* 2nd – 9th Advanced Appellate Program Bundle (CA) (OnDemand Streaming or Recorded Packages)*

What You Will Learn

 

2nd Annual Appellate Conference 2017 Topics:

What Not to Do with Technology

• Formatting (readable or not)
• Lost documents and backups
• Metadata scrubbing
• Collaborative editing and multiple versions

Writs

• How Writ Attorneys approach writ petitions
• Proper and improper uses for writs
• How to get a competitive advantage
  §  Providing a user-friendly record
  §  Fairness
  §  Candor
  §  Tone
  §  Telling a story
• Disclosures
• Relief
• Declarations
• Timing
• Stays pending writ rulings

Specialized Issues in Brief Writing and Opinions

• Introductions
• Privacy and sealed records
• Privacy of parties and other individuals brought into the process
• Rules governing e-records adopted recently
• Protection in other court documents
• New rules on privacy protections in opinions
• Logistics
• Retaining your privacy options (not waiving)
•  Sealing issues
  §  How much is too much
  §  Anticipating at the trial level

Behind the Scenes at the Court of Appeal

Briefing Issues in the Court of Appeal When They are Already Pending before the California Supreme Court

• How to discuss prior decisions by the Court of Appeal called into question by the case on review
• How recent changes to citation rules affect your discussion
• How to distinguish your case but preserve grounds for a grant and hold
• What to do if review is granted after you finish briefing
• Other considerations

Appellate Ethics

Behind the Scenes at the California Supreme Court

• How are cases assigned?
• Who does what with a case?
• Sua sponte grants of review under Rule 8.512(c)
• Tips

Settling Cases on Appeal

• 9^th Circuit Mediation Program
• CA Courts of Appeal Mediation Programs
• Settlement effect on judgment
• Considerations
• Magic Language for a stipulated reversal

Dealing with Clients and Trial Counsel

• Representing public entities on appeal
• Working with risk managers and claims professionals
• Appellate attorney’s role at trial court

Amicus Curiae Briefs

U.S. Supreme Court Cert Practice

• How the cert pool works
• Technique for cert petitions and briefs in opposition

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3rd Annual Appellate Conference 2018 Topics:

• Statements of Decision: The Ideal and the Reality
• Why you need a statement of decision
• Getting trial lawyers and trial judges to do it right
• Objections to proposed statements of decision
• Handling appeals with defective or missing statements of decision
• Effect of F.P. v. Monier

Update on E-filing

The Appellate/Public Interface

• Judges using social media
• Litigating appellate cases in the press

The Effect of Appellate Decisions on Subsequent Litigation

• Remand and remittitur issues
• Using and avoiding the law of the case
• Update on issue and claim preclusion
• How electronic research has affected stare decisis

Appellate Strategy for Repeat Commercial and Institutional Litigants

• Addressing the client’s big picture
• Briefs as announcements
• Keeping friends close and amici closer

Stays, Bonding, and Supersedeas

• Stays without bonds
• What is “embraced in the judgment or affected thereby?
• Money judgments
• When appellant wrongly insists there is an automatic stay
  • Sections 917.75,  923,  917.6 and other discussions
• Setting bonds in other situations
• Bonds from insurance companies
• Alternatives to corporate undertakings
• Petitioning for supersedeas
• Enforcing undertakings

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4th Annual Appellate Conference 2019 Topics:

Differences between state and federal appeals

• Initiating appeals, including 1292(b) certification
• Procuring and presenting the record
• Briefing, including posturing issues for certiorari
• Standards of review
• Approaches to oral argument
• Post-decision strategy including petitions for rehearing and rehearing en banc
• Certifying federal cases to the California Supreme Court

State court appeals before final judgment

• What is a final, appealable judgment?
• The collateral order doctrine
• Statutes providing for interlocutory appeals (as opposed to writs)
• Filing writ petition simultaneously with notice of appeal and petition for supersedeas 

Settlement on appeal

• Determining when to settle and when to press forward to the bitter end
• Strategies re the timing of settlement overtures
• Mediation options (private vs. court-supplied)
• Structured settlement options
• Stipulated reversals and CCP 128(8)
• Partial satisfaction and its effect.
• Dealing with Medicare lien issues
• Keeping appellate court apprised of ongoing settlement discussions and relationship to extensions
• Dismissing appeals that have settled
• What to do when the court wants oral argument anyway

Advanced briefing topics

• Improving fact statements
• Effective use of legislative history on appeal
• The limits of judicial notice
• Responding to self-represented litigants
• The effect of People v. Sanchez in civil appeals
• Addressing issues presented under F.P. v. Monier

The appellate record – 2019 version

• The impact of Jameson v. Desta
• Difficulties in procuring record (budget-induced, disappearing reporters, missing documents)
• Ideas for using electronic transcripts effectively
• Updates in court procedures

Voluntary and involuntary dismissals

• The disentitlement doctrine
• Appellants who lack standing and other disqualifications
• Waiver of the right to appeal
• Resurrecting dismissed appeals

Attorney fees and costs: Challenging and preserving trial court awards and seeking fees and costs on appeal 

• Record keeping to obtain fee award
• Evaluating prevailing party determinations
• The role of experts in determining the amount of fees
• When is an undertaking needed to stay an award of fees or costs during appeal
• Timing fee and cost appeals
• Special considerations in seeking appellate fees and costs

 

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5th Annual Appellate Conference 2020 Topics:

Advanced 9th Circuit practice

• Motions practice and emergencies
• Mediation in the Ninth Circuit, it’s worth it!
• If you have a novel state law question, how do you get the Ninth Circuit to certify that question of law to the state’s highest court?
• Briefing your appeal, insider tips on how the court likes
• New authority letters (a/k/a 28j letters)
• The en banc process, how to get the attention of enough of the judges

