Mastering Appellate Advocacy From Brief to Bench

DESCRIPTION: This CLE offers a practical, structured, and accessible guide to appellate advocacy for attorneys. Drawing from years of experience in state and federal appellate courts, Nadia Dahab breaks down the three core components of a successful appeal—strategic groundwork, effective brief writing, and confident oral argument—in a way that is actionable and immediately usable in your next case. The program begins with the strategic foundation many lawyers overlook: the standards of review. Using real examples, attorneys learn why getting the standard right dictates whether an appeal is even winnable. The framework of the four primary standards is explained and how they will shape your arguments. The CLE also discusses brief writing, emphasizing issue selection, persuasive issue statements, and knowing your audience. Participants learn how to structure a compelling statement of facts using advocacy-focused techniques such as topic sentences and vivid fact framing. The program also addresses credibility, record citations, integrating caselaw, ordering arguments, and writing headings as mini-arguments—core skills that distinguish excellent briefs from merely adequate ones. A practical roadmap for oral argument preparation and delivery is also discussed, including how to prepare and what to avoid. By the end of this CLE, participants will have a clear framework for how to approach an appeal from start to finish, with practical guidance on crafting issues, shaping narratives, and presenting an argument that resonates with appellate judges. It is a comprehensive, practice-focused session designed to strengthen lawyers’ advocacy skills. Accreditation pending. Check your Bar website or our list: https://www.clecast.net/accreditation. You will watch a video, be provided materials, and then fill out a certificate of completion. Access to this CLE is available for 365 days following your purchase.