As I mentioned the other day, the Supreme Court has ordered that counsel arguing the cases on the April calendar (and all future calendars until further notice) will appear "remotely via video conference, by telephone conference, or by other electronic means." Matthew Steigler of CA3blog has posted some tips for presenting appellate oral arguments by phone, based on his recent experience helping prepare for such an argument in the Third Circuit. The advice seems sound. A remote appellate argument before a multi-judge panel will not be the same as a CourtCall appearance before a single superior court judge.
UPDATE: Benjamin Glassman of Sixth Circuit Appellate Blog also offers tips for advocates on telephonic appellate arguments, based on his personal experience. An excerpt:
Oralists and judges alike are deprived of the visual cues that can make argument so efficient and effective—body language and facial expressions that indicate confusion or disagreement or interest. Just asking and answering questions become more challenging. These challenges make the strategy behind oral argument preparation all the more important.
[h/t How Appealing]
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