Amicus briefs are particularly common in the high courts of Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Washington. Amicus briefs can influence the final outcome and are often cited in judicial opinions. Inside Counsel says that the rise and role of these briefs 'heightens the importance of parties obtaining solid amicus support for their petition and merits briefing' and underlines the importance of inhouse lawyers 'understanding how to most effectively approach outside groups about providing support in their cases'. Source: Inside Counsel