Oral Argument

• Reasons to argue and when to waive
• Argument plans, argument notebooks and argument technology
• Moot courts: Who, why, when and how?
• Scouting the court
• Divide and conquer? When, if ever, should you split argument?
• Coping with hostile (and other) questions

Post-decision in the DCA  

• Rehearing
• Review
• Remittitur
• Publication & Depublication
• On remand from SCOCA
• Getting grant-and-hold cases remanded rather than having review dismissed – “Beware the quick release”

Preclusive effect of appellate decisions

• Law of the case
• Claim and issue preclusion

Settled Statements under the new Rules of Court

Looks matter: The graphic presentation of briefs

• How font, formatting, and graphics affect your readers
• Writing for e-readers
• Typography for Lawyers

Review of agency action

• Trial court 1085 writs
• Trial court 1094.5 writs
• Trial court common law writs
• Original jurisdiction in DCA (and SCOCA) on review of actions of administrative agencies
• Stays of agency action pending appellate review
• Interlocutory remands to agencies

Advanced Topics in Appellate Jurisdiction

• Kurwa I & II
• Standing of class action objectors
• Waivers of right to appeal in arbitration and other agreements
• Appeals in Public Records Act cases

• • Review generally by writ
  • Exceptions for post-judgment decisions (fees, e.g.)
  • Non-appealable preliminary decisions (privilege log)

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6th Annual Advanced Appellate Program (2-Part Webinar) (2021)

Part 1 – Three Hours

Presenting a Remote Oral Argument

• Content
• Delivery
• Technical Aspects that Impact Your Image and Persuasiveness

Appellate Procedural Issues Resulting From the Pandemic

• An update and inside look from the courts
• Issues with the record preservation arising out of zoom trials
• Writ and Appellate deadline problems
• Emergency orders creating deadline confusion

Forms of Relief in the California Supreme Court Beyond the “Grant of Review”

• Grant and hold
• Grant and transfer
• De-publication
• Dismissal of review as improvidently granted
• Additional bullet points/sub-topics here

Part 2 – Three Hours

Advanced Brief Writing Tips

• Writing effective introductions
• Using narrative techniques to improve statements of facts
• Structuring compelling legal arguments
• The limits of judicial notice
• Responding to self-represented litigants
• Handling prior Court of Appeal decisions that your appeal calls  into question
• Distinguishing adverse authority while preserving grounds for review or a grant and hold
• Handling relevant grants of review that occur the close of briefing
• Standard of Review Update—Conservatorship of O.B. and how the heightened clear-and-convincing-evidence standard of proof applicable at trial affects the way an appellate court assesses the evidence
• Update on e-briefs and embedded briefs
  • New service available to embed links to authorities, cited in state court appellate briefs
  • New Ninth Circuit rules governing excerpts of record citations to facilitate the court’s creation of hyperlinked briefs for judges and law clerks

How to Best Argue Statutory Construction in Light of the Canons

• Presenting legislative history for the first time in the COA

Voluntary Dismissal in Trial to Facilitate an Appeal

A Review of Recent Issues in Appealability

• No right to appeal from denial of SLAPP motion on the ground the speech was in the public interest
• Recurring split of authority as to when a writ case has reached final judgment
• Effect of mistakes in the notice of entry of judgment.
• Beyond appealability: Issues that arise from orders disqualifying counsel

 

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7th Annual Advanced Appellate Program (2-Part Webinar) (2022)

Part 1 Topics

Appealable Orders: The Collateral Order Doctrine & One Final Judgment Exceptions Examined

• The Collateral Order Doctrine
  • Elements
  • Doctrinal Dissonance
  • Majority View
  • Minority View
  • Collateral Order Examples
• The One Final Judgment Rule Exceptions
  • Orders Final as to a Party in Multiparty Actions
  • Finality as to a Party Capacity
  • Further Examples

More on Writs: Decision Options and Related Issues

• Writs of discovery rulings
• Writs and appeals of good-faith settlement determinations
• What to do if you’re not sure about appealability
• The toolbox of dispositions available to the DCA and what goes into deciding which to use
• At what point does the trial court lose jurisdiction while a petition is considered by the DCA — even if the DCA has issued some orders?
• What orders/dispositions by the DCA are law of the case?
• When are the various DCA orders final?

What Can the Supreme Court of CA do for You Other than Grant Review?

• Alternative paths to CA Supreme Court review
  • Review
  • Grant and hold
  • Original writs
  • Transfers to the CA Supreme Court on petition or sua sponte
• Supervision of the DCAs
  • Grant and remand
  • Grant and transfer
• De-publication and sua sponte review
• Dismissal of review as improvidently granted
• Judicial Notice and new evidence on appeal
• Case management issues
• Extraordinary Writs

Advanced Topics in Standards of Review

• Are the standards of review really neutral?
  • Neutrally applied principles
• Tips on arguing that a favorable standard be applied

Part 2 Topics

Preclusion

• What is preclusion?
• Claim preclusion (res judicata) vs. issue preclusion (collateral estoppel)
• Same-party requirement (privity)
• What makes a prior decision “final”?
• When is an issue “identical.”
• When is an issue “actually litigated” and “necessarily decided.”
• What equitable considerations affect issue preclusion?
• Special situations
  • Error in prior decision
  • Issue in prior case decided by trial court but not addressed by appellate court
  • Settlement before appellate resolution in prior case

Dealing with Difficult Oral Arguments and Pandemic Lessons

• How to argue when the precedent is against you
• Exceptions or justifications for not following supreme court precedent
• How to oppose a petition for review when the petitioner has a split of authority favoring review
• How to best use unpublished or non-precedential authorities
• Pandemic silver lining:
  • What the justices have learned about remote OA and about tentative opinions.
  • What attorneys have learned about remote OA and how those lessons can improve in-person arguments when they return.
• The Divided Panel: What to do when oral argument begins and you realize there’s a divided panel.
• Top 5 awkward moments during OA and ideas for handling them
• How moot courts can improve oral argument
  • Putting together an effective moot court
  • Moot court resources available in the legal community

