Program Details
2026-09-24 13:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-09-24 13:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
1:00 pm - 1:20 pm ESTA four stage approach to the writing process that separates creative drafting, structural planning, careful construction, and critical editing, giving each phase of the brief its own focused attention.
Jeffrey Gurrola
Michael Alfera 1:20 pm - 1:40 pm ESTHow busy courts actually read briefs, the recurring pet peeves that erode credibility before the argument begins, and the practical habits that keep the reader focused on the merits.
Jeffrey GurrolaMichael Alfera 1:40 pm - 2:00 pm ESTTechniques for openings that frame the case from the first sentence, plus strategies for turning the table of contents into a persuasive roadmap of the entire brief.
Jeffrey GurrolaMichael Alfera 2:10 pm - 2:40 pm ESTBuilding a memorable theme that unifies the brief from start to finish, and closing with conclusions that reinforce the requested relief and leave a lasting impression.
Jeffrey GurrolaMichael Alfera 2:40 pm - 3:10 pm ESTParagraph and sentence level techniques that tighten prose, improve flow, and make the brief stand out, with concrete edits ready to apply to the next filing.
Jeffrey GurrolaMichael AlferaJeffrey Gurrola is a partner at Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP and a State Bar certified appellate specialist. He briefs and argues civil appeals and writ petitions in California and federal appellate courts across a wide spectrum of business and public entity disputes and cases involving tort, contract, family, and consumer law. Having previously practiced as a trial litigator and as an in-house litigation attorney, he brings a deep understanding of the considerations clients and their trial teams face when pursuing or defending an appeal or writ petition.
Michael Alfera is a senior associate in the litigation practice of Munck Wilson Mandala in Los Angeles, where he develops winning, results oriented case strategies in complex commercial disputes. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high stakes business and commercial litigation in state and federal courts, and clients trust him to distill complexity into clear, persuasive arguments and narratives that move decision makers. A recognized thought leader on legal writing and litigation strategy, he regularly presents CLE programs that equip other attorneys to elevate their advocacy.
Jeffrey Gurrola is a partner at Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP and a State Bar certified appellate specialist. He briefs and argues civil appeals and writ petitions in California and federal appellate courts across a wide spectrum of business and public entity disputes and cases involving tort, contract, family, and consumer law. Having previously practiced as a trial litigator and as an in-house litigation attorney, he brings a deep understanding of the considerations clients and their trial teams face when pursuing or defending an appeal or writ petition.
Michael Alfera is a senior associate in the litigation practice of Munck Wilson Mandala in Los Angeles, where he develops winning, results oriented case strategies in complex commercial disputes. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high stakes business and commercial litigation in state and federal courts, and clients trust him to distill complexity into clear, persuasive arguments and narratives that move decision makers. A recognized thought leader on legal writing and litigation strategy, he regularly presents CLE programs that equip other attorneys to elevate their advocacy.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
