When the Record Is Closed: How to Persuade an Appellate Panel

After the gavel comes down, appellate attorneys begin the process of scouring the record for issues to present on appeal. Without the ability to introduce new evidence, the attorney must focus on the facts before them, the law that applies to those facts, and the best way to present the appropriate issues to an appellate panel.

This session, featuring a Court of Appeals judge and a career law clerk, will aim to put students on the right path to effective appellate advocacy. Students will learn how to frame issues for review, develop a coherent theory of the case, and write persuasively to enable the appellate court to understand the issues before them. The oral advocacy portion addresses preparation techniques, responding to judicial questioning, managing time, and maintaining credibility under pressure. The program also examines how appellate judges and law clerks read briefs and prepare for argument. Through practical guidance and insight into panel dynamics, students will gain a clearer understanding of what distinguishes competent advocacy from truly persuasive appellate performance.

The content of this program does not meet requirements for continuing legal education (CLE) accreditation. You will not receive CLE credit for participating.