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 included in the 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 installment: “How to Win an Argument (at the U.S. Supreme Court, or anywhere)” was added. In this on-demand video, Attorney Neal Katyal, discusses the issues of persuasion, taking a client-centered approach, finding a common ground in arguments and more.
The Training Division will continue to add to this series and encourages all federal criminal defense advocates to regularly check out the Appellate Advocacy Series Program Materials page.