10 Tips For Oral Argument

"[Y]our oral argument on appeal is perhaps the most effective weapon you have got."  - Justice Harlan of the Second Circuit Court of Appeal.  The following 10 Tips for effective oral arguments have been attributed to John W. Davis, an attorney who argued more than 140 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

1. Change places with the judge.
2. Make yourself heard.
3. State the history of the case.
4. State the facts with candor.
5. Go for the jugular.
6. Rejoice when the Court asks questions.
7. Read sparingly and only from necessity.
8. Avoid personalities.
9. Know your record from cover to cover.
10. Sit down.