Tips for Effective Legal Writing Daniel shares a valuable insight she once received from Chief Justice John Roberts while chairing the ABA’s Standing Committee on Amicus Curiae Briefs. “He said that as an appellate lawyer, he used to struggle to fit arguments within page limits. But once he became a judge, his perspective completely changed. His advice was simple: ‘Shorter is better.’” Preparing for Oral Argument “Preparing for a 20-minute argument can take weeks,” Daniel admits. “Georgia appellate judges are active questioners who won’t hesitate to interrupt with hypotheticals or nuanced legal points.” Her preparation routine includes: Studying all briefing and cited cases, Reviewing transcripts and records in detail, Conducting a roundtable session with clients and co-counsel to refine themes, and Holding a formal moot court a few days before the real argument. Advice for Young Lawyers Pursuing an Appellate Career Her guidance is straightforward: “Work hard, give it your best, and if you win a big case—let people know.” Daniel also recommends pro bono appeals and amicus brief opportunities as pathways to build credibility and courtroom experience. “These cases are a great way to get your foot in the door and make a name for yourself.” Comparing State and Federal Appeals Georgia’s appellate system, Daniel explains, now has its own identifiable Supreme Court—with nine active questioners—can be every bit as challenging.” Life in an Appellate Boutique vs. Big Law Having led the appellate team at a major national firm, Daniel found the transition to boutique practice refreshing. “At our firm, we’re driven by the thrill of problem-solving, not the billable hour. Collaboration is genuine—we meet weekly to discuss our docket, and those conversations often spark insights that benefit clients in unexpected ways. There’s a sense of camaraderie here that’s increasingly rare in Big Law.” bar—much like the U.S. Supreme Court bar. “Familiarity builds credibility, and credibility is everything in appellate practice.” Still, there are procedural differences: In Georgia’s Court of Appeals, the panel of three judges is disclosed early via a docketing notice. In the Eleventh Circuit, which covers Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, panel identities remain unknown until two weeks before argument—and only if an argument is scheduled. “Federal arguments tend to be more intense,” she adds, “but the Georgia 26 LAWYER MONTHLY DECEMBER 2025 Contact Laurie Webb Daniel Webb Daniel Friedlander LLP – An Appellate Boutique 75 14th Street NE, Suite 2450, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Tel: (404) 433-6430 | www.webbdaniel.law
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