Jun 22, 2020 | Judge Quotes
Honorable Brock Swartzle Michigan Court of Appeals First, answer the question asked immediately and directly. The best answers are “yes,” “no,” or “I can’t answer that question directly and here is why.” I’ve never been in an oral argument where the panel did not give...
Jun 22, 2020 | Judge Quotes
Justice Brian Zahra Michigan Supreme Court The best piece of advice I received as a young lawyer is to be prepared. Of course, to be prepared you need a command of the facts and in depth knowledge of the law. But young lawyers should also seek the advice of more...
Jun 19, 2020 | Judge Quotes
Honorable Amy Ronayne Krause Michigan Court of Appeals Be sure to not read your brief back to our Court. Just highlight the most important points of your case. Do not be insulted if judges interrupt you with questions. That actually may be a good sign. And remember,...
Jun 19, 2020 | Judge Quotes
Honorable Michael Riordan Michigan Court of Appeals Although the written brief is the most important part of being a good appellate attorney, do not just re-hash or repeat, especially verbatim, the brief during oral argument. Oral argument is the time for the parties...
Jun 17, 2020 | Judge Quotes
Honorable Shelia Johnson 46th District Court For motion hearings in civil cases in my courtroom, assume that I have read the briefs. Feel free to argue each of your points succinctly. “Brevity is the soul of whit.” When citing to an unpublished, federal or a case from...
Jun 11, 2020 | Judge Quotes
Honorable Christopher Yates 17th Circuit Court First, always be respectful to court staff. They’re extraordinarily knowledgeable and can be very helpful. Second, always come to court prepared to be flexible. Attorneys who seem scripted tend to be unpersuasive, and...
