John O’Herron will serve as a presenter at Virginia CLE’s Appellate Advocacy Academy, alongside leading Virginia appellate attorneys, judges from the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Justices from the Supreme Court of Virginia. This exclusive event is limited to 24 participants who will receive instruction on how to improve oral arguments, legal writing, and research skills. Participants will be required to draft a brief and participate in mock oral arguments, receiving individualized feedback on both the written and oral arguments from the faculty of attorneys and judges. Participants will also hear from a panel of state and federal appellate judges and get a perspective from the bench on effective arguments from those who make the decisions.
COURSE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4
9:15 – Registration
9:45 – Program Introduction, Faculty Introduction
9:55 – Written Argument Instruction
- Instruction will include the basics of writing briefs, preparing for special cases, writing skills, and legal research.
11:45 – Lunch (provided at program)
12:30 – Written Argument Instruction (continued)
1:30 – Written Argument Interview with Coach
- Attendees will have a 30-minute, one-on-one session with a faculty member who will have reviewed the brief they submitted prior to the program. They will receive personalized feedback and be able to ask questions on brief writing.
2:30 – Break
2:45 – Introduction to Mock Oral Arguments
2:50 – Mock Oral Arguments #1
- Attendees will participate in demonstrations and receive hands-on instruction in giving oral arguments.
4:30 – Review and Closing Remarks
4:45 – Adjourn
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
9:00 – Oral Argument Instruction
- Instruction will include basic and advanced topics in preparing and delivering oral arguments in appeals.
10:30 – Break
10:45 – Judges Panel
- Attendees will hear from a panel of appellate judges on their dos and don’ts when it comes to both written and oral arguments.
12:15 – Lunch (provided at program)
1:00 – Mock Oral Arguments #2
- Attendees will participate in demonstrations and receive hands-on instruction in giving oral arguments.
2:30 – Break
2:45 – Oral Argument Demonstration
- Two faculty members will give an oral argument demonstration, providing instruction and insights as to their arguments and strategies.
3:45 – Group Instruction on Oral Argument Demonstration / Final Questions
- Attendees will receive further instruction from the faculty based on the oral argument demonstration. They will also have an opportunity to ask any final questions they have regarding any aspect of appellate advocacy.
4:15 – Closing Remarks
4:30 – Adjourn
