Introduction to Appellate Practice Training
This training is for lawyers who are new to appellate practice. Space is limited.
Dates: June 22, 23 & 24, 2026 (June 24 morning only). Agenda [PDF].
Location: Olympia, Office of Public Defense headquarters
CLE credits: pending approval
Cost: free to current and prospective OPD appellate contract attorneys
Questions: Email us at appellatetraining@opd.wa.gov
What You Will Learn
Day 1 (Monday, June 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Overview of the Washington State Courts of Appeals
- Understanding the appellate “record”
- How to review records and identify legal issues
- Basics of effective appellate representation and brief writing for indigent clients
Day 2 (Tuesday, June 23, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Continued focus on identifying legal issues
- Introduction to the Rules of Appellate Procedure
- Hands-on exercises for writing appellate briefs
- Strategies for clear and effective brief writing
Day 3 (Wednesday, June 24, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
- Writing reply briefs and Statements of Additional Authorities
- Communicating with clients during an appeal
- Identifying and explaining risks to clients
- Practice exercises on client communication and risk awareness
Claim Your Seat
Registration has now closed.