The Defender Services Office Training Division launched it’s Appellate Advocacy Series in April of 2022. Over the past four years, training content and on-demand videos have been added to the Appellate Advocacy Series, with ongoing updates. Topics in this series include the “Procedural and Logistical Process of A Federal Criminal Appeal,” “Tips and Strategies for Approaching, Preparing and Writing an Opening Brief,” statutory interpretation and more.
On May 13, 2026, the 11th and last installment: “How to Win an Argument (at the U.S. Supreme Court, or anywhere)” was added to this series. This live webinar series has completed, however it is available on-demand, including Attorney Neal Katyal's video recording discussing the issues of persuasion, taking a client-centered approach, finding a common ground in arguments and more.
The Training Division encourages all federal criminal defense advocates to check out the Appellate Advocacy Series Program Materials page.