Appeals Unveiled: Exploring Appellate Practice

This course will cover the nuts and bolts of appellate practice, from jurisdictional considerations to briefing and oral argument. The program encompasses (i) necessary considerations before ever filing a Notice of Appeal; (ii) when interlocutory appeals are permitted; (iii) how various courts’ finality rules—or lack thereof—impact how and when parties can appeal adverse orders; (iv) when to file a Notice of Appeal; (v) briefing considerations, from formatting to content to the actual writing; and (vi) oral argument considerations. This course is perfect for lawyers just getting started with appellate practice as well as those with some experience. Even attorneys who have argued several appeals may gain valuable insights about the briefing and arguing appeals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify necessary considerations prior to filing a Notice of Appeal with jurisdictional requirements, with attention to federal and state finality rules and some exceptions
• Prepare appellate briefs (and other kinds of legal writing) considering local rules about form, content, and length of briefing
• Analyze the do’s and don’ts of appellate briefing and legal writing generally
• Evaluate the pros and cons of requesting oral argument and understand how to request oral argument with special considerations
• Explore the best practices for argument preparation and structure
• Assess time management skills for appellants or appellees and learn how to field questions and use case law effectively