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.
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“But why go to California for a text? She is the child of New England, bred at her own school and church.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“I realized early on that the academy and the literary world alike—and I don’t think there really is a distinction between the two—are always dominated by fools, knaves, charlatans and bureaucrats. And that being the case, any human being, male or female, of whatever status, who has a voice of her or his own, is not going to be liked.”
—Harold Bloom (b. 1930)
“When the Day of Judgement dawns and the great conquerors and lawyers and statesmen come to receive their rewards—their crowns, their laurels, their names carved indelibly upon imperishable marble—the Almighty will turn to Peter and will say, not without a certain envy when he sees us coming with our books under our arms, “Look, these need no reward. We have nothing to give them here. They have loved reading.””
—Virginia Woolf (1882–1941)