“Federal Appellate Litigation” aims to deepen your understanding of federal appellate litigation, with a particular focus on the doctrines and procedural rules governing appeals. Throughout the semester, students will explore key phases of the appellate process—from identifying and preserving issues for appeal, to briefing and argument at the appellate level, and ultimately considering petitions to the Supreme Court.
During the seminar, students will have the opportunity to contribute to class discussions and engage directly with various guest speakers, including appellate judges, former Supreme Court clerks, and experienced appellate litigators from diverse practice areas. Due to the busy schedules of our distinguished guests, the order of syllabus topics and specific readings may occasionally be updated, although the overall content and workload will remain consistent. For the final project, students will prepare and submit a draft amicus brief, applying the skills and doctrinal knowledge acquired during the course.