Party Counsel and Amici Curiae Ethics

• Amicus brief funding
• Coordination with amicus counsel
• Simultaneous representation of a party and amicus curiae
• State and federal court disclosure requirements

Behind the Scenes at the 9th Circuit

• Recent rule changes
• Latest court statistics
• The court’s screening panel process
• The court’s motions panel process
• Internal processes for court mediations
• How clerks evaluate cases in chambers
• Most common electronic filing errors
• Handling sealed filings
• En banc proceedings from the inside

 

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8th Annual Advanced Appellate Program (2-Part Webinar) (2023)

Ethics Update

• The substantial relationship test and informed consent after Sheppard Mullin v. J-M Manufacturing – when it gets real on appeal.
• Arguing potentially adverse interests on behalf of multiple clients.
• Duties of competence, candor and disclosure to clients and the tribunal.

Sealed and Confidential Records: Keeping Your Client’s Secrets Out of the Public Eye in the Court of Appeal

• Whose Job is it?
• Sealed v. Confidential — Is there really any difference?
• What can and cannot be closed to public inspection? (AKA The Pitfalls of Trial Court Stipulated Confidentiality Orders).
• Writing and redacting your argument.

Arguing Against the Grain:
How to Argue Against Stare Decisis and How to Argue Against a Petition for Review When There is a Split of Authority.

• Is stare decisis dead, gravely ill, or “doing just fine, thank you”?
• When is stare decisis at its strongest or weakest?
• What tests and factors do courts use when considering reversing established precedent?
• What differences are there between CA and federal courts?
• What factors can be argued that review should not be granted despite a clear split in published cases

Appeals from TROs and Preliminary Injunctions.

• Timing
• Whether orders not labeled as such are injunctions

Raising New Issues on Appeal

• Jurisdictional issues
• Mootness
• Standing
• Judicial notice
  -Legislative history
• New arguments on preserved issues
  -If legal
  -In the absence of prejudice
• Questions of law on undisputed facts
  -To facilitate affirmance
  -Discretionary
• Evidentiary issues
• Instructional issues
• Insufficiency of the evidence
• Inconsistent jury verdicts

What Not to Do in Briefing and Oral Argument.

Covid-19 and the Appellate Courts: What is the New Normal? 

• An update on oral argument formats in each court
• What justices prefer and why
• Suggestions on best practices for arguing remotely

Serving as Appellate Counsel in the Trial Court

• How can an appellate lawyer be of greatest benefit to trial counsel?
• Should an appellate lawyer ever play the lead role in the trial court?
• What do trial judges make of appellate counsel’s involvement?

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9th Annual Advanced Appellate Practice Program Agenda (2024)

Advanced Oral Argument Skills

• What judges are trying to accomplish at oral argument
• How to quickly categorize a question
• How to identify the type of question you are getting, so you can answer it strategically.
• How to best to answer hypothetical questions of different flavors
• How to address policy concerns
• How best to pivot when a judge has you on the ropes
• How to approach Oral Argument when there is a Tentative Opinion or Focus Letter
• How to maximize the few minutes you have without wasting time
• Preparation and Practice Strategies:
  • Effectively using moot courts when preparing
• Hybrid Arguments – pros, cons and policy changes

Advanced Briefing Topics

• Crafting Effective Introductions in Appellate Briefs
  • Understand the purpose of an introduction and when to include one
  • Learn the keys to a strong and persuasive introduction
• Improving fact statements and argument headings
  • Hear practical tips from judges and practitioners
• Effective use of legislative history on appeal
• Effective use of the standard of review
• The limits of judicial notice

Behind the Scenes at the 9th Circuit

• Recent and upcoming rule changes
• New case management system (ACMS)
• Extensions policy update
• Remote hearings update
• Latest court statistics
• The court’s screening panel process
• The court’s motions panel process
• Internal processes for court mediations
• How clerks evaluate cases in chambers
• How Judges prepare for oral argument
• Best/worst practices for briefing or argument

Attorney Fees and Costs: Challenging and preserving trial court awards and seeking fees and costs on appeal

• Record keeping to obtain fee award
• Evaluating prevailing party determinations
• The role of experts in determining the amount of fees
• When is an undertaking needed to stay an award of fees or costs during appeal
• Timing fee and cost appeals
• Special considerations in seeking appellate fees and cost 
• Appealing Attorney Fee Decisions:
  • Pros and cons of appealing fee award
  • Relation to merits appeals
  • Building a record on the motion
  • Standard of review
  • Tips on briefing
  • Post-appeal considerations

Statements of Decision: The Ideal and the Reality

• Why you need a statement of decision
• Getting trial lawyers and trial judges to do it right
• Objections to proposed statements of decision
• Handling appeals with defective or missing statements of decision
• Effect of P. v. Monier

AI and the Appellate Process

• What is generative AI and what is all the fuss about?
• What products are in the marketplace to apply generative AI to law practice?
• What are these current products useful for in appellate practice and how reliable are they?
• What does the future hold for law tech and generative AI?
• Ethical issues associated with the use of AI in appellate practice.

 

 

Testimonials

The following testimonials are from all Advanced Appellate Conferences 2016-2024:

“If you only attend one live CLE a year, make sure it is the Pincus Advanced Appellate Seminar.” – Joshua R. Furman, Esq.

“I look forward to this program every year.  The speakers are always fantastic, the topics are always interesting and useful, and the appellate specialization credit is a huge bonus.  This year’s program more than lived up to my expectations.” – Tiffany J. Gates, Esq.

“Fantastic seminar. One of the best I’ve ever seen.” – Kym Speer, Esq.

