In-Person CLE – Unlocking the Art of Oral Argument

Participants are invited to attend a unique and engaging program designed to demystify the oral argument process and enhance appellate advocacy skills. Go behind the bench with four Judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and seasoned appellate practitioners as they deconstruct and reassemble oral argument in real time.

Attendees will receive a one-issue brief in advance so they can follow along and fully engage with the process from start to finish. In this dynamic session:

• Two experienced advocates will deliver a mock oral argument before a panel of judges while providing tips on how they prepare for argument and how they respond to the unexpected.
• Judges will share insights on when they ask for argument, how they prepare, and what they believe distinguishes the most effective advocates.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience appellate argument from both sides of the bench—and come away with practical tools to elevate your advocacy.

Holiday-themed networking reception to follow.

Speakers:

• Hon. Thomas M. Hardiman
  U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• Hon. Peter J. Phipps
  U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• Hon, Cindy K. Chung
  U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• Hon. D. Michael Fisher
  U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• Michelle Kallen
  Steptoe LLP
• Christina Manfredi McKinley
  Blank Rome

Moderator:

• Paige Forster
  U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

*This program is only being offered live in-person at the Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse.

*This program has been approved for 1.5 hours of Substantive CLE credit and also qualifies for 1.8 hours of credit under the West Virginia Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.

Last day to Pre-register: Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

Register by mail: Print and return the hard copy registration form available here.

*Please note: The Pa. CLE Board can take up to 45 days to post credits.

CLE and Events Registration Policy: Members and Non-members can register for ACBA programs online or by paper mail-in registration, up to two days prior to a program start date. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. To secure your spot, payment must be made in advance due to limited registration capacity. You can do so online via credit card or by mailing in a check. If this ACBA CLE cannot be held in-person, it will be converted into a webinar and held on the same date and time. You will be notified via email if that change is made.

Printed materials are available for an additional fee upon request.

Interested in this program but have a conflict and can’t attend? The vast majority of our webinar CLEs programs are recorded and available for CLE credit online within 72 hours. Click here to see all available ACBA online CLEs.