An Appellate Advocacy Teaching Trifecta

Training future appellate advocates can be hard.  But when the bench, bar, and legal educators work together the results can be amazing.  Last week I saw a perfect example of this cooperation when students in the Advanced Legal Writing classes at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law presented their final arguments for the course at the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division 2.  The arguments were presided over by Division 2 judges, law clerks, staff attorneys, and local attorneys.  In fact, each Division 2 judge participated in at least 2 arguments, and all of the judges were extremely well-versed in the complicated copyright problem that the students had briefed. 

The result of this cooperation was a truly fantastic experience for everyone involved.  The students had an opportunity to experience a real courtroom argument before a real judge–from the “all rise” to the blinking red light.  The students also got some excellent feedback and encouragement.  Several judges commented favorably on the quality of advocacy that they saw from the students. They encouraged students to present a clear theme and roadmap, answer questions directly, and be true to their individual styles. 

The law clerks and attorneys seemed to enjoy being on the other side of the bench.  Many of the law clerks at Division 2 are recent Arizona Law grads who participated in moot court in law school.   They had excellent tips for the students as well.  

Finally, as a professor whose students were presenting argument, it was nice to sit back and just watch and grade the argument, rather than always jumping in with questions. For teachers of appellate advocacy who read this blog, I would encourage you to consider partnering with your local appellate court for final arguments.  It is a tradition at Arizona Law that I hope continues.