Appellate and Trial Consulting Practice

Blankingship & Keith’s Appellate and Trial Consulting Practice group thoroughly understands Virginia’s many unique rules and laws.

Strategic Guidance for Protecting Your Legal Wins

At Blankingship & Keith, our Appellate and Trial Consulting Practice is focused on helping you navigate Virginia’s complex legal landscape, including the latest developments in appellate procedure. We are here to protect the successes you've achieved in lower courts and develop strategies to safeguard your interests when facing an appeal.

 

Why Clients Trust Us

Our clients rely on us not only for our extensive knowledge of the law but because we offer a proactive approach to minimize risks and prevent losses. We have successfully represented clients at the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the federal Fourth Circuit. Whether you are looking to overturn an unfavorable decision or preserve a hard-fought victory, you can count on our team to be with you every step of the way.

 

Expertise That Works for You

Our appellate team brings an in-depth understanding of the rules governing the appellate courts, giving you an edge in developing a winning strategy. With broad expertise across personal injury, family law, corporate law, real estate, and more, we offer the legal insights necessary to handle even the most complex appeals. Our reputation for excellence is well-established in the legal community, and we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for you.

 

Early Intervention for Success

Appealing a decision often begins long before the trial concludes. We work with you to identify potential appellate issues during the trial and ensure the record is preserved to strengthen your case later. By closely monitoring trial proceedings and becoming fully immersed in the trial record, we ensure that every detail is addressed and no opportunity for success is missed.

With Blankingship & Keith, you gain not only legal representation but a trusted partner focused on protecting your rights and courtroom victories.

 

Representative Matters

Representative matters include:

  • Foster v. Foster, 2022 WL 2202988, Record No. 1141-21-2 (Virginia Court of Appeals 2022).
  • Elliott v. Elliott, 2022 WL 598336, Record No. 0754-21-4 (Virginia Court of Appeals 2022).
  • Susan E. Phillips v. John Mark Rohrbaugh, Jr. 2021 WL 4898511 (Virginia Supreme Court 2021).
  • Historic Alexandria Foundation v. City of Alexandria, et al., 299 Va. 694, 858 S.E. 2d 199 (Virginia Supreme Court 2021).
  • Jung v. Park, 2021 WL 1235422, Record No. 191495 (Virginia Supreme Court 2021).
  • Hampton v. Meyer, 299 Va. 121, 847 S.E.2d 287 (Virginia Supreme Court 2020).
  • Wilson v. Lee, 2018 WL 633522, Record No. 170347 (Virginia Supreme Court 2018)
  • Toraish v. Lee, 293 Va. 262, 797 S.E.2d 760 (Virginia Supreme Court 2017).
  • Shareholder Representative Services, LLC v. Airbus Americas, Inc., 292 Va. 682, 791 S.E.2d 724 (Virginia Supreme Court 2016).
  • Paul Lee, et al. v. Lisa Spoden, 290 Va. 235 (Virginia Supreme Court 2015).
  • Martin and Drewry v. City of Alexandria et.. al., 286 Va. 61, 743 S.E. 2d 139 ( Virginia Supreme Court 2013).
  • Town of Leesburg v. Long Lane Associates, 726 Va. 61, 727 S.E. 2d 27 (Supreme Court of Virginia 2012)
  • Barber v. Wakole, 283 Va. 488, 722 S.E.2d 238 (Virginia Supreme Court 2012).
  • McLean v. Ray, 488 F. App'x 677 (4th Cir. 2012).
  • Dean v. Board of County Supervisors of Prince William County, 281 Va. 536, 708 S.E.2d 830 ( Supreme Court of Virginia 2011). 
  • Mary Renkey, et al. v. County Board of Arlington County, et al.  634 S.E.2d 352, Record No. 052139 (Virginia Supreme Court 2006).
  • Gen. Tech. Applications, Inc v. Exro Ltda, 388 F.3d 114 (4th Cir. 2004).
  • Board of County Supervisors of Prince William County v. United States, 276 F.3d 1359 (Fed. Cir. 2002).
  • Turner and Wall v. Board of County Supervisors of Prince William County, 263 Va. 283, 559 S.E.2d 683 (2002)
  • Cox v. Board of County Supervisors of Prince William County, 249 F.3d 295 (4th Cir.), cert. denied, 122 S. Ct. 544 (2001) 
  • Alexakis v. Mallios, 261 Va. 425 (Virginia Supreme Court 2001).
  • Premier Signatures International, Inc. v. Feld Entertainment Productions, Inc.,1999 U.S. App. LEXIS 14028; Case No. 98-2456 (unpublished opinion) (4th Cir. 1999).
  • George Atkisson, et al. v. Wexford Associates, et al and Wexford Associates, et al. v. George Atkisson, et al., 254 Va. 449, 493 S.E.2d 524 (Virginia Supreme Court 1997).
  • Hazel & Thomas, P.C., et al. v. Shahram Yavari, et al., 251 Va. 162, 465 S.E.2d 812 (Virginia Supreme Court 1996).

Testimonials

Trial Attorney Testimonials

  • “Ms. Porto assisted me in the drafting of the Circuit Court order my client was appealing to the Court of Appeals, and she represented him on the appeal. Her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism were invaluable. I highly recommend her!”

  • "A well known appellate lawyer, who did not handle family law cases, recommended Juli Porto to represent my client on an appeal by her ex-husband on a spousal support award to my client. My client prevailed on the appeal, and she will be forever grateful, as will I, on the professional and competent manner in which Juli handled the appeal. She quickly isolated the legal issue to be addressed in her well researched brief and well presented oral argument. Juli also developed a good relationship with my client, who I know would have been pleased with Julie's representation regardless of the outcome."

  • "I retained Juli Porto to argue an appeal before the Supreme Court of Virginia and I could not have been more pleased with the result. After an adverse ruling in Circuit Court dismissed the case, she was able to argue before the Supreme Court and secure a reversal. I was very impressed with both her written argument and oral argument. I would highly recommend her for any appellate work."

Client Testimonials

  • "I cannot thank Juli Porto enough for her expertise, knowledge, support, guidance, professionalism, time and fight for me in my appellate case. Juli absolutely went above and beyond and I am so grateful for her. She will evaluate your case, be upfront and honest regarding your situation, keep you fully informed along the way and take as much time as you need to answer any of your questions or calls. Without any reservation, I highly recommend Juli Porto. If you are in search for an appellate attorney, look no further! Juli Porto is the one you need on your side!"
  • “Juli Porto offered wise counsel as we walked through a very challenging time. She was responsive, insightful, and went above and beyond to support the best possible outcome.”