Tips For Oral Argument: Prepared by María P. Rivera Yes, All of These Things Have Actually Been Known To Happen

TIPS FOR ORAL ARGUMENT 1
1. Should I spend much time preparing? After all, does oral argument
ever make a difference?
Yes--it can, and does. More often than not, oral argument results
in modifications to the draft bench memorandum, and in a few
cases it will change the result. Remember, this is your only
opportunity to answer questions and have a dialogue with the
decision-makers. Preparation is key.
2. Should I review the case in my oral argument?
It helps to set the context of the casebut only very briefly.

Remember that virtually every panel of justices in the State is
hot, meaning that all members of the panel are already very
familiar with the facts and issues in your case and have,
themselves, prepared for argument. It is therefore not a good
idea to begin your argument with a discursive review of the
facts, the procedural history and the issues presented. You have
precious little time to make sure the justices understand why
you should win; use it to make your points and elicit questions.
3. Are appearance and tone as important as content?
No, but appearance and tone are still important. Oral argument
is a serious, formal occasion, and is treated as such by the
justices. Therefore, it is a bad idea to slouch over the podium,
to interrupt your argument to drink from your water bottle, or to
address the court as you guys.2 The court will not decide the
case based on your appearance or tone of voice. However,
these things can distract the listener away from the content.
4. How much time should I spend reviewing the record in preparation

for oral argument?
1
Prepared by Mara P. Rivera
2
Yes, all of these things have actually been known to happen.
Enough to identify all portions of the record that bear on your
issues and to know where to access them. After you identify the
relevant portions of the record, you should either have (a) copies
of the critical pages (b) a list of key references with quotes and
page numbers or (c) if the record is short, clearly marked tabs in
the record itself. If you have to spend more than 10 seconds
looking for a record citation during your argument, you will be
losing valuable time and there will be an embarrassing silence.
-2-
5. Should I gloss over weaknesses in my case so as not to draw

attention to them?
No. You can expect opposing counsel to exploit your

weaknesses, so you should embrace and acknowledge them.
You can gain credibility by your candor in recognizing a
weakness. Also, if you present your weak and strong points as if
they were of equal value, the likely result is to weaken your
strong points (not vice-versa).
6. If I am given fifteen minutes to argue, should I prepare a fifteen-

minute argument?
No. Brevity is the soul of a powerful oral argument. Prepare it

to be shorter than the time allotted. Hopefully, youll get some
questions, and responding carefully to those questions is by far
the most productive use of your time. In the absence of
extensive questioning, you should complete your prepared
remarks before your time has run, then offer to answer any
questions.
7. Should I limit oral argument to one or two issues, or should I cover

everything?
You will need to be prepared to answer questions on every

aspect of the case. However, the oral argument you organize
and present should be limited to twomaximum, threepoints.
Once you have made the points you came to make, ask if the
justices have questions. If not, sit down. Resist the temptation
to bring up additional points if you end up with extra time.
8. Is it necessary to know the names of each of the justices on my

assigned panel?
No. Your honor is a perfectly acceptable means of addressing

the justices. However, if you prefer to address the panel
members by name, be sure you know to whom you are
speaking. You may also want to ask someone (like the court
clerk) how to correctly pronounce a name. Some can be a little
tricky (Sepulveda, for example, is seh PULL veh duh not seh
pull VEE da).
Know your case. Know the law. Enjoy the argument!

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TIPS FOR ORAL ARGUMENT 1

2. Should I review the case in my oral argument?

It helps to set the context of the casebut only very briefly.

3. Are appearance and tone as important as content?

4. How much time should I spend reviewing the record in preparation

5. Should I gloss over weaknesses in my case so as not to draw

No. You can expect opposing counsel to exploit your

6. If I am given fifteen minutes to argue, should I prepare a fifteen-

No. Brevity is the soul of a powerful oral argument. Prepare it

7. Should I limit oral argument to one or two issues, or should I cover

You will need to be prepared to answer questions on every

8. Is it necessary to know the names of each of the justices on my

No. Your honor is a perfectly acceptable means of addressing

Know your case. Know the law. Enjoy the argument!

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