MOTION FOR ORAL ARGUMENT

COURT INFORMATION

In the [United States Court of Appeals for the ___ Circuit / State Appellate Court]

Case No.: ____________________________

CAPTION

[APPELLANT NAME],

Appellant,

v.

[APPELLEE NAME],

Appellee.

[APPELLANT'S/APPELLEE'S] MOTION FOR ORAL ARGUMENT

[AND REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL TIME]

INTRODUCTION

[MOVANT NAME] respectfully requests that this Court schedule oral argument in this matter. Oral argument will assist the Court in resolving the significant legal issues presented by this appeal.

RELIEF REQUESTED

☐ Oral argument in this appeal

☐ Additional time for oral argument beyond the standard allocation (standard: ___ minutes per side)

☐ Argument time of ___ minutes per side

☐ Divided argument among multiple counsel

☐ Specific scheduling considerations: _______________________________________________

STATEMENT EXPLAINING WHY ORAL ARGUMENT SHOULD BE PERMITTED

Pursuant to FRAP 34(a), oral argument should be granted because:

A. The Appeal Does Not Fall Within Categories for Summary Disposition

Under FRAP 34(a)(2), oral argument may be dispensed with only if:

☐ The appeal is frivolous - This appeal is not frivolous. [Explain why the issues are substantial]

☐ The dispositive issues have been authoritatively decided - The dispositive issues have not been authoritatively decided. [Explain novel or unsettled nature of issues]

☐ The facts and legal arguments are adequately presented in the briefs - The complexity of this case warrants oral argument to supplement the briefs. [Explain why]

B. Reasons Oral Argument Will Assist the Court

☐ Novel Legal Issues: This appeal presents issues of first impression in this Circuit/Court:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Complexity of Record: The record is extensive ([NUMBER] pages/volumes), and oral argument will help focus the Court on the most critical evidence:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Circuit Split/Conflicting Authority: The appeal involves a conflict among [circuits/districts/courts] requiring careful analysis:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Constitutional Questions: The appeal raises significant constitutional issues:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Public Importance: The issues have broad significance beyond this case:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Complex Procedural History: The procedural history is complicated, and oral argument will help clarify the sequence of events:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Factual Complexity: The facts are intricate and would benefit from oral presentation:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Interactive Dialogue: The Court may have questions that cannot be anticipated in briefing:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Other Reasons:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL TIME

(If requesting more than standard time allocation)

Movant requests ___ minutes per side (rather than the standard ___ minutes) because:

☐ Multiple Complex Issues: This appeal involves [NUMBER] distinct issues, each requiring substantial argument time:

1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________

☐ Extensive Record: The record contains [NUMBER] pages/volumes, and adequate presentation requires additional time.

☐ Consolidated Appeals: This case has been consolidated with [Case No./Name], requiring coordinated presentation.

☐ Multiple Parties: There are [NUMBER] parties with distinct interests requiring separate argument.

☐ Constitutional Significance: The constitutional issues warrant extended consideration.

☐ Circuit-Wide Importance: The decision will affect numerous pending cases.

☐ Other Reasons:
_______________________________________________________________________________

REQUEST FOR DIVIDED ARGUMENT

(If multiple counsel will argue)

☐ Movant requests that argument time be divided among the following counsel:

Reason for Divided Argument:
_______________________________________________________________________________

STATEMENT OF ISSUES FOR ORAL ARGUMENT

The following issues will be addressed at oral argument:

1. _______________________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________________________________

SCHEDULING CONSIDERATIONS

☐ No scheduling conflicts to report.

☐ Counsel has the following scheduling conflicts that should be considered:

☐ Counsel requests argument be scheduled [before/after] [DATE] because:
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Counsel requests argument in [CITY] rather than [CITY] because:
_______________________________________________________________________________

CERTIFICATION OF OPPOSING PARTY'S POSITION

☐ Opposing counsel [consents to / does not oppose / opposes / has not responded regarding] oral argument.

