Elevate your appellate practice with this full-day CLE featuring panels of judges, clerks and seasoned appellate attorneys as they share their insights on what resonates with appellate courts, tips on crafting compelling arguments, and guidance on navigating the nuances of legal text. From utilizing innovative briefing strategies to overcoming your oral argument fears, this CLE covers it all and helps take your appellate practice to the next level!

10:10 | Appellate Pitfalls to Avoid in 2025

The North Carolina Rules of Appellate Procedure are constantly evolving. Each year brings new opinions from our appellate courts clarifying and interpreting when appeals can go forward and when they must be dismissed. Presenters in this panel summarize the latest developments and advise advocates on how to avoid emerging pitfalls so that they can obtain merits decisions rather than technical dismissals.

Speakers:
Chief Justice Mark D. Martin (Ret.), High Point University School of Law, High Point
Christopher S. "Chris" Edwards, Ward and Smith PA, Wilmington
Kip Nelson, Fox Rothschild LLP, Greensboro
Elizabeth Brooks "Beth" Scherer, Fox Rothschild LLP, Raleigh

1:35 | Textualism Is for Everyone

Whether a case involves a statute, constitutional provision or administrative regulation, often the crux of the matter comes down to a question of interpretation. Resolving that question requires textualism — how to correctly interpret legal text. During this panel discussion, our presenters provide various perspectives on how to leverage textual arguments to your client's advantage, regardless of ideological background.

Speakers:
Magistrate Judge Robert T. "Bob" Numbers II, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Raleigh
H. Hunter Bruton, Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan LLP, Raleigh
Ryan Y. Park, North Carolina Department of Justice, Raleigh
Nathan W. Wilson, Fox Rothschild LLP, Raleigh (Moderator)

Please note that this event is hybrid and there is a fee to register. CLE credit is available.