Appellate Attorney – Cole Ruby – Martinez & Ruby

Cole Ruby finds that success in appellate work comes from digging deeper into government records that were overlooked the first time around.

A partner at Martinez & Ruby, his practice focuses on post-conviction appeals, having litigated issues involving drug trafficking, sexual assault, arson and homicide. In 2008, straight out of law school, Ruby co-founded the firm with Andrew Martinez, finding a wealth of work in State Public Defender appointments to gain experience and clients without worrying about marketing or advertising.

Whether it’s jail logs, probation notes or police reports, Ruby’s uncovered critical evidence that opens the door to postconviction relief on grounds like Brady violations, ineffective assistance or newly discovered facts.

“Trial work also helped me understand that factfinders often make decisions based upon what they want, rather than what is factually or legally appropriate, so it’s important to consider what really motivates people to want to agree with my client’s claims,” Ruby said.

His trial experience includes not-guilty verdicts in first-degree homicide cases, positioning him and Martinez as two-time recipients of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Hanson Award.