Product Description

MCLE is pleased to offer this program to an in-person audience in our Boston conference center in addition to the live and recorded webcasts. Masks are encouraged.

The premier yearly event for appellate practitioners, MCLE's 8th Annual Appellate Practice Conference 2022 features a concentrated focus on the appellate process. This year, the Conference provides a variety of perspectives to help attorneys become better appellate litigators. For a fresh perspective, the newest members of the state and federal appellate courts in Massachusetts discuss their backgrounds and how they are settling into their new roles. For a comparative perspective, Justices Kafker, Cypher, and Wendlandt reflect upon their experiences serving on both the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) and the Massachusetts Appeals Court—as we observe an especially significant milestone in marking the 50th anniversary of the Appeals Court. 

For the practitioner's perspective, the current and original State Solicitors provide practical advice on brief writing, reviewing briefs written by others, and preparing for and delivering oral argument, among other topics. For a change in viewpoint, members of the SJC's Standing Committee on the Rules of Appellate Procedure discuss recent rule changes. The Conference also features behind-the-scenes insight from the former Chief Staff Counsel to the SJC on the evolution of the SJC's docket and from state and federal appellate court clerks on recent developments in court operations. 

This outstanding Conference is essential for both new and experienced appellate litigators to strengthen their skills, hear from the judiciary, learn from experts, and network with colleagues. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to become a more effective appellate lawyer.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 am - 9:35 am

  Welcome from co-chairs Gabriel Thornton and Jessica Early

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  Gabriel Thornton, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Bureau/Appeals Division , Boston
  Jessica Early, Esq., Holland & Knight LLP , Boston
  
• 9:35 am - 9:45 am

  Remarks from Chief Judge David J. Barron, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

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  Hon. David J. Barron, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit , Boston
  
• 9:45 am - 10:25 am

  The Advocate’s Perspective: Practical Advice from the Current and First State Solicitors

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  Hon. Peter Sacks, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Elizabeth N. Dewar, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Gabriel Thornton, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Bureau/Appeals Division , Boston
  
• 10:25 am - 10:55 am

  Evolving Perspective: Insights on the Supreme Judicial Court Docket from the Former Chief Staff Counsel

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  ,
  Gabriel Thornton, Esq., Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Bureau/Appeals Division , Boston
  
• 10:55 am - 11:05 am

  Break
• 11:05 am - 11:15 am

  50 Years of Perspective: Remarks from Appeals Court C.J. Green on the Court’s 50th Anniversary of the Appeals Court

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  Hon. Mark V. Green, , Boston
  
• 11:15 am - 12:30 pm

  Fresh Perspective: Getting to Know the Newest Members of the Appeals Court and First Circuit

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  Hon. Robert A. Brennan, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Marguerite T. Grant, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Rachel E. Hershfang, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Andrew M. D'Angelo, Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Gustavo A. Gelpí, US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit , San Juan
  Hon. Lara E. Montecalvo, US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  Payal Salsburg, Esq., Laredo & Smith LLP , Boston
  
• 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

  Lunch (provided by MCLE)
• 1:15 pm - 1:55 pm

  Comparative Perspective: Insights from the Sitting Judges Who Have Served on Both State Appellate Courts

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  Hon. Elspeth B. Cypher, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (ret.) , Boston
  Hon. Scott L. Kafker, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Dalila Argaez Wendlandt, Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Jessica Early, Esq., Holland & Knight LLP , Boston
  
• 1:55 pm - 2:40 pm

  Change in Perspective: An Overview of Recent Appellate Rule Changes

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  Hon. Gabrielle R. Wolohojian,
  Pamela L. Alford, Esq., Norfolk County District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Canton
  Afton M. Templin, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services, Youth Advocacy Division , Fall River
  Jessica Early, Esq., Holland & Knight LLP , Boston
  
• 2:40 pm - 2:50 pm

  Break
• 2:50 pm - 3:30 pm

  Inside Perspective: Catching Up with the Clerks

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Maura S. Doyle, Esq., Supreme Judicial Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Francis V. Kenneally, District Court Department, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Joseph F. Stanton, Esq., Appeals Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Nicholas D. Stellakis, Esq., Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP , Boston
  

Cochairs

Faculty