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Appellate

Appellate Skills Academy (2025) (Private Bar)


Description

This course equips defense practitioners with a master-class framework for postconviction and appellate advocacy, transforming trial records into compelling legal narratives. Derived from the Appellate Skills Academy, it provides attorneys with essential tools to investigate beyond the record, identify bias, draft persuasive briefs, and deliver effective oral arguments.

Participants will learn to manage postconviction cases from client interviews to appellate review, focusing on developing sophisticated defense theories and storytelling that appeals to appellate courts. It is ideal for criminal defense attorneys and public defenders looking to enhance their litigation skills and advocacy.


Presenters include: Faun Moses, Chris Sobic, Cole Ruby, Colleen Marion, Matthew Pinix, Jarrett Adams, David Singleton, Erin Briggs, Christopher August, Pamela Moorshead, Katie York, Tristan Breedlove, Katie Malchow, and Dustin Haskell. 

Core Learning Outcomes:
- Client-Centered Representation: Build trust with clients and conduct thorough file reviews for postconviction relief.
- Deep-Dive Investigations: Move beyond basic reviews to uncover critical evidence by obtaining important government records.
- Persuasive Storytelling: Techniques for structuring briefs, defining issues, and synthesizing trial records.
- Addressing Racial Bias: Understand how racial bias intersects with trials and frame these issues effectively on appeal.
- Appellate Mechanics: Learn tactical decision-making for advancing cases to higher courts.
- Mastering Oral Advocacy: Prepare for impactful appellate arguments, anticipating questions and structuring concise presentations.


CLE: 22.5 Recorded Date: 06/04/2025 Level: Original Format: In-Person

Content
  • Agenda
  • Videos
  • Opening Remarks and Getting Started: Client-Centered Representation (clone)
  • Postconviction Investigation
  • Reaching an Assessment and Creating a Litigation Plan
  • Postconviction Claims
  • Redeeming Justice - From Defendant to Defender
  • Theory and Storytelling
  • Spotting and Raising Racial Issues on Direct Appeal
  • Postconviction Motions
  • Postconviction Evidentiary Meetings
  • Tips and Tricks for Machner Hearings
  • Ethical Considerations on Appeal
  • Persuasive Brief Writing
  • Response and Reply Briefs
  • Petitions for Review
  • Oral Advocacy
  • Appellate Experts Panel Q&A
  • Presentations
  • Getting Started: Client- Centered Representation and Reviewing the File
  • Postconviction Investigation
  • Postconviction Claims
  • Redeeming Justice: From Defendant to Defender
  • Theory and Storytelling
  • Postconviction Motions
  • Tips and Tricks for Machner Hearings
  • Ethical Considerations on Appeal
  • Persuasive Brief Writing
  • Response and Reply Briefs
  • Oral Advocacy
  • Participant Materials
  • Fact-Pattern
  • Guilty / No-Contest Plea Checklist
  • Advocacy Prompts - Raising Race on Appeal
  • Raising Race on Appeal Worksheet
Completion rules
  • All units must be completed