☐ I have conferred with opposing counsel regarding oral argument. Opposing counsel's position is:
_______________________________________________________________________________

CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, [Movant] respectfully requests that this Court grant oral argument [and allocate ___ minutes per side].

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________________________
[ATTORNEY NAME]
[BAR NUMBER]
[FIRM NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[TELEPHONE]
[EMAIL]

Attorney for [Movant]

Dated: _______________________

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on [DATE], I served a copy of this Motion for Oral Argument on all counsel of record by:

☐ CM/ECF Electronic Filing System

☐ First-Class U.S. Mail, postage prepaid

☐ Email

Served upon:

[NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[EMAIL]
Counsel for [Party]

_______________________________________
[ATTORNEY NAME]

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT

(To be included in brief per local rules)

STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT

[Appellant/Appellee] [requests / waives] oral argument.

☐ Request for Oral Argument:

Oral argument would assist the Court because [brief explanation - 2-3 sentences]:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

☐ Waiver of Oral Argument:

[Party] waives oral argument and submits this appeal on the briefs.

STATE-SPECIFIC NOTES

California

• Authority: California Rules of Court 8.256 (Oral Argument)
• Request: Parties may request oral argument; court decides whether to grant
• Default: Court of Appeal typically calendars oral argument unless waived by all parties
• Time: Usually 30 minutes per side; may request additional time
• Location: Typically at court's principal location; some divisions allow remote argument

Texas

• Authority: Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 39 (Oral Argument)
• Request: Each brief should include statement on whether oral argument is requested (TRAP 38.1(g))
• Scheduling: Court sets oral argument; parties notified of date
• Time: Generally 20-30 minutes per side
• Submission Without Argument: Case may be submitted without argument if court determines argument unnecessary

Florida

• Authority: Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.320 (Oral Argument)
• Request: May request oral argument; court has discretion to grant or deny
• Brief Statement: Include statement in brief regarding oral argument (Fla. R. App. P. 9.210)
• Time: Typically 15-20 minutes per side
• Remote Argument: Some courts permit telephone or video argument

New York

• Authority: 22 NYCRR 1250.11 (Oral Argument)
• Scheduling: Cases placed on argument calendar after briefs filed
• Request: Oral argument is standard in Appellate Division unless waived
• Time: Varies by department; typically 15-30 minutes
• Submission: Case may be submitted on papers if parties agree or court directs

PRACTICE TIPS

1. Include in Brief: Most courts require a statement regarding oral argument in the brief itself. A separate motion is typically filed only for additional time or special scheduling.

2. Right vs. Request: Under FRAP 34(a), oral argument must be allowed unless the panel unanimously finds it unnecessary. However, many appeals are decided without argument.

3. Preparation Matters: If granted oral argument, be thoroughly prepared. Know the record cold and anticipate questions from the bench.

4. Hot vs. Cold Bench: Research the panel and court to understand whether the judges will have read the briefs thoroughly (hot bench) or will need more background (cold bench).

5. Time Management: Standard time is often 15-20 minutes per side in federal circuits. Plan your argument to fit, leaving time for questions.

6. Do Not Read: Never read your argument. Use an outline or key points, and engage conversationally with the court.

7. Answer Questions Directly: When a judge asks a question, answer it directly, even if it takes you away from your planned argument. The question reveals what the judge cares about.

8. Reserve Rebuttal Time: Appellant should reserve 2-5 minutes for rebuttal. Notify the court at the beginning of argument.

9. Know Your Weaknesses: Be prepared to address the weakest points in your case honestly. Credibility matters.

10. Waiver Considerations: Consider carefully before waiving oral argument. While it saves time, you lose the opportunity to address the court's specific concerns.

11. Divided Argument: Divided argument (multiple attorneys) can be effective but requires coordination. Ensure no overlap and smooth transitions.

12. Remote Argument: Post-pandemic, many courts offer telephone or video argument options. Test technology in advance if arguing remotely.