Secure your appellate victory before the trial concludes by mastering the critical techniques for protecting the record and preserving error in family law litigation.
In family law litigation, the outcome of an appeal is often secured long before the notice of appeal is ever filed. While trial courts exercise broad discretion in emotionally charged disputes involving children, support, and property, the true battleground is frequently the trial record itself. A well-tried case is not only about persuasion in the moment—it is about ensuring that every key issue is properly preserved for potential appellate review.
This session takes a strategic, appellate-informed approach to family law advocacy, showing practitioners how to protect their client’s position from the very first hearing. Participants will learn how to anticipate appellate scrutiny, preserve errors effectively, and build a clear, defensible record that withstands review. Through practical guidance and real-world insight, the program highlights how disciplined trial practice can decisively shape long-term litigation outcomes.
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Shareholder, Board Certified | KoonsFuller, PC
Paul Leopold is double board certified in Family Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—one of only ten active attorneys in Texas with this distinction. This rare combination means he knows how to get the right result at trial, protect that result on appeal, and when needed, correct a trial outcome that went wrong. For clients, this means he sees the whole case while also being detail oriented. He can spot key issues early, guide strategy, and protect long-term goals. For trial attorneys, it means having a strategic partner who knows how to build a clean record, frame strong arguments, and avoid trial-level mistakes that could weaken the case on appeal. Paul is often brought in when the stakes are high—when cases involve complex property, parental rights, major financial disputes, or difficult legal questions. He has handled appeals across Texas and in federal courts, including matters involving custody, support, property division, constitutional issues, jurisdiction, and international child abduction. Paul is also a frequent speaker and author on evidence, trial strategy, and appellate practice, and lawyers across the state rely on his guidance with complicated cases. He is active in serving Texas families through the State Bar Family Law Section and the Texas Family Law Foundation. Outside of work, Paul enjoys being with his wife and children and spending time outdoors.
