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Guide to Legal Writing,
Appellate Practice

Jul. 11, 2025

Better briefs, better advocacy

Practical, behind-the-scenes strategies for writing clear, credible, and persuasive appellate briefs that resonate with judges and staff attorneys.

Melissa Shalit

Of Counsel
FROST LLP

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Better briefs, better advocacy
Shutterstock

After more than two decades as a staff attorney at the California Court of Appeal, I traded court memos for client meetings and stepped into private practice. Since then, I've had a surprising number of attorneys ask, "Okay, so what really works in an appellate brief?" While adhering to the rules is non-negotiable, there's plenty more that can strategically position your brief for success. Here are some behind-the-scenes tips to help elevate your appellate writing and ...

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