Who wants a drink?

This month's Exceptionally Appealing column (appearing the 1st Monday of the month in the DJ) is The Appellate Bar-tender - which "playfully maps appellate law practice to cocktail mixology, using creative drink recipes--each inspired by motions, petitions, or court rulings--to humorously illustrate the challenges, rituals and personalities of appellate advocacy while celebrating the wit and culture of the appellate bar."

What are appellate cocktails? The article provides numerous examples, some based on color (e.g., green for the AOB) some based on puns (the Reversal is a classic cocktail called a flip) some mixing cocktail names with appellate jargon:

The French 918 - Why stop at 75 (gin) or 76 (vodka) when you can go all the way up to 918? Combine Citadelle Gin (from the Cognac region), lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne, served chilled in a flute and garnished with a lemon twist. This apertivo is a great way to start things off, and ensures your guests will stay (at least temporarily; see Code Civ. Proc. § 918). Best to follow with a bonded whiskey, perhaps Benchmark Bonded, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Buffalo Trace.

The Limited En Banc - Approach the stocked bar blindfolded; grab 11 random bottles; combine splashes from each and stir vigorously; then shake violently. Serve in a coupe. Attempt to drink while doing jumping jacks. Pray that something good comes out.

3d Dist. Mediation Program 2026 Training - Extension of application deadline
The Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, is pleased to announce that it is again recruiting attorneys and retired judges to join its mediator panel. Attorneys and retired judges throughout the 23 counties served by the Third District Court of Appeal are encouraged to apply. The appellate mediator training course is limited to 24 participants and provided at no cost to the participants. The mediator training will be conducted at the Judicial Council of California located at 2850 Gateway Oaks Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833. Click here to access the announcement regarding the 2026 mediator training. The time for submitting an application to join the mediator training has been extended to March 20, 2026. The application can be found on the Court's Mediation Program page.