The California Academy of Appellate Lawyers is a statewide organization of experienced appellate practitioners. It was launched in 1972 by Edward L. Lascher, and Gideon Kanner who became its first president. Some of the earliest members included Cyril Viadro, Paul Selvin, Hillel Chodos, Raoul D. Kennedy and Ellis J. Horvitz. It is the oldest lawyers' organization in the United States dedicated solely to the practice of appellate law.
The primary purpose of the academy is to provide an informal setting in which appellate judges and lawyers can meet and discuss issues in appellate practice that are of interest to bench and bar. In addition, the Academy files amicus briefs in cases involving issues of appellate practice which are considered to be important. The Academy also offers educational programs at the state's annual bar meetings.
Membership in the Academy is decided by a majority vote of existing members. Applicants must have a minimum of ten years of practice, must have served as lead counsel in no fewer than 25 appeals or writ proceedings, and must have orally argued at least 15 appeals or writs. The application process includes recommendations from co-counsel, judges, and former opponents.
Famous quotes containing the words california, academy and/or lawyers:
“The California fever is not likely to take us off.... There is neither romance nor glory in digging for gold after the manner of the pictures in the geography of diamond washing in Brazil.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“...I have come to make distinctions between what I call the academy and literature, the moral equivalents of church and God. The academy may lie, but literature tries to tell the truth.”
—Dorothy Allison (b. 1949)
“I may as well say, what all men feel, that whilst our every amiable and very innocent representatives and senators at Washington are accomplished lawyers and merchants, and every eloquent at dinners and at caucuses, there is a disastrous want of men in New England.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)