Appellate By Numbers: Heidi Bloch of Greenberg Traurig

Heidi Bloch is known as being particularly gifted in the powers of persuasion. The appellate litigator represents clients before both state and federal courts, using her diverse portfolio of skillsets to serve her in all facets of appellate work. Her practice explores the breadth and depth of the field, which for someone like Bloch, is exactly how she likes it.

Previously the head of the Appellate Section at Husch Blackwell, Bloch joined Greenberg Traurig in 2019 to help expand their appellate foothold in Texas. Bloch is known for finding creative solutions when it comes to litigation challenges. Her penchant for research and affinity for writing help her to craft ironclad arguments, backed by data and facts. She finds fascination in the details that others might find mundane, and her scope of practice means she’s always on her toes, constantly self-educating, staying at the cutting edge of multiple practice areas.

Never one to shy away from healthy debates with colleagues, Bloch’s passion for the math of it all is balanced by her philosophy that staying open is a big part of what makes her stand out.

“I stick to my views as long as I believe in them but am willing to change and adapt as appropriate,” she says. “You have to remain nimble and willing to learn.”

Bloch truly loves the granular nature of her work, and the result is impossible to deny. Bloch has more than earned her spot on The 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America guide.

Lawdragon: Can you describe for our readers the mix of work you do within your practice?

Heidi Bloch: I like to say my work is 90 percent appellate and 75 percent trial because there is so much overlap between the two! I leave cross examination to others but always appreciate trial lawyers who recognize the benefit of getting appellate counsel involved long before the verdict hits.

LD: With regard to all the work you’ve done in your career, what would you say is the most interesting matter you’ve handled?

HB: I’ve had the good fortune to work on so many truly interesting cases – caveat: I’m such a nerd that I find first-impression venue issues in patent cases fascinating. But the most meaningful was long ago when I helped uphold a significant environmental ordinance before the Texas Supreme Court that my dad (a non-lawyer environmentalist) had been instrumental in getting enacted while he was alive. He would have been proud. The case was tried to a jury, despite the issues being mostly legal ones of ordinance interpretation, and the jury found every issue against us. The trial judge then backed up the jury verdict with identical findings and conclusions from the bench. It was an uphill battle to say the least, but we ultimately prevailed.

LD: That is so gratifying. Is there a recent professional move, development or achievement that you’d be generous enough to share with us? 

HB: After 35 years at my old firm (which I still greatly respect), I thought I was a “lifer.” But I nervously jumped when I got the chance to work at Greenberg Traurig, a firm that recognizes appellate work as a significant practice area that can add value to the firm and to the clients it represents. The move has been immensely rewarding.

I’ve had the good fortune to work on so many truly interesting cases – caveat: I’m such a nerd that I find first-impression venue issues in patent cases fascinating.

LD: What do you like most about Greenberg Traurig?

HB: Hands down – the culture. Greenberg Traurig is a big firm with a small feel and a big heart. Second is the amazing opportunity for collaborative work across many areas of practice and offices in different states, even countries.

LD: How would you describe your style as a lawyer? Or, how do you think others see you?

HB: For oral arguments, I strive for a persuasive yet conversational tone. I want the judges to enjoy the repartee and come to their own sense of “righteous indignation,” rather than have it forced upon them. With colleagues and clients, I enjoy a good constructive debate on critical legal issues. I stick to my views as long as I believe in them but am willing to change and adapt as appropriate. You have to remain nimble and willing to learn.

LD: What advice do you have now for current law school students?

HB: Two things: First, keep an open mind on the type of law you may want to practice. Second, get involved in moot court, mock trial, clinics and other extracurricular activities. I found those hands-on experiences more satisfying and rewarding than the book learning.

LD: What’s your philosophy with pro bono work?

HB: I firmly believe that pro bono is every lawyer’s ethical obligation. It’s good business as well. Clients appreciate it, and pro bono matters can give young lawyers opportunities they might otherwise find difficult to obtain, such as client contact and court appearances.