Consistent with the ALA's goal of promoting appellate seminars throughout the state, the Association recently co-hosted a seminar with the Peoria County Bar Association at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria. Held on November 4, 2013, the event began with ALA President Brad Elward welcoming the attendees and introducing the speakers. The speakers included Justice William E. Holdridge of the Illinois Appellate Court, Third District, and Michael Scodro, Illinois Solicitor General and ALA Secretary.

Scodro, who recently argued before the United States Supreme Court, presented a discussion on preparing for oral argument. Scodro gave advice on various techniques, including analyzing case law, how to organize an argument, and the advantages of having a moot court. Thereafter, Justice Holdridge provided his insights on oral argument from the bench’s perspective. Justice Holdridge discussed the court's views on oral argument and went through a list of tips that ranged from when to arrive at the court and how to answer questions posed by the justices.

The seminar also featured a panel discussion consisting of Justice Holdridge, Scodro, and past ALA president Craig Unrath. Natalie Thompson, an ALA and PCBA member, moderated this discussion. The audience was given the opportunity to question the panel members on their views regarding oral argument practice.  


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