Alan J. Pierce is a partner in the Litigation Practice and Leader of the Appellate Practice. He has more than 20 years of litigation experience, concentrating on appellate practice, insurance coverage, defamation and civil and commercial litigation. Mr. Pierce has handled numerous appeals in his career, appearing before the New York State Court of Appeals, all four Departments of the State’s Appellate Divisions and in the Second, Fourth and Eleventh United States Circuit Courts of Appeals. He has served as trial and appellate counsel in successful actions for defamation and insurance bad faith. Mr. Pierce has authored several publications on appellate practice and insurance coverage, and lectures on behalf of the NYSBA and the Office of Court Administration on appellate advocacy and insurance coverage litigation. Prior to joining the Firm, he served as Confidential Law Clerk to the Hon. Richard D. Simons, New York State Court of Appeals.

Education

Hancock Estabrook, LLP.

Whether your goal is to reverse an adverse ruling or protect a favorable one, winning an appeal requires special skills – concise and persuasive writing, expertise in oral advocacy, superior research abilities and knowledge of the rules that are unique to this practice. Trusting an appeal to an attorney who lacks appellate experience can cost thousands of dollars or cause a meritorious appeal to be lost because of procedural pitfalls.

Hancock Estabrook is dedicated to providing the highest-quality appellate services, combining skills and experience to win high-stakes appeals. Our talented attorneys have authored law review articles and worked as judicial clerks for state and federal court judges, and are often invited to speak at continuing legal education (CLE) seminars.

As part of our practice, we handle appeals referred to us from lawyers outside the Firm, who seek the benefit of our specialized experience and fresh perspective. We provide candid and objective advice on whether an appeal should be pursued and the issues that are likely to prevail. Our appellate attorneys have earned a reputation for excellence in written and oral advocacy, delivering the focused presentation that appellate courts expect and the outstanding service our clients deserve.

Hancock Estabrook appellate practice is lead by Alan J. Pierce and includes:

Honorable Edward D. Carni (RET. New York State Appellate Division Justice) is a partner in the Firm’s Appellate and Litigation practices after serving more than 25 years on the bench.

Janet D. Callahan a partner in the Firm’s Litigation and Appellate practices and has served as a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. Ms. Callahan was the first female Managing Partner in the Firm’s 125-year history.

Mary L. D’Agostino who focuses her practice on commercial litigation, federal and state appellate advocacy, and other civil disputes. Previously, she served as a Law Clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judges Christian F. Hummel and David E. Peebles, as an Appellate Court Attorney with the Appellate Division, Fourth Department and as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Syracuse.