Appellate Practice Committee Roundtable: Preparing for Your First Oral Argument
The "Appellate Practice Committee Roundtable: Preparing for Your First Oral Argument" is a virtual educational program organized by the American Bar Association's Appellate Practice Committee. This roundtable aims to demystify the appellate process and provide practical guidance for attorneys preparing for their initial oral arguments.
The session covers key topics such as effective preparation strategies, understanding the appellate record, formulating persuasive arguments, and mastering the art of oral advocacy. Experienced practitioners share insights on handling questions from the bench, structuring arguments, and avoiding common pitfalls during oral presentations.
This event offers valuable networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with seasoned appellate lawyers and peers. Notable speakers include judges and experienced appellate advocates who provide firsthand perspectives on successful oral argument techniques.
Ideal for young lawyers and those new to appellate practice, this roundtable equips attendees with the essential skills and confidence needed to excel in their first oral arguments.
Speakers(15)
Andrew Fleischman
Andrew Fleischman is an attorney who has co-authored guides on conducting effective oral arguments.
Ashley Koos
Litigation Associate at Haynes and Boone, LLP
Ashley Koos is a litigation associate at Haynes and Boone, LLP, who has moderated discussions on appellate oral advocacy.
Ben Sessions
Ben Sessions is an attorney who has authored guides on conducting effective oral arguments.
David R. Fine
Appellate Lawyer at K&L Gates
David R. Fine is an appellate lawyer at K&L Gates, providing tips and tricks for preparing for appellate oral arguments.
Drew Smith
Drew Smith is an attorney who has authored articles on preparing for first oral arguments.
Edzyl Magante
Edzyl Magante is an attorney who has provided tips for preparing and delivering effective appellate oral arguments.
Ethan Weber
Ethan Weber is an attorney who has contributed to discussions on appellate practice, including authoring articles on preparing for oral arguments.
Honorable Kimberly Knill
Judge at Orange County Superior Court
Judge Kimberly Knill serves on the Orange County Superior Court and has shared her experience on appellate oral advocacy.
Honorable Lucy Inman
Former Judge at North Carolina Court of Appeals
Judge Lucy Inman is a former judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals who has participated in discussions on appellate practice.
Honorable Luis Filipe Restrepo
Judge at U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Judge Luis Filipe Restrepo serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and has provided guidance on effective appellate oral advocacy.
Honorable Toby Heytens
Judge at U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Judge Toby Heytens serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and has shared insights on appellate oral advocacy.
M.C. Sungaila
Chair of the Appellate Practice Group and Shareholder at Buchalter Law Firm
M.C. Sungaila is the chair of the Appellate Practice Group and a shareholder at Buchalter Law Firm, specializing in appellate practice.
Margaret Grignon
Partner at Grignon Law Firm
Margaret Grignon is a partner at Grignon Law Firm and a former California Court of Appeal judge, offering expertise in appellate advocacy.
Robert Luyties
Robert Luyties is an attorney who has discussed questions to ask before and during appellate oral arguments.
Shaunta M. Knibb
Shaunta M. Knibb is an attorney who has provided tips for effective oral arguments.
Event Details
- Date
- February 9, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Young lawyers and attorneys new to appellate practice.