Appellate Practice Update 2026: Recent Decisions, Procedural Changes, and Practice Implications

This program provides attorneys with a substantive review of recent appellate developments and their practical implications for litigation strategy in the federal courts of appeals. As appellate courts continue to refine doctrines governing standing, mootness, standards of review, administrative deference, and procedural requirements, attorneys must understand these evolving legal principles to effectively preserve issues, advocate on appeal, and advise clients throughout the appellate process.

 

In this CLE webinar, Elizabeth Hecker, Senior Counsel at Crowell & Moring LLP, will examine significant recent federal appellate decisions, evolving procedural requirements, and developments affecting standards of review and appellate advocacy. The program will analyze how these legal developments influence appellate briefing, issue preservation, strategic decision-making, and client counseling in federal appellate litigation.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this program, attorneys will be able to:

• Identify recent federal appellate decisions affecting standing, mootness, standards of review, and other significant issues in appellate practice.

• Apply current appellate procedural requirements and issue-preservation principles when developing appellate briefing and litigation strategies

• Evaluate how evolving appellate precedent impacts litigation risk, client counseling, and strategic decision-making in federal appeals

Elizabeth Hecker has over two decades of experience leading litigation in federal courts. She has filed more than 50 briefs in federal and state courts of appeals, presented oral argument in over a dozen appellate matters covering eight federal circuit courts of appeals, and worked closely with the U.S. Office of the Solicitor General in litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to her appellate experience, Elizabeth has litigated in dozens of federal district courts nationwide. Prior to joining Crowell & Moring, Elizabeth was Acting Deputy Chief in the Appellate Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She clerked for Hon. Marjorie O. Rendell in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
 

This live webinar is eligible for both CLE and CPE credit.

 

NOTE: CPE/CLE credit for attendees are subject to participation and approval by the governing boards.

 

NASBA CPE ACCREDITATION INFORMATION

Learning Level: Basic

Prerequisites: None

Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Delivery Method: Group Program

 

CeriFi LegalEdge is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.