When you hear about appellate law, you might think it’s reserved for the best and brightest graduates from the top 10 law schools—those who seem to have it all figured out. And to some extent, the legal profession reinforces that idea. For years, the field has been dominated by people with access to the right schools, networks, and mentors.
But here’s the truth: appellate law is just another area of law. Yes, it’s important and requires specific skills, like strong legal writing and critical thinking, but it isn’t inherently elite. It’s accessible to anyone with the right preparation and guidance.
The National Judicial College presents Write Like a Judge: Essential Skills for Judicial Clerks and Staff Attorneys, August 15 - 17, 2025, Las Vegas, NV.
For some basic appellate fun, check out these related unpubs from 1/2 here and here. The first one says, 'uh, the trial court can't modify a fee award after/while there's been an appeal from it"; the second one says 'hey, an order denying a motion for reconsideration isn't appealable.'
Want judges to participate in bar activities? Provide some feedback here: Invitation to Comment: Participation in Inns of Court
When a judicial officer participates in an Inn of Court, it not only benefits the Inn, but the legal community as a whole,” said [CJEO] committee member Justice Douglas P. Miller. "This opinion provides guidelines so that judicial officers can ensure their participation is in line with their ethical obligations.”
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