On Wednesday, July 27, the brand new appellate section of the Sacramento County Bar Association held its first even, which was a tremendous success!

The event was a luncheon at the Firehouse restaurant which filled the "Golden Eagle Room" to capacity. More than100 people signed up to participate in this inaugural event.

The guest speakers were Presiding Justice Arthur Scotland and Associates Justices Rodney Davis and Kathleen Butz.

After a few introductory remarks by interim appellate section president Thadd A. Blizzard and Presiding Justice Scotland, the justices responded to the following questions:

1. What expectations did you have, upon assuming the appellate bench, about what it would be like to be an appellate judge?
2. After you had been on the bench awhile, did you find that your expectations had been accurate, or inaccurate, in any significant ways?
3. What do you find generally to be the level or quality of appellate lawyering that comes before you, both written and in oral advocacy? Have you observed any trends/changes?
4. Do you have any pet peeves that you would like to share with Bar as far as appellate advocacy that you have experienced?
5. Can you give any examples of conduct that stands out in your mind as exemplary by appellate counsel in a matter before you?
6. What do you think is the hardest part of being an appellate judge?
7. What do you enjoy most about being an appellate judge?
8. If you could impart one (or two or three) "pearls of wisdom" to appellate counsel, what would it be?

The justices provided thoughtful responses to these questions and others from the audience, giving the attendees insights that were both instructive and, at times, entertaining. The appellate section is delighted that its first event was so successful, and thanks the guest speakers and everyone in attendance for getting the section off to such a good start. Future programs are being planned, including a program tentatively scheduled for September.

During his remarks, Justice Scotland noted that the Third District Court of Appeal has recently received from funding relating to a settlement program for appellate cases. He mentioned that he will be seeking participation from the bar as that program develops. For anyone interested in joining the appellate section, suggesting events and/or participating in the appellate settlement program, please contact Thadd A. Blizzard at tblizzard@weintraub.com or (916) 558-6088.

September / October 2005