“Pincus consistently provides first-rate, legal education programs on timely topics with excellent speakers. After attending its programs in multiple states for nearly two decades, I can confidently say Pincus always delivers, and I am a better attorney for having regularly followed its programs.” Robert Little, California

“Very useful information and insights, including what happens inside appellate courts, from the BEST, most knowledgeable sources.” – Jay-Allen Eisen, Esq.

“Useful insights from an insider in the 9th Circuit. Briefs session was hugely satisfying for my inner appellate nerd. I particularly enjoyed how Justice Banke compared what she used to think was important as a practitioner vs. what she now finds important as an appellate court justice. Very helpful! I greatly appreciated Justice Streeter’s openness and honesty. I’ve seen Justice Chin speak several times, and he never disappoints! Always a pleasure to watch.” – Tiffany J. Gates, Esq.

“I often attend MCLE just to get the credits. Pincus programs are interesting, useful, have excellent handouts, and the time is used wisely.” – Christopher D. Lockwood, Esq.

“Excellent presenters and relevant subject matter, helping keep me current and sharp on crucial appellate issues.” – Glenn Danas, Esq.

“Very useful, informative program. Every speaker was excellent!” – Kevin Meek, Esq.

“Consistently the best live CLE I attend each year. Not to be missed! This isn’t just a refresher on the basics. This brings clarity to real challenges in appellate practice with the top experts in the field.” – Joshua Furman, Esq.

“As always, excellent speakers and content. Very informative with practical and useful anecdotes.” – Marisa Janine-Page, Esq.

“Excellent program; topics that don’t merely rehash the usual, but provide a deeper discussion of issues important to appellate lawyers.” – Glenn Danas, Esq.

“I have participated in this course just about every year since its inception, and it consistently meets my objectives.” – Robert Collings Little, Esq. 

“Excellent!  I look forward to attending other Pincus programs.” – David M. Arbogast, Esq.

“This is always my favorite program of the year. The variety of topics and the quality of the speakers provide interesting insights and excellent practical advice.” – Lori Sebransky, Esq.

“Every year, this program provides impactful feedback from active appellate justices that I incorporate into my practice. Thank you very much for organizing.” – Jenna Parker, Esq.

“Beyond our expectations. Very useful to us. To Stephen Mayer – Wow. Thank you for waking up the right mindset and strategy. Justice Banke’s perspective was on target.” – Larry Peluso, Esq.

“Excellent programs. The presenters are top rate and it is always nice to get insight form the actual judges and justices about things happening behind the curtains.” – Jeremy Robinson, Esq.

“Excellent seminar. It’s one of the best I have attended.” – Bob Lucas, Esq.

“I was aiming to gain insight on the appellate system and gain tips to assist my future endeavors in the court. I feel much more confident in my abilities! The handbook was very helpful and informative. I enjoyed the webinar format.” – Gina Simas, Esq.

“Every year this program has great topics from excellent speakers with practical and useful information” – Sarah Birmingham, Esq.

“Great job, as usual!” – John Kinsey, Esq.

“All the speakers were good, and the material was appropriate.” – Paul A Lax, Esq.

“It is a good range of topics and excellent speakers. I have never been to a bad Pincus program.” – Christopher D. Lockwood, Esq.

“Excellent speakers…Great handouts.” – Ira Salzman, Esq.

“Excellent presenters and relevant subject matter, helping keep me current and sharp on crucial appellate issues.” – Glenn Danas, Esq.

“I have participated in this course just about every year since its inception, and it consistently meets my objectives.” – Robert Collings Little, Esq.

“My personal objectives were to listen, learn, and gain new insights to improve my practice. Mission accomplished.” Jenna E. Parker, Esq.

“Fantastic sophisticated advice for practitioners.”

“Excellent, as always!” – Marisa Janine-Page, Esq.

“Recognized appellate speakers. Good content and practical insights.” – David Lantzer, Esq.

“I loved it. thank you!” – Alex Volkov, Esq.

“Excellent, informative program. Presentations from judges were especially useful, and Ben Shatz is a very good moderator.” – Ryan Wu, Esq.

“I attend lots of CLE courses – significantly more than required. This program was outstanding! Careful selection of topics and presenters. This was my first Pincus course. It will not be my last.” – Steven Finell, Esq.

“This was a great program.  I feel charged up for my next appellate matter and armed with many tips.” – Amanda F. Benedict, Esq.

“Great use of knowledgeable and credible presenters. Truly an excellent program; well-thought out with valuable information.”

“I attended last year’s appellate conference. It was so helpful and informative that I wanted to attend this year’s conference.” – Linda N. Wisotsky, Esq.

“I attended the seminar to learn about cutting-edge appellate issues. The seminar exceeded my expectations and I learned a ton. I greatly enjoyed the seminar and look forward to attending in the future.” – Kevin Meek, Esq.

“Excellent as usual. The insights from Justices and expert practitioners are so valuable.” – Lori A. Sebransky, Esq.

“Another great program – you never disappoint.”

“Surpassed my expectation. This was an excellent program.” – Bruce Finch, Esq.

“Thank you. The program, panelists, and participants were excellent.” – Teresa Stinson, Esq.

“All were excellent!” – Stephen V. Masterson, Esq.  

“Excellent coverage of COVID 19 issues.” – Douglas Everett Klein, Esq. 

“Great interactive dialogue between the speakers.” – Amanda F. Benedict, Esq.  

“As always, a worthwhile seminar and glad I could attend remotely. Very much looking forward to Part II.”

“I found the first part on the collateral order doctrine the most useful and informative.  The appellate writ section was most useful for the notion that asking for a suggestive Palma order should be considered for writs in general.  The Supreme Court section was useful for the grant and hold discussion.”

“It was a wonderful and very informative program. The speakers were loaded with so much information that you cannot acquire without being an attendee. Great speakers!” – Blanca C. Vaughan, Esq.

