After acting as Chief Justice for moot court practice Thursday evening and opening Friday morning with a breakfast discussion on legal careers, Dr. Barbara Perry still had the energy to give a wonderful public discussion Friday afternoon. Needless to say, the McConnell Center is honored to have such a dedicated non-resident fellow.
The luncheon was entitled May It Please the Court and Dr. Perry discussed many traits of effective oral arguments. She also included a look into her book on the Michigan affirmative action cases and the oral arguments that helped shape the decisions. The tips she presented were useful for those interested in legal careers and beyond.
An effective lawyer knows more than just their side of the case- they know their opponents side as well. This way, they are able to refute any arguments going against their case. An effective lawyer has practiced enough to have heard most of the possible questions that will come their way- this practice can come from a moot court (or fittingly, a murder board) or just by practicing in front of the mirror. Dr. Perry warned against trying to be comical when arguing in front of the Court. This was enforced with some great examples of Justice Breyer in the Supreme Court. Dr. Perry also went over the traits of effective speakers. She emphasized the importance of enunciations- as can be seen in Sandra Day O’Connor’s extreme use of enunciation.
Dr. Perry also offered a look into the bench of the Supreme Court- with many tips on how to impress the justices once we get there (hopefully). Each justice had a nick name as to remember their questioning style. These range from the professor type to the “quiet man.” A personal favorite was Sotomayer’s- the sparkler. While sparks from a sparkler fly everywhere, they only burn for a minute- a questioning style that is quick and relatively painless. Dr. Perry’s time spent near the bench allowed for many invaluable tips for those in the room heading for a career in D.C.
The time spent with Dr. Perry was an honor to the scholars and hopefully everyone who was able to attend her talk on effective oral arguments. I know the moot court team (including myself!) will be using many of her tips heavily over the next few weeks- so we can truly try to ‘please the court.’
The luncheon was entitled May It Please the Court and Dr. Perry discussed many traits of effective oral arguments. She also included a look into her book on the Michigan affirmative action cases and the oral arguments that helped shape the decisions. The tips she presented were useful for those interested in legal careers and beyond.
An effective lawyer knows more than just their side of the case- they know their opponents side as well. This way, they are able to refute any arguments going against their case. An effective lawyer has practiced enough to have heard most of the possible questions that will come their way- this practice can come from a moot court (or fittingly, a murder board) or just by practicing in front of the mirror. Dr. Perry warned against trying to be comical when arguing in front of the Court. This was enforced with some great examples of Justice Breyer in the Supreme Court. Dr. Perry also went over the traits of effective speakers. She emphasized the importance of enunciations- as can be seen in Sandra Day O’Connor’s extreme use of enunciation.
Dr. Perry also offered a look into the bench of the Supreme Court- with many tips on how to impress the justices once we get there (hopefully). Each justice had a nick name as to remember their questioning style. These range from the professor type to the “quiet man.” A personal favorite was Sotomayer’s- the sparkler. While sparks from a sparkler fly everywhere, they only burn for a minute- a questioning style that is quick and relatively painless. Dr. Perry’s time spent near the bench allowed for many invaluable tips for those in the room heading for a career in D.C.
The time spent with Dr. Perry was an honor to the scholars and hopefully everyone who was able to attend her talk on effective oral arguments. I know the moot court team (including myself!) will be using many of her tips heavily over the next few weeks- so we can truly try to ‘please the court.’