Study Guides for Law Student Success

The second edition of An Advocate Persuades is reorganized into four parts: (1) Introduction to Advocacy; (2) Developing Arguments from a Persuasive Perspective; (3) Constructing Persuasive Court Documents (both at the trial and appellate level); and (4) Oral Argument (both at the trial and appellate level). The book also has an expanded appendix, which provides an overview of trial and appellate litigation in both civil and criminal cases, annotated trial and appellate briefs, and advice about moot court competitions.

Mastering Appellate Advocacy and Process covers the range of appellate procedures in use across the United States, from preserving error below and on appeal, filing the notice of appeal, compiling the record, as well as appealable orders and judgments, proper parties on appeal, and appellate jurisdiction. The book also covers legal analysis, drafting, and advocacy techniques used in preparing appellate briefs, as well as oral advocacy techniques in a discussion that is useful to novices and old hands. Written for practicing lawyers as well as students, the book also includes a chapter devoted to that particular law school exercise known as moot court, identifying how typical moot court competitions are like, and unlike, real world appellate practice. The authors delve into technical waters while maintaining an accessible tone and structure, taking nothing for granted in terms of pre-existing knowledge or experience in the appellate field.

Drawing on the author’s years of experience as a litigator, legal-writing professor, and moot court coach (and former moot court participant), the Guide begins by helping you decide whether moot court is right for you (spoiler: yes!), outlining the variety of skills you will develop, and debunking some moot-court myths. The heart of the Guide then delivers insider tips on everything from collaboratively writing an appellate brief to preparing for oral argument to navigating the vagaries of the competition experience to marketing your moot-court-earned skills to your law school and future employers. Along the way, you will glean kernels of wisdom from past moot-court competitors and hear true tales from the trenches of competition.

Teply's Successfully Competing in U.S. Moot Court Competitions is a short, easy-reading book, designed to help students prepare for team selection competitions as well as those who will be competing at U.S. moot court competitions. It includes advice on a range of issues – from selecting a partner to keeping the competition in perspective after it is over. It includes advice based on interviews with successful moot court coaches from several law schools.