“It was an informative seminar, full of practical information. Excellent program.” – John Yasuda, Esq.

“Having Justice Groban on to explain the process before the Supreme Court was immensely informative.”

“Excellent. A++.”

“Justice Rivera was very good, detailed, and interesting. Harry Chamberlain was a very good speaker. This was a terrific panel!” – Steve Mayer, Esq.

“Great to hear about recent changes. Justice Miller had thoughtful comments. Justice Grimes’ perspective was helpful.”

“Excellent and comprehensive, as usual.” – Brian Beckwith, Esq.

“As usual, addresses the ‘advanced’ issues facing appellate attorneys. And as always, knowledgeable presenters.”

“Still one of the best CLE programs.” – Joshua R. Furman, Esq.

“Ben Shatz was an absolutely fantastic moderator. The first two panels also were fantastic – so interesting, organized, and the content was unique, useful, and delivered efficiently.”

“Excellent content, expertly presented, excellent program! I’m trying to resume active appellate practice after years of preoccupation with family care issues – this program was a great start!” – Bruce Finch, Esq.

“Such useful information (on the 9th Circuit). Thank you! Love all the anecdotal wisdom Wendy Lascher shares. Kent Richland had great practical experience and excellent tips. Thank you for including Justice Miller! So helpful to hear that side. Judge Klatchko is so smart and I love all the rules and guides she contributed to the presentation. Harry Chamberlain is always amazing! It’s impressive how Effie Cogan knows every detail of every appellate case. I love when she’s a panelist!” – Marisa Janine-Page, Esq.

“The best part was the inside the Ninth Circuit program. I do a lot of work in that court and found the descriptions of its operations fascinating.” – Richard L Antognini, Esq.

“Having a ‘behind-the-scenes’ perspective on the appellate courts’ workings is very valuable. I handle 2-3 writs/appeals per month and this subject matter is useful. Very engaging speakers. The judicial perspective is highly informative.” – Sean Collins, Esq.

“Thank you. The program, panelists, and participants were excellent.” – Teresa Stinson, Esq.

“Greatly appreciated the program, it was right on the edge of what is happening today. I am coming back!” – Alex Vollkov, Esq.

“Having appellate court justices on the panels (both state and federal) have been extremely illuminating this year.”

“Year in, year out this is the best MCLE seminar for experienced appellate lawyers.” – Tom Freeman, Esq.

“I appreciated the opening discussion on federal (9th Circuit) law and procedure.” – Justin R. Sarno, Esq.

“A fast-moving program – covered a lot of ground.”  – Lisa Ungerer, Esq.

“A very good panel of speakers with good diversity in topics.” – Robert Mata, Esq.

“Very informative. Definitely one of the better or best CLE I have attended.”

“All great topics.” – Richard P. Fisher, Esq.

“Excellent as always!” – Lori Sebransky, Esq.

“All presenters are great. There were a lot of good nuggets that I will use in my practice.” – Linda Conrad, Esq.

“I am an appellate specialist, and this program provides updates on changes in appellate procedures as well as helpful tips on appellate practice.” 

“Well done as always. Nice selection of topics.” – Deborah Bull, Esq.

“The program was wonderful, as usual. I liked that it was split up into two separate parts/days.  That made it much easier to fit into my schedule.  Additionally, the topics were truly “advanced” and timely — particularly the discussion about presenting remote oral arguments.  The whole program was great!  I look forward to attending again next year. :-)” – Tiffany J. Gates, Esq.

“The speakers are always dynamic — I particularly enjoyed the mix of practitioners and judges/justices this year — and the topics are always helpful to my practice.  This year was no exception.”

“The state and federal court appellate practice mix was just right. Great to hear from judges and court staff about real-world issues (COVID arguments, procedures, etc.) we all are dealing with (we go work to present our cases at the same place the court’s people do, good to hear what makes it easier)” – Harry Chamberlain, Esq

“The topics were interesting and helpful to my practice.” – Jessica Simon, Esq.

“This is an excellent program. I would recommend it. I found the panel to be very thoughtful and engaged with the purpose of educating the audience.” – Elizabeth Rhodes, Esq.

“My personal objectives were to listen, learn, and gain new insights to improve my practice. Mission accomplished.” Jenna E. Parker, Esq.

“Excellent coverage of COVID 19 issues.” – Douglas Everett Klein, Esq.

“Great interactive dialogue between the speakers.” – Amanda F. Benedict, Esq.

“Great to hear directly from the justices about their in-house practices; the kitchen sink, that’s a hoot!” – Harry Chamberlain, Esq.

“All were excellent!” – Stephen V. Masterson, Esq.

“This is precisely the kind of extra training I need, especially with the handouts. I have confidence that this will be my first step in research when these issues come across my desk because I will know exactly what the Judges are looking for.”

“This program exceeded my expectations. The speakers were dynamic and brilliant, and the topics were incredibly helpful to my practice. I’ll be using this information for years to come… It was great!” – Tiffany J. Gates, Esq.

“Highly professional and substantive presentation.”

“I always take away important ideas and tweak my practices following a Pincus Appellate Summit.” – Leslie Ellen Shear, Esq.

“The content at this program was very useful.” – Sarah Birmingham, Esq.

“This is a great advanced seminar. Very high-level, informative presentations.” – Tom Freeman, Esq.

“This is always an excellent seminar! Great practical advice by the masters.” – Marisa Janine-Page, Esq.

“The program lived up to the description, which is high praise.” – Madeline Miller, Esq.

“Enjoyed some of the more arcane subjects. Excellent review of the more familiar subjects.”

“Enjoyed the program. Enjoyed Judge Klatchko’s discussion of standards of review. Great program.  Particularly on the Supreme Court and Standards of Review.”

“I was very impressed with the discussion on statutory interpretation.” – John L. Jones II, Esq.

“I’m glad I came and definitely glad I joined the networking lunch.” – Rochelle Wilcox, Esq.

