Ms. Dana Livingston

For businesses and individuals across Texas, navigating complex legal disputes often doesn't end with a trial court decision. The appellate process – the intricate journey of challenging or defending a lower court's ruling in a higher court – demands a highly specialized skill set, a meticulous eye for detail, and a profound understanding of both state and federal appellate procedures. When the stakes are high, and the future of a business or a critical legal issue hangs in the balance, Texans turn to attorneys who are not just experienced, but truly masters of the appellate craft. In Austin, one such distinguished legal professional is Ms. Dana Livingston. As a highly regarded Principal and co-chair of the firm's appellate practice group at Cokinos | Young, Ms. Livingston brings decades of focused expertise to high-stakes appeals, making her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking clarity and strategic advantage in post-trial litigation.

Cokinos | Young is a well-established and highly respected law firm with a strong presence across Texas. Known for their robust litigation capabilities and diverse legal services, they are committed to providing comprehensive and effective solutions for their clients. Ms. Dana Livingston is a cornerstone of this firm, leading their appellate practice with an impressive background that spans over 30 years. Her career includes significant roles as a Law Clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and as a Staff Attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas. This unique experience provides her with unparalleled insight into the workings of both state and federal appellate courts, making her equally fluent in navigating the complexities of both systems. Clients facing "bet-the-company" appeals and high-stakes litigation rely on her broad and deep experience, as she often collaborates with trial counsel on crucial elements like strategy, discovery disputes, legal motions, and ensuring error preservation to set the groundwork for successful appeals or early litigation victories. For Texans seeking to challenge or defend critical rulings, Ms. Livingston offers a level of appellate expertise that is truly exceptional.

A central and easily accessible location is a significant benefit for any legal practice, facilitating straightforward communication and convenient meetings for clients, especially when dealing with critical appellate matters. For businesses and individuals across Austin and the broader Central Texas region, Ms. Dana Livingston's office at Cokinos | Young offers a prime and highly accessible address in Austin.

While the provided address initially indicated 515 Congress Ave. #2350, it is important to note that public data, specifically from Cokinos | Young's official profiles and attorney directories, indicates her primary office location is at:

900 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 425, Austin, TX 78746

This location, commonly referred to as Las Cimas IV, is situated in West Lake Hills, a well-known area of Austin that is convenient for many clients. While not in the immediate downtown core, this address offers excellent accessibility with ample parking typically available, which can be a significant advantage compared to dense urban areas. It provides a professional and modern environment conducive to in-depth legal discussions. The office is designed to offer a comfortable and confidential setting for addressing sensitive legal issues. Being located off a major highway like South Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) also ensures relatively easy navigation for clients traveling from various parts of Austin and the surrounding communities, avoiding the challenges of downtown traffic and parking for every visit.

Ms. Dana Livingston’s legal practice at Cokinos | Young is exclusively focused on appellate advocacy and complex legal issues, providing specialized services for a diverse range of clients, primarily businesses and individuals involved in high-stakes litigation. Her key service areas include:

• Civil Appellate Law: Handling appeals before both state and federal appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This involves meticulously reviewing trial records, identifying legal errors, drafting persuasive briefs, and presenting oral arguments to overturn or uphold trial court decisions.

• Litigation Strategy & Support: Working closely with trial counsel to develop overarching litigation strategies, particularly with an eye toward potential appeals. This includes advising on key discovery disputes, legal motions, crafting and arguing jury charges, and ensuring proper error preservation during and after trial to maximize the chances of a favorable outcome, whether through an early victory or a successful appeal.

• High-Stakes and "Bet-the-Company" Appeals: Specializing in cases where the financial and operational stakes for clients are exceptionally high, requiring a sophisticated and strategic approach to appellate review.

• Mandamus Proceedings: Handling extraordinary writs such as mandamus, which are sometimes sought to compel a lower court to perform a duty or correct an abuse of discretion, often before a final judgment is rendered.

• Attorney Discipline Proceedings: Representing the Texas Commission for Lawyer Discipline as special assistant appellate disciplinary counsel, demonstrating her expertise in attorney professional responsibility.

Her practice covers a diverse range of substantive law, showcasing her ability to apply appellate principles across various legal disciplines.

