The CLE Program "Avoiding “Benchslaps”: The Real Scoop from the Other Readers of Your Appellate Briefs" was originally presented and recorded on April 12, 2019.

A panel of judicial law clerks and staff attorneys from the Tennessee Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals will give examples of good (and not so good) brief writing and suggestions to improve your briefing and motion-drafting skills with a focus on earning the trust of all the sets of eyes that read every word you submit. With a presentation designed for new and experienced appellate practitioners alike, the panel will note some pertinent and often problematic rules, give suggestions to help you avoid frustrating the appellate courts, and offer tips for explaining your case and clarifying your argument. A question-and-answer session will also be included, so bring any questions you have about appellate practice, especially the parts that involve presenting the record, researching the law, and writing an argument that may make it easier for an appellate court to rule in your favor.

Speakers: Rebekah Bradley, Sally Goade (moderator), Alan Groves, Vanessa Johnson, Amye King, Cindy Padilla, Amy Paul, and Carlos Yunsan

(If you have any questions about the program please contact speakers at rebekah.bradley@tncourts.gov;Sally.Goade@tncourts.gov; ealangroves@gmail.com;vanessa.johnson@tncourts.gov; Amye.King@tncourts.gov; cindy.padilla@tncourts.gov; carlos.yunsan@tncourts.gov)

Approved for 1 hour of "Online" General CLE Credit.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Please verify when you register for an online CLE course that you have not previously attended the program during the live presentation or the video replay series offered twice a year. The CLE Commission will not approve CLE credit for the same course even if it is taken in a different calendar year.