Amicus Curiae Counsel & Brief Services

An amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief can help appellate judges understand the broader impact of a case and consider arguments or perspectives that may not be fully addressed by the parties. Amicus briefs are especially valuable when a decision could affect an industry, profession, community group, or statewide policy.

At Jones Law Office, we serve as counsel and offer services for amicus curiae participants in appellate matters. We help organizations, associations, coalitions, and individuals craft focused, well-supported legal arguments that provide helpful context to the court and support sound precedent.

What Is an Amicus Curiae Brief?

An amicus curiae brief is a written submission filed in an appellate case by a non-party. The goal is to assist the court by offering additional legal analysis, practical context, or specialized expertise. A strong amicus brief complements the parties’ arguments—it does not simply repeat them.

Amicus briefs must comply with strict rules regarding formatting, timing, disclosures, and consent. Because appellate deadlines can be tight, it’s important to begin planning early.

When an Amicus Brief May Be Appropriate

An amicus brief may be a strong option when:

• The case presents an issue of broad public importance
• The outcome may impact an industry, profession, or community group
• There are policy, technical, or practical considerations the court may not otherwise see
• A party’s briefing would benefit from added perspective or specialized expertise
• Multiple organizations want to speak with a unified, coordinated voice

Our Amicus Curiae Services

We provide end-to-end amicus support, including:

• Evaluating whether an amicus brief is likely to be useful and accepted by the court
• Developing strategic themes and arguments that complement (not duplicate) the parties’ briefs
• Drafting, editing, and filing amicus briefs in state and federal appellate courts
• Coordinating joint briefs among multiple amici and managing sign-on support
• Ensuring compliance with rules, formatting, deadlines, disclosures, and required consents

The Amicus Process and Timeline

Every court and case is different, but most amicus matters follow a similar path.

Step 1: Initial Review and Fit

We review the case issues, posture, and briefing schedule to determine whether an amicus submission is appropriate and what approach is most likely to help the court.

Timing: As early as possible—ideally before the parties’ principal briefs are due.

Step 2: Strategy and Positioning

We work with the client to identify the unique perspective the amicus can credibly offer—policy implications, technical background, industry impact, or legal analysis that adds value.

Timing: Early in the briefing window, before drafting begins.

Step 3: Coordination (If Needed)

If multiple amici are involved, we help coordinate sign-ons, align messaging, and manage edits so the final brief is cohesive and timely.

Timing: Often runs in parallel with drafting.

Step 4: Drafting and Revision

We draft a brief designed to be useful to appellate judges: organized, well-sourced, and focused on a few high-impact points. We then revise based on client feedback while ensuring the tone and substance remain court-ready.

Timing: Typically begins weeks before the filing deadline, depending on complexity and the number of amici.

Step 5: Compliance and Filing

Amicus briefs must satisfy technical requirements and court rules, including disclosures and any required consents. We handle formatting, filings, and procedural compliance to avoid preventable problems.

Timing: Filed on the court’s deadline, which is often tied to the parties’ briefing schedule.

Step 6: Post-Filing Support

If the court schedules oral argument, we help evaluate whether further support is appropriate, including coordinating with party counsel when helpful and permitted.

Timing: Case-dependent.

Courts Served

Jones Law Office provides amicus counsel in Indiana state and federal appellate courts, including:

Indiana Appellate Courts
• Indiana Court of Appeals
• Indiana Supreme Court

Federal Appellate Courts
• United States Courts of Appeals (including the Seventh Circuit)

If you have questions about whether a particular court allows amicus filings in your matter, we can review the rules and the case posture quickly.

Interested in Amicus Representation?

We are here and ready to help with every step of the process—from evaluating timing and court requirements, to drafting and filing a persuasive amicus brief that supports the issues on appeal.

Call Jones Law Office at (574) 239-7017 or fill out the form to schedule a consultation today.