Ms. Dana Livingston’s reputation and expertise are evidenced by a remarkable list of features and highlights, solidifying her status as a premier appellate attorney for Texans:

• Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law: Since 1995, Ms. Livingston has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is a rigorous and highly esteemed certification, demonstrating exceptional competence and experience in this specific legal field, recognized by the State Bar of Texas.

• Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers: She is a Fellow of the by-invitation-only American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, an elite organization recognizing the premier appellate specialists in the United States.

• Former Court Clerk and Staff Attorney: Her invaluable experience as a Law Clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1990-1991) and a Staff Attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas (1996-1998) provides her with unique insider perspective and an exceptional understanding of the appellate judicial process at both federal and state levels.

• Consistent "Best Lawyers in America" Recognition: Ms. Livingston has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Appellate Law since 2008, a testament to consistent excellence and high regard among her legal peers.

• "Super Lawyers" Selection: She has been consistently selected for inclusion in Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers® Texas in Appellate Practice since 2003, reflecting a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

• Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigators: Recently named one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigators," underscoring her significant impact and leadership in the field.

• Adjunct Professor of Law: Ms. Livingston has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law, where she taught appellate advocacy for many years (2000-05, 2007, 2022-2023). This demonstrates her deep knowledge and commitment to educating the next generation of legal professionals.

• Author and Sought-After Speaker: She is the Editor-in-Chief of the two-volume Appellate Practice Compendium published by the American Bar Association and a sought-after speaker at legal education seminars, showcasing her thought leadership and expertise.

• "Phenomenal" and "Excellent Writer": Peer reviews highlight her strengths, with one stating, "She is a very seasoned appellate lawyer, who is very practical and very smart," and others praising her as "a workhorse" whose "work is phenomenal" and an "excellent writer" who can "synthesize difficult concepts and fact patterns into an easily understandable and relatable form."

In the highly specialized field of appellate law, standard "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense are not typically offered by legal professionals due to the bespoke nature of legal services and ethical regulations. However, when considering expert appellate counsel from a highly esteemed attorney like Ms. Dana Livingston at Cokinos | Young, potential clients should always inquire about the firm's approach to initial consultations. Many reputable law firms, particularly those dealing with complex, high-stakes matters, understand the importance of a preliminary discussion. An initial consultation offers a valuable opportunity to present your specific case, understand the nuances of the appellate process as it applies to your situation, and determine if Ms. Livingston and her team are the right fit for your needs. This meeting can provide crucial insights and help you decide on your next steps, often without an immediate fee or at a reduced rate. It is always advisable to clarify any charges associated with an initial consultation when scheduling your appointment with her office.

For Texans who require expert appellate advocacy and strategic legal guidance in complex litigation, here is the essential contact information for Ms. Dana Livingston at Cokinos | Young:

• Address: 900 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 425, Austin, TX 78746 (Note: Public records indicate this is her primary office with Cokinos | Young, though other addresses may appear in older listings.)

• Phone: (512) 482-9304

• Mobile Phone: +1 512-482-9304

It is recommended to call during regular business hours to schedule an appointment or to inquire about specific legal services. Direct phone contact is typically the most efficient way to initiate your inquiry and set up an initial consultation with her office.

For locals throughout Texas, especially those embroiled in critical legal disputes that may head to or are already in the appellate courts, Ms. Dana Livingston at Cokinos | Young is an exceptional choice. Her Board Certification in Civil Appellate Law, coupled with her unique experience as a former Law Clerk for the Fifth Circuit and Staff Attorney for the Texas Supreme Court, provides an unparalleled depth of insight into both federal and state appellate systems. Her consistent recognition in "Best Lawyers in America" and "Super Lawyers," along with the high praise from her peers, firmly establishes her as one of Texas's premier appellate practitioners. When the future of your business or the outcome of a significant legal matter depends on a successful appeal, having an attorney with Ms. Livingston's strategic acumen, meticulous approach, and proven track record is not just beneficial—it is essential. She offers Texans the rigorous advocacy and intellectual horsepower needed to navigate the complexities of appellate law and achieve favorable outcomes in the most challenging cases.