Join justices from all four of New York’s Appellate Division departments for a rare, candid conversation about appellate practice across the state. This panel offers insight into each court’s preferences and procedures, with discussion on briefing best practices, oral argument, and the use of digital tools like hyperlinks.

The session includes a Q&A, giving attorneys a chance to engage directly with the bench. Part of Counsel Press’s Connect Four series, this program is essential for any appellate practitioner navigating New York’s intermediate appellate courts.

The core of the program features direct insights from the bench. The Justices share their candid perspectives on what makes for effective advocacy, discussing everything from the importance of the record to the impact of oral arguments on their decision-making process.

Learning outcomes for this course include:

• Mastering the timeline and requirements for noticing and perfecting an appeal in all four New York Appellate Departments.
• Navigating departmental nuances, such as the First Department’s term calendar, the Second Department’s hyperlinking rules, and the Fourth Department’s remote argument options.
• Drafting compelling briefs that utilize word counts effectively, preserve arguments properly, and maintain a professional tone.
• Strategies for oral argument, including how to handle a "hot bench," pivoting to address judicial questions, and the importance of courtroom etiquette.
• Understanding internal court challenges, such as the Second Department’s backlog, and the judicial perspective on emerging issues like the use of AI in legal writing.

Whether you are a seasoned appellate attorney or new to the practice, this course offers invaluable "view from the bench" strategies to enhance your written and oral advocacy while ensuring strict compliance with local rules.