How to Reason like an Appellate Judge
On Wednesday, April 8th, join the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter for How to Reason Like an Appellate Judge. Exclusive to FBA members, this CLE program features a panel of judges from the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Prior to the program, the Seventh Circuit will host an in-person oral argument session at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Following that session, the FBA Chicago Chapter and the Northwestern University FBA Student Chapter will co-host a CLE program in which the assigned Seventh Circuit judges will offer candid insights into federal appellate practice.
Hon. Sunil Harjani, U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, and Molly Welsh, President of Northwestern University's FBA Student Chapter, will moderate the panel. Discussion will span both substantive doctrine and the practical realities of appellate litigation, including:
Subject matter jurisdiction
Appellate court jurisdiction: interlocutory and final order appeals, mandamus, and related doctrines
Standard of review
Forfeiture and waiver
Procedural issues
Judicial philosophy: restraint, stare decisis, and the influence of other circuit decisions
Practical considerations: argument preparation, post-argument deliberations, opinion assignments, the motions judge, emergency appeals, and dissent decisions
Practice tips and best practices for federal appellate practitioners
The CLE program runs from 4:00PM to 5:00PM in Lincoln Hall. Immediately following the program, attendees are invited to a reception in the Atrium. The event is complimentary for members, with costs covering the reception, marketing, and administrative fees.
Meet the Moderators
Hon. Sunil R. Harjani, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (pictured left)
United States District Judge Sunil R. Harjani was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in early 2024, having previously served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Illinois from 2019 to 2024. Before joining the bench, he spent a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section in Chicago, where he investigated and prosecuted complex white-collar crimes, tried numerous securities and fraud cases to verdict, and argued multiple appeals before the Seventh Circuit.
Prior to his time as a federal prosecutor, Judge Harjani practiced federal civil litigation as Senior Counsel at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, as an associate at Jenner & Block, and as a federal judicial law clerk. He holds a B.A. and J.D. from Northwestern University and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Law School, teaching White Collar Criminal Practice, Federal Civil Discovery, and Depositions.
Molly Welsh, President of Northwestern University's FBA Student Chapter (pictured right)
Molly Welsh is a J.D. Candidate at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, where she is building on a strong foundation in public service, policy, and legal practice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Spanish, and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her legal career is already taking shape through high-profile experiences, including a summer associateship at Kirkland & Ellis and an externship with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, where she gained firsthand exposure to federal appellate practice.
Prior to law school, Molly developed a well-rounded professional background spanning government, advocacy, and community service. She interned for Congressman Darin LaHood in the U.S. House of Representatives, worked as a Grassroots Associate for Americans for Prosperity, and completed a pro bono internship at Kirkland & Ellis. Her commitment to service extends beyond the legal and political spheres. Notably, she has