“Excellent and different than ‘the usual’. Very innovative choice of subjects of importance to appellate specialists.”

“Enjoyed the program. Enjoyed Judge Klatchko’s discussion of standards of review.”

“One of the best CLEs every year.” – Sarah Birmingham, Esq.

“Every year this program has great topics from excellent speakers with practical and useful information.” – Sarah Birmingham, Esq. 

“I love Pincus-produced lectures and seminars. Excellent appellate information, very thorough handouts and materials.”

“Excellent and relevant as usual.” – Brian Beckwith, Esq.

“Good content and speakers.” – Tom Freeman, Esq.

“I learned a lot, and enjoyed the variety of topics discussed. I also appreciated hearing from speakers with ‘boots on the ground’ perspective about the various technical issues the court has seen arise now that most proceedings are remote.”

“Excellent and well put together seminar.”

“Great stuff.” – Abram Genser, Esq.

“Wonderful. The program was very enlightening and amazing. The tips are incredible and very refreshing and although they seemed intuitive, they truly are not.” – Francisco Javier Aldana, Esq.

“I chose this program because I’m a previous attendee and have enjoyed it.”

“Second year taking this course. Great information, speakers, and lots of ideas, tips and suggestions. Thanks, I’ll be back next year!” – John Stobart, Esq.

“As usual all of the speakers were excellent in both knowledge and presentation. I was also impressed with your staff. My secretary inadvertently signed me up for a recording rather than attending live. That was quickly and efficiently remedied.”

“I am an appellate specialist, and this program provides updates on changes in appellate procedures as well as helpful tips on appellate practice.”

“Excellent comprehensive program.”

“Broader (and better) scope than expected. Another excellent program.” – Marisa Janine-Page, Esq.

“I’ve been to several of these seminars over the years and I’ve generally enjoyed them.”

“Excellent content and delivery; very practical information and insight.”

“I really enjoyed the conversational feel between the speakers.”

“Excellent content and very up to date advice (Covid changes to procedures)”- Shirley Gauvin, Esq.

“Great program as always.” – Susan Horst, Esq.

“While advanced, this was a great overview of appellate issues.” – Brian Mahler, Esq.

“Year in and year out this is the most useful and interesting of the many CLE seminars I’ve attended.”

“Great program, wouldn’t change anything.” – Glenn Danas, Esq.

“Lovely and pleasant, very satisfied. Thanks.” – Nathan W. Gabbard, Esq.

“Excellent information all around. The insight from Justice Segal about his division’s and his personal decision-making process and considerations was extremely useful.”

“Good, vigorous discussion.”

“Much better than the average MCLE courses. It was well thought out and well-presented. I look forward to taking more Pincus courses.” – Earl L. Roberts, Esq.

“Great job, as usual!” – John Kinsey, Esq.  

“All the speakers were good, and the material was appropriate.” – Paul A Lax, Esq.  

“Excellent presentations.”

“Great program.” – Sara Birmingham, Esq.

“The program is great and incredibly informative.”

“The program lived up to my expectations. The topics were interesting, and the speakers were engaging (a particularly tough task in this virtual world).  I’m looking forward to Part 2 on Thursday!” – Tiffany J. Gates, Esq.

“Great seminar!! So much great, practical information I can use.”

“This program was very helpful.” – Ellen R. Serbin, Esq.

“Great program, very good content.”

“Overall, great program. The second day’s program provided engaging discussions and helpful information on the advanced appellate practice issues I hoped would be covered when I signed up.”

“Day 2 was fantastic. So much good information and insights.”

“Excellent program – good choice of topics and speakers.”

“Faith Pincus always puts on a great program. I like the recordings on CD. I listen to them in the car.”

“Excellent program and great speakers.”

“Greg Wolff was worth the price of admission on his own.”

“Excellent program and great speakers.” – (Thomas) Christopher Johns, Esq.

“I like the speakers and how they each bring a different perspective. It helps when they all discuss their own opinion on a topic to hear different takes.”

“Excellent program, I wouldn’t change anything.”

“Learned a lot and will definitely recommend.”

“Excellent program.  Last three panels were especially good.” – Deborah Drooz, Esq.

“Learned some valuable things.” – Lawrence P. Hellman, Esq.

“Good speakers, good topics, right length. Breaking it across two days is great for video conferences.”

“Liked the diversity of opinion with the other panelist.”

“Excellent program!”

“Great mix of topics!”

“Excellent program. Great information and insight for high-level practicing appellate attorneys.”

“Good choice of topics.” – Wendy Lascher, Esq.

“Excellent program. I wouldn’t change anything.”

“I hoped to have a good panel on oral argument, and another on agency appeals. These were great.” – Daniel Trump, Esq.

“Fantastic sophisticated advice for practitioners.”

“Appreciated the practical and timely remote appearance advice.”

“Excellent program. I’ve just started appellate work and wanted to learn more. This program was quite good. Thank you!”

“Good to hear tips for video arguments and the discussion Justice Groban was enlightening.”

“I enjoyed the program, particularly the variety of speakers and mix of discussion about both technical and legally substantive issues.”

“Excellent program. Very practical stuff.”

“I enjoyed the practical tips and suggestions on brief writing.”

“Excellent program.” – Shirley A. Gauvin, Esq.

“I gained resources that will be extremely helpful regarding timing of motions.”

“Excellent, informative, enjoyable – all of the speakers did a great job.”

“Excellent program.”

“I especially like having some justices and some practitioners and the interaction among them.”

“Good discussion and insight.”

“It’s informative and useful for my practice.”

“It was very good, particularly the oral argument section.”

“As usual, very information and excellent panelists.”

“As always, an excellent program with important information provided by excellent panelists.”

“Excellent!”

“Great, as always. Thank you very much for doing this, Faith and your team.”

“Excellent.” – Ryan Artola, Esq.

