BRIEFS
Sections of the Brief
Cover Page Writing a better facts section
Table of Contents Persuasive argument summary
Writing compelling Issues Presented Compelling argument headers
Statement of the Case Drafting a persuasive argument
Sample Introductions Sample conclusions
Primacy and recency (facts) Certificate of compliance
General Brief-Writing Tips
CAFL Brief-Writing Checklist
General brief writing tips
Choosing a font
Citing to an online resource
Bluebook Guide
SJC Style Manual
Articles on Good Brief-Writing
“The Ten Commandments of Writing an Effective Appellate Brief” talks about brief-writing generally (structure, outlining, editing, and some writing tips).
“Clean Up the Clutter: 5 Tips for Legal Writing” is about eliminating unnecessary words in your legal writing to keep the reader’s attention.
General Writing Tips
Parallelism
Hyphens
Punctuation
Commas Done Right
GENERAL PRACTICE TIPS
Appeals of Zoom Trials – Patty Practice Tip – 10.28.22
Moffett Practice Tip (9-30-20)
Meeting with Child Client (8-28-2019)
Scrubbing Metadata (3-30-2019)
Findings Based on Documentary Evidence – De Novo Review (10-3-2018)
IAC and Performance Standards (12-6-2018)
ORAL ARGUMENT (WATCHING, PREPARATION, TIPS)
Oral Arguments (click here)
(including links to watch oral arguments, videos and tips to prepare for in person and virtual hearings)
TRAINING MATERIALS (Videos and Powerpoints for Certification Trainings, Fireside Chats, and Other Trainings)
Appellate Panel Certification Training Videos
Rules of Appellate Procedure Federal Law and ICPC
Standard/Burden of Proof & Disposition Representing Children on Appeal
Meeting with and Advising the Appellate Client Negotiation and Settlement
Evidence for the Appellate Attorney
Client Contact and Relationship Tips
Fireside Chats, PowerPoints and Videos of Lectures
“Sandtraps and Other Hazards at Oral Argument” (2022)
PowerPoint Video
“Adoption of Patty and Other Leading Due Process Cases” (2022)
PowerPoint Video
“Judged by its Cover:
Creating a Great First Impression with a Perfect Cover & Table for your Briefs” (2022)
PowerPoint Video
“Advanced Issues in Child Representation” (2023)
PowerPoint Video
Other Trainings
“Single Justice Practice for the CAFL Appellate Attorney” (2023)
PowerPoint Video Handouts