years I’ve been asked to serve on five or six non-profit boards in California and Maine. I recently finished board of trustee service with an international Ph.D program for art students (idsva.org) and board chair service with a youth-driven 501(c)(3) that works to end mental illness stigma for teens (theyellowtulipproject.org). I still serve on its advisory board.
I also informally mentor several emerging artists on basic art business issues as they develop their careers.
Other Options if it’s Not a Good Fit?
I’ve not had an opportunity to speak with any of these freelance brief writers, but here’s a list of other attorneys who show up in search engines who write legal briefs for attorneys and law firms.
I’ve noticed that many of them have been doing this for at least several years.
This is simply for your convenience in case I’m not a good fit for your project or practice, or in case I don’t have bandwidth at a particular time. The purpose is to help you cut through the noise that appears on the first several pages of search engines.
Last updated January 2023. This list is not exhaustive.
“Antonio Marano — Your Law Firm’s Motion and Appeal Drafting Resource Partner”
“Aglaia Davis — Better-Briefs.com — Professional Legal Briefs”
“Asher Isaacs — The Brief Writer — Legal Brief Writing Services”
“Meghan Dohoney, Freelance Attorney — Providing Legal Research and Writing Services to Fellow Attorneys Since 2015”
“calegalwriter.com — Mary Mock — California Legal Writer & Litigator — A top-notch California”
“Esquire One Research Services — David Finley — Professional Motion and Appellate Brief Writing by a Leading Rutter Author”
“ Lisa Solomon — Comprehensive Legal Research and Writing Services for Attorneys”
“Ryan Mazur — Your Research Attorney — Legal Research & Writing Services for Attorneys”
207-699-9957
adam.daley.wilson@gmail.com
Panel discussion, art and law, Stanford Law School, October 2024.