“Good, clean presentation with useful discussion feel as opposed to lecturing on and on.”

“For me, the discussion by Colantuono, Chamberlin and Ming was most interesting.”

“Found issues related to trial court level and what might become appellate issues as a result very interesting and helpful. Also great advice on how to handle a writ when docs/transcripts are missing was excellent.”

“Good and thorough program.”

“Good solid program.”

“I thought it was a great overview of all the different topics. The resource material looks to be very thorough and will be a good reference.”

“Great content, very informative.”

“Very practical and would definitely attend again and recommend to others.”

“Great presentations overall. I have been practicing civil litigation for one year and had many “aha!” moments.”

“Great program.  Particularly on the Supreme Court and Standards of Review.”

“I am coming back!”

“Great seminar. Simply an excellent program, good choice of topics and the speakers were great.”

“I thought it was really good. The speakers were well prepared, and not rambling, and the presentations were on point.”

“Great seminar.”

“I really appreciated the real-world portions of the program.”

“John Taylor did a wonderful job of explaining complex appellate issues to a non-appellate attorney, such as myself. I greatly enjoyed his presentation.” – Kevin Meek, Esq.

“I am a practicing appellate attorney and I heard good things about this seminar. All the speakers were very knowledgeable and presented well and kept my interest – and the materials in the appendix were very useful.”

“I appreciate the program’s practical advice on navigating online oral argument.”

“The justices are incredibly valuable. Thanks to them for participating.”

“I enjoyed hearing thoughts from the judges and other attorneys on each topic presented.”

“The program was excellent.” – Tom Freeman, Esq.

“I learned a lot about advanced appellate practice.” – John L Jones II, Esq.

“I liked hearing from the judges – it’s always interesting to hear their points of view.”

“It was great to hear direct practice advice and pointers from experienced lawyers and judges. I also thought the deposition and summary judgment sections were very helpful.”

“It’s always helpful to have judges and attorneys who have worked at an appellate court speak at programs like this as it’s helpful to have the view from the inside.”

“Excellent program.” 

“I love the format and the pace!”

“I loved it.”

“Anna-Rose Mathieson was very helpful and interesting!”

“I really enjoyed the practical sections regarding brief writing and virtual oral arguments.”

“Great program and location. The lunch itself was great, as was the opportunity to network.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion during ethics regarding plagiarism and ghost writing. I think it was the most interesting conversation all day.”

“I thought it was all great.” – Polly Estes, Esq.

“Wonderful!” – Chris Lim, Esq.

“I thought the program was excellent.” – Ellen R. Serbin, Esq.

“I was happy to have the speakers answer questions quickly, and to provide many secondary resources to look for after the webinar.”

“The program was very good.  Very thorough.” – Thomas Anthony Trapani, Esq.

“Informative, but more specific to the speakers, they are good at speaking and take into consideration the listener and things that might be annoying on a webinar.”

“It was a nice run down of key components of litigation.”

“Justice Streeter is really interesting and provides great insight and information.” – Sarah Birmingham, Esq.

“I liked the mix of appellate practitioners and judges.”

“It was great, super informative. I really appreciated all of the individual insight.”

“Mr. Colantuano and Judge Klatchko were very good and helpful.”

“It was very informative. I especially enjoyed the sections on oral argument.”

“What I appreciate the most from these trainings is the multiple perspectives from various justices and practicing attorneys.” – Cynthia Vargas, Esq.

“Really great program. Wonderful insights into thinking of judges and practitioners.”

“It’s great to have presentations targeting experienced appellate lawyers.  Tremendously useful.” – Tom Freeman, Esq.

“Recommended by colleagues. Really great program. Wonderful insights into thinking of judges and practitioners.”

“Justice Miller was delightful. Justice Grimes and John Taylor were effective. Judge Klatchko was an utterly delightful teacher.”

“Speakers were excellent.”

“Justice Streeter was great! Watt and Chamberlain were very good.”

“Really good, varied program.”

“Nice job. The program was easy to follow. I much appreciated receiving the materials in advance. I printed them out and made notes on them.”

“Organization and administration were excellent and very efficient.”

“Panelists were all terrific – one of the best MCLE classes I have taken!”

“The presentations were high quality as always.” – Brian C. Unitt, Esq.

“Program was excellent – good speakers.”

“So far it has been great! Especially getting the hard copy and handout. When it comes up in practice, I can go back and listen and read about the specific area.”

“The judges are the draw, but some advocates are really strong, too — like John Taylor, Mira Hashmall, Susan Horst, Robin Meadow.” – Michael G. Colantuono, Esq.

“Really great presenters.”

“The program was very informative. I learned something new.”

“Terrific, as always.”

“Received a lot of good, practical information and advice regarding handling of appeals and appellate issues.”

“The first program with the three justices regarding virtual oral argument was really good I thought. The last section with Justice Groban was interesting to get an insider view on how the Cal. Sup. court operates behind the scenes.”

“Simply an excellent program, good choice of topics and the speakers were great.”

“Speakers are great.”

“Speakers seemed knowledgeable, and it was organized well.”

“The nuts and bolts for arguing before the court of appeal was helpful, as I’m preparing for my first argument.”

“The program is always very valuable and insightful as appellate practitioners tend to encounter tricky, interesting, and challenging issues that are excellent topics for discussion with colleagues and peers.”

“Stephen Mayer was very engaging. Justice Chin gave invaluable insight. Very engaging.”

“Substantive and consistent with the billing.”

“Very informative with practical and useful anecdotes.”

“Terrific!”

“The “insider” information was excellent. The program was also well organized. It was informative.”

“Very informative and it was great to hear from various members of the legal community.”

“The 3-hour, remote format made it more convenient to attend.”

“Very thorough. Well done.” – Eric Troff, Esq.

“This was an excellent program. All speakers did a great job!”

“The Justice Grimes/Segal part was great.”

“Excellent panels.”

“Great discussions today on oral argument and PIs.”

“Very happy with the program.”

“Excellent as usual.”

“Excellent as always.”

“Great speakers and content.”

“Great expertise and balanced panels.”

“The discussion regarding remote versus in-person appearances for oral argument was excellent.”

“Informative.  I found the preliminary injunction section helpful.”

“Great panel today!”

“Great insights; so appreciated.”

“The program was excellent.”

“Very practical and very helpful.”

“The oral arguments by video was useful, the lighting/audio/image information was useful.”

“Timely. The substance of the final segment on forms of Supreme Court relief other than grant of review was the most interesting part of the program for me.”

“Very organized. Thank you!”

“Thought the content was very good and topical.”

“Video argument sessions were great.”

“The program was very informative, and I definitely learned something new.”

“Very high quality – appreciate the thoughtfulness of speakers.”

“Today’s program was good as well. Interesting discussions about brief-writing and statutory construction, among other things.”

“This was an excellent program. Speakers did a great job.” – Christopher Johns, Esq.

“Very good program.” – Paul Young, Esq.

“Thoughtful, informative, and helpful.”

“Very current and useful information.”

“Was an excellent presentation, especially remotely.”

“I thought it was all very helpful.”

“Truly useful with Wendy’s segment as the most valuable.” – Leslie Ellen Shear, Esq.

“Very good materials.”

“Wonderful speakers, and content was extremely relevant and helpful to my practice.”

“Very much enjoyed the program.”

“The speakers are fabulous.”

“Very informative program filled with practical and helpful information.”

“I felt that the topics and the issues were very helpful and focused. I like the trend to include federal appellate content, and I encourage this to continue.”

“Very informative. “

“All the speakers were great and provided a lot of insight on their respective presentation.”

“Wonderful appellate presentations; insightful and helpful for the daily practitioner.”

“I enjoy hearing from all the appellate justices you have and would enjoy the opportunity to hear from new ones as well.”

“It was nice to see Judges from various courts.”

“Excellent.”

“I liked the timeliness and variety of topics from knowledgeable and prepared speakers.”

“Well-organized, good speakers.”

“Excellent speakers and interesting topics.”

“Excellent panelists and content.”

“Another fabulous program.  Loved hearing from Justice Chin!”

“Very helpful and an impressive group of speakers.”

“Informative and easy to listen to.”

“Very interesting discussion on remote oral argument procedures especially. Lots of good tips.”

“Always fabulous!”

“Very interesting and informative, as always.”

“Very satisfied with the program.” – Dennis Beaty, Esq.

“All the speakers were so engaging. Content was great.”

“Very good program. I really liked all the advice the judges and attorneys gave.”

“Wonderful program.”

Faculty

Program faculty has included multiple sitting and retired CA Supreme Court Justices, CA Appellate Court justices, a superior court judge, former supervising staff attorneys at multiple appellate courts, Certified Legal Specialists in Appellate Law, and other top practitioners.

Or order individually by clicking the links in the summary section and choose four or more of our Annual Advanced Appellate programs and get 30% off your total order – use coupon code 2023AppSpec30.*
* New orders only. No applicable to our 2024 9th Annual Advanced Appellate Practice program.

Please click on the individual programs to see the list of faculty for that year.

 

Our 2nd Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2017)

Our 3rd Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2018)

Our 4th Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2019)

Our 5th Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2020)

Our 6th Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2021)

Our 7th Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2022)

Our 8th Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2023)

Our 9th Annual Advanced Appellate Conference (2024)

 

Fees

Save up to $2,000 by ordering the bundle now!  Get eight programs (and a whole lot of General CLE and Certified Legal Specialist in Appellate LAW CLE, plus Ethics units) for only $1399 for the downloads or $1,499 for CDs.  Ordered individually, your total would be $3,400.

OnDemand Streaming: $1399

Download format: $1399

DVD/CD format: $1499, plus $10 shipping and, in CA, sales tax.

Seminar Materials are included with OnDemand and all recorded package options.

 

OnDemand Streaming!  On-Demand Streaming allows for a single person to view the seminar unlimited times until one year after the seminar is held.

Recorded Packages!  Recorded Packages allow for a single person to download and view the program recording and are also available via DVD or CD.

Discounted rates are available for 2-4 attorneys at your firm.  Licenses are available for law firms or agencies that would like to distribute the video package or OnDemand Streaming access to more than four attorneys at their firm or agency.

Your OnDemand access is good for up to one-year from the time of purchase.  Please be sure to select OnDemand Streaming to the right and check out. OnDemand can be watched from any type of device.

*The Video recording is a video of the webinar (with sound). The Audio Only recording are audio files only and are for those who wish to listen to it without watching a video (such as in the car or while walking).

Note: OnDemand Streaming can be watched from any device. However, all download packages must be downloaded to a computer first, before transferring them to another device due to downloading as zip files containing both the video/audio and a large folder with seminar materials contained in the download package.

CLE Credit

This bundle is available for Self-Study* and Participatory** CLE as follows:

CA General CLE:   This program bundle (all seminars combined) is approved for 52.5 units of General CLE in California.

IMPORTANT! CA Certified Legal Specialist CLE:

Due to the bar’s expiration policy, some of the the programs in this bundle are available for Certified Legal Specialist CLE in Appellate Law Self Study (only) and some are available for Participatory CLE, as follows.  Some are only available for General CLE now. Please look at details and expiration dates listed below:

*No certificates are needed when claiming Self-Study.

6th Annual Advanced Appellate Practice Program:  Approved for 6.0 Self Study Certified Legal Specialist CLE in Appellate Law through 2/15/2026.

This bundle is approved for CLE in the states listed above.  Upon request, Pincus Pro Ed will provide any information an attorney needs to support their application for CLE approval in other states other than what is listed above.