One of America's preeminent appellate attorneys and
consultants for state and federal appeals.
"The number one skill in appeals is spotting and framing the legal issue that will lead an appellate court to change the outcome in the lower court."
Norman A. Olch has briefed and argued major precedents in multiple areas of civil and criminal law across state and federal courts in matters diverse as physician-patient confidentiality, employment discrimination, the right to counsel, and complex commercial contracts. Courts have cited his cases thousands of times.
Firms large and small across New York and the country consult Olch when the stakes of an appeal demand uncommon precision. He consults, drafts, and argues appeals for individuals and entities. New York’s highest court called his briefs “a model of organization and clarity,” and he is frequently retained to edit and sharpen other attorneys’ briefs. He works closely with trial lawyers on their motion practice, strategy, and preservation of error for appeal.
Olch briefed and argued the seminal case in New York’s highest court which recognized the constitutional right to the effective assistance of appellate counsel. He sets higher standards than that for himself and he delivers: thoughtful, deeply researched, and convincing brief writing and oral argument.
Strategic counsel to trial attorneys and firms evaluating the merits of an appeal, identifying the winning issue, and charting the course forward.
Drafting his appellate briefs and sharpening briefs of other lawyers to the standard that the New York Court of Appeals has called a model of organization and clarity.
Arguing before New York appellate courts and federal appellate courts with a record of landmark wins in both. Assisting other attorneys to prepare for oral argument.
An exceptionally broad range of legal subject matter, including commercial contracts, constitutional law, family law, employment discrimination, medical malpractice, real property, and civil and criminal procedure.
Working with trial counsel in support of, or in opposition to, summary judgment motions, on legal questions which arise at trial, and on preserving issues for appellate review.
"It is the skill of spotting the legal issue that leads appellate courts to engage, take notice, and take action — a skill borne of experience, and of rare ability."
Olch writes regularly about appeals and is often quoted as a legal authority in the New York Times, Washington Post, and New York Law Journal. He is former chair of New York State Bar Association Committee on Courts of Appellate Jurisdiction and stays actively involved in the Committee’s work.