Product Description

The premier yearly event for appellate practitioners, MCLE’s 6th Annual Appellate Practice Conference 2020 features a full-day, concentrated focus on the appellate process. An impressive panel of authorities from the bench and bar guide you through improving your oral argument preparation and performance and enlivening your briefs with visual aids. In addition to meeting the newest Justice of the SJC, other panels give you an expert overview of significant cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this term, shed light on the process and frequent appellate litigation that goes into determining which ballot initiatives appear on our ballot, and feature insights on life at the Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court from Massachusetts’ only married couple composed of justices from each court.

This outstanding Conference is essential for both new and experienced appellate litigators to strengthen their skills, hear from the judiciary, learn from experts, and network with colleagues. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to become a more effective appellate lawyer.

As a virtual event, you can catch up on the latest issues and developments in appellate practice—all from the convenience of your home or office.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 am - 9:40 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Elizabeth N. Dewar, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Joseph F. Stanton, Esq., Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:40 am - 10:00 am

  Justice Dalila Wendlandt discusses her experiences as an appellate advocate, Appeals Court judge, and transition to the Supreme Judicial Court

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Hon. Dalila Argaez Wendlandt, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 10:00 am - 11:45 am

  What I Learned at the U.S. Supreme Court

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Oral Argument Tips and Tales from Massachusetts Attorneys' Arguments Before the Court, Moderated by an Attorney Who Recently Observed 30 Oral Arguments There and Has Some Telling Clips to Share

  Mark C. Fleming, Esq., Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP , Boston
  Anna E. Lumelsky, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  Hon. James R. Milkey, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Jennifer Grace Miller, Esq., Hemenway & Barnes LLP , Boston
  David J. Nathanson, Esq., Wood & Nathanson LLP , Boston
  Randall E. Ravitz, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Rosemary Curran Scapicchio, Esq., The Law Offices of Rosemary Curran Scapicchio , Boston
  
• 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

  Ballot Initiative Battles

  on demand video Add to Cart

  A Window into the Article 48 Process and Expedited Litigation That Shapes Our Ballot and Our Laws, Including a Rundown of How Our 2020 Ballot Came to Be

  Thomas O. Bean, Esq., Verrill Dana LLP , Boston
  Hon. Scott L. Kafker, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Juliana DeHaan Rice, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

  Lunch and Optional Conversation

  Starting at 12:45pm, conference participants are invited to watch:
• Courtside View: Two Justices Discuss Their Perspectives on Working at Massachusetts’ Appellate Courts

  on demand video Add to Cart

  This pre-recorded portion of the program will begin at 12:45pm. Attendance is not required to receive CLE credit for the conference. The CLE-required programming resumes at 1:30pm.

  Hon. William I. Cowin, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Judith A. Cowin, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

  Colorful Briefs

  on demand video Add to Cart

  The Advantages, Pitfalls, and Rules Governing the Use of Visual Aids in Appellate Briefs

  Jessica Early, Esq., Holland & Knight LLP , Boston
  Hon. Gabrielle R. Wolohojian, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

  Overview of the Supreme Court 2020 Term, Followed by Q&A

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Michael R. Dreeben, Esq., O'Melveny & Myers LLP , Washington
  Yaira Dubin, Esq., O'Melveny & Myers LLP , New York
  

Special Program Materials:

• Appellate Practice in Massachusetts

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Faculty