Better Appellate Writing, Briefing, and Oral Argument
May 2011
Better Appellate Writing, Briefing, and Oral Argument
Program Highlights
Judge John Webb has been on the appellate bench since 2002, and came to the bench with nearly 30 years' experience in private practice. Take advantage of this chance to learn from him and ask him questions on-
- Evaluating the Merits and Risks of an Appeal
- Keys to Clearer and More Effective Writing
- Creating a Brief That Helps the Court Decide the Case
- Tips on the Most Persuasive Oral Argument
… and participate in a brief writing exercise in Class!
Program Description
Spend the day with Judge Webb, who will show you how to create the proper foundation for your appeal before you even file; how to express yourself clearly and effectively in your written documents and at oral argument; how to use well-built cairns to make it easy for the appellate court judges to follow your position … and more!
Your day includes an interactive in-class writing exercise, so you can practice your new skills immediately. Judge Webb will give you examples of well-crafted and poorly-crafted language, and will tell you what's persuasive and what's not.
Practical. Informative. No-nonsense. Register today!
Agenda
8:30 - 9:00 am
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:05 am
Welcome and Introduction
9:05 - 9:40 am
What to Consider Before You File an Appeal
- Preservation of issues
- Bonds and stays
- Scope of review
- Judgment date
- Sanctions for a frivolous appeal
9:40 - 10:30 am
Writing Clearly and Effectively
Includes an in-class effective writing exercise!
- Use "road maps" and "sign posts"
- Eliminate legalism
- Rely on directional language
- Avoid passive and tentative language
10:30 - 10:40 am
Networking Break
10:40 - 10:55 am
Writing Exercise Review
10:55 - 11:45 am
Drafting a Winning Brief
- Employ a thematic approach
- Select winning issues
- Frame issues persuasively
- Let the facts tell your story
- Use precedent effectively
11:45 - 12:30 pm
Powerful Oral Argument
- Distinguish between argument and briefing
- Get and keep the court's attention
- Manage time effectively
- Handle questions from the bench
- End with impact
12:30 PM
Questions and Answers
12:45 PM
Adjourn
Faculty
Honorable John R. Webb
Colorado Court of Appeals
Denver, CO
Judge John Webb was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals in 2002. Judge Webb has served on the Colorado Supreme Court Standing Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure, the Colorado Supreme Court Standing Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Judicial Ethics Advisory Board, and The Colorado Lawyer Board of Editors. He is a frequent lecturer and contributor to continuing legal education programs on appellate practice and ethics. He has authored numerous articles, including: Revisiting the Recovery of Attorney Fees and Costs in Colorado, 33 Colo.Law. 11 (April 2004); Fraud and Negligent Misrepresentation Tort Theories and Employment Law, 29 Colo.Law. 79 (June 2000); and many others.
Video Replays: May 25, 2011
Denver: CLE Classroom, 1900 Grand Street, Suite 300
Grand Junction: 1250 East Sherwood Drive
Colorado Springs: 421 South Tejon Street, Suite 100
Location Information
CLECI Large Classroom
1900 Grant Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80203
Get directions
1900 Grant Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80203
Registration Fees
| Non Member | $229.00 |
| CBA | $199.00 |
| LITIG | $179.00 |
| New Lawyer | $159.00 |
| CBA | $159.00 |
- General Credits: 4.00
- Ethics Credits:
- EDI Credits:
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