Council of Appellate Lawyers

    The Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL) is the first and only national appellate bench-bar organization. CAL mission is to foster a dialogue among federal and state appellate lawyers and judges that will improve appellate advocacy and strengthen ties among the numerous appellate bar associations.

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    To enroll in the Council of Appellate Lawyers, you must be a current member of the ABA Judicial Division Appellate Judges Conference.

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    CAL News and Updates

    Pro Bono Manual

    The Council of Appellate Lawyers Pro Bono Committee is pleased to provide the 2017 Revised Pro Bono Manual. This complimentary handbook was designed to serve as a practical tool which surveyed pro bono appeals programs for state court of appeals.

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    CAL Publishes Report on the Transition from E-Filing to E-Briefing

    At the 2016 AJEI Summit, CAL presented the results of a two-year research project on e-briefing. The project culminated in a comprehensive report titled, "The Leap from E-Filing to E-Briefing: Recommendations and Options for Appellate Courts to Improve the Functionality and Readability of E-Briefs." The report addresses ways to make e-briefs better for everyone. Rather than simply being paper briefs filed electronically, e-briefs offer internal and external functionality that traditional briefs lack.

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    Appellate Practice Compendium

    The Council of Appellate Lawyers produced the two-volume, authoritative Appellate Practice Compendium, a complete insider’s guide to the rules and procedures of the appellate courts of all fifty states and the District of Columbia, the federal circuit courts, the military appellate courts, and the United States Supreme Court.

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    CAL Committees

    The Council encourages its members to become involved and bring to the attention of its Committees their ideas and concerns, so that the objectives and interests of all members can be heard, understood and incorporated into the Council's proposals, projects and initiatives.

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    Program Library

    CAL members have access to past recorded audio and video programs produced by the Judicial Division, AJC and its partners. Topics include Writing a Persuasive Appellate Brief, Effective Oral Advocacy, The Nuts and Bolts of Appellate Practice, and much more.

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    CAL Pro Bono Coaching Program

    If you are interested in learning about the personal and professional benefits of pro bono appellate practice, the Council of Appellate Lawyers has a new program for you. The CAL Pro Bono Coaching Program matches interested CAL members with experienced appellate counsel who have specific knowledge about pro bono appeals. This program is available for CAL Members only.

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    Contact Us

    Amanda Banninga, Conference Manager, 800.238.2667 ext. 5450, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654