March 12, 2026 — This Women’s History Month, Kellogg Hansen partner Alejandra Ávila spoke with The Appellate Project about her career and shared her advice for how to build a sustainable appellate practice.

In “A Day in the Life of a Partner,” Alejandra reflects on her work at the firm.  “[T]here is no ‘typical’ day or week,” she explained.  “I manage all kinds of cases. One day I’m writing a Supreme Court brief about bankruptcy, the next day I’m defending a deposition in an antitrust case, and the next day I’m working with an expert on a question of foreign law. I chose this job because it keeps me on my toes, every day is different, and I am always learning something new.”

Alejandra also emphasized the importance of mentoring and strengthening advocacy skills.  As a partner, Alejandra tries to emulate the balanced managerial approach that helped her grow and improve, entrusting associates and staff with substantive responsibilities and empowering them with the tools they need to handle their matters. “I strongly believe that cultivating young talent is an investment that pays off because it allows upper management to delegate efficiently, increases morale across the team, and improves work product overall. Most important of all: it’s good practice to be kind to your colleagues.”

Kellogg Hansen is a preeminent trial and appellate litigation firm founded on the idea that talent, creativity, and hard work achieve the best results for clients. Formed in the spring of 1993 by law school classmates Michael Kellogg, Peter Huber, and Mark Hansen, our firm has grown over the past 31 years–with each year proving that our founding principle holds true. Today, Kellogg Hansen has more than 100 attorneys, and boasts an extensive record of success for our clients.

Our highly credentialed and motivated lawyers offer businesses, individuals, and governments sound counsel and innovative solutions to complex disputes and high-stakes matters. We have substantial experience trying cases to verdict at trial, arguing matters before the United States Supreme Court and other appellate courts, and representing businesses and individuals in parallel proceedings before state and federal courts, agencies, and arbitration panels. We represent both plaintiffs and defendants, providing our clients with a balanced view of both sides of litigation.

We are most proud of the exceptional results we achieve for our clients–we have won multiple verdicts in excess of $1 billion, and successfully defended clients against similarly large damages claims. Our focus on experience, talent, and hard work ensures that our clients receive the highest quality of representation and extraordinary service.

Read “A Day in the Life of a Partner: Alejandra Ávila on Lived Experience, Mentorship, and Building Sustainable Appellate Careers” on The Appellate Project’s website.