I am delighted to have been named Chair of the ABA Council of Appellate Lawyers Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee.  I hope that the Committee will become a national network of solo and small firm appellate lawyers who can support each other, share ideas about appellate practice, and act as referral sources. To join the Committee, please email me at vmcmichael@appellatelawpa.com.

Like many CAL members in solo and small firms, I started my career at a large firm−Dilworth Paxson in Philadelphia−where I was a partner in the litigation department and chair of the appellate practice group. 

In 2013, I founded Appellate Law Group LLC, a certified woman-owned appellate law boutique based in Pennsylvania.  ALG handles appeals to the state and federal appellate courts in a variety of substantive areas of law including commercial disputes, employment law, family law, personal injury, products liability, medical malpractice, and property law. 

As someone who has practiced in both large and small firm environments, I know that the life of a small firm appellate lawyer is quite different from that of appellate lawyers in large firms.  I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from others making the same journey. 

In the short term, I would like us to meet virtually to discuss ways in which CAL can assist solo and small firm appellate lawyers.  I also hope to sponsor a networking reception at the next AJEI Summit in Austin.   

I look forward to serving as Chair and welcome suggestions for ways in which the Committee can best serve members’ needs.