[Oral Argument] Appellate Court Oral Argument Structure

Introduction

1. "May I proceed?"
2. The judges acknowledge you 
3. "May it please the court. My name is Will and I, along with my co-counsel, Benny, represent Appellant."
4. Smile and eye contact with the judges.
5. "Appellant respectfully requests 2 minutes for rebuttal time."
6. The judges approve.

Roadmap

• "This Court should find in favor of Plaintiff, and reverse/affirm the decision of the lower court, for the following reasons. First.... Second.... Third.... Turning to my first point."

Argument

• Move through your points, addressing all questions from the judges.

Conclusion

• End with a strong concluding statement with "Thank you."
• If the time is up, "May I briefly conclude?"

Rebuttal

• Rebut the opponent's points.
• Do not summarize your argument.