Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys Chair's Column

The Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL) has participated in similar CAL-sponsored events during past AJEI Summits. Recently, I met with CAL members to discuss ways the groups can work together on law school outreach. In our meeting, we noted the frequent appellate pipeline from public service as a law clerk to private practice as an appellate attorney. We reasoned that, since law students interested in public service will be law clerks for a period of time, they could join CASA for its benefits and then join CAL when they become appellate lawyers. Based on the connection, the group soon started to discuss ways to collaborate in law school outreach, not only at the AJEI Summit but also during the rest of the year.

This year at the AJEI Summit in Boston, CASA and CAL plan to combine local outreach efforts, not only to avoid filling up students’ extracurricular time with multiple panels but also to showcase the nearly seamless transition from public to private practice of law. We are looking for an appellate member of the judiciary to join us and give students the full spectrum of appellate career options. Our goal is to draw students from around the Boston area and provide information that is useful when they consider their options after law school.

In addition, CASA and CAL have discussed teaming up for outreach throughout the year. CAL participates in some of these events, mostly at their alma maters or local law schools. CASA is interested in creating a similar outreach activity. We also discussed remote events to be held at lunchtime or after hours to discuss appellate career paths.

These efforts center around a single goal – encouraging students to consider the oft-forgotten appellate career path. No matter what direction that paths take – and whether it starts in private practice or public service – each step is a way not only to understand the appellate process but also the practice of law overall.

As mentioned above, CASA membership is a valuable tool for all staff attorneys and law clerks. There are many opportunities and benefits available as part of CASA membership, such as the opportunities to share experiences, participate in program planning, and discounts on ABA- sponsored CLEs. To inquire about CASA membership, please contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!