Oral argument in an appellate court represents a critical moment in every case. The briefs are written, and the panel may already be leaning towards a decision. Oral argument, therefore, is an opportunity to cement the panel’s decision in your favor, or perhaps your final chance to save your case. To say the least, it is a pressure packed inflection point in the life of a case. Thorough preparation, however, will relieve some of this pressure.
Below are five important tips to help you prepare for and present effective appellate oral argument (which the authors assembled immediately after delivering oral argument before an en banc panel of the Delaware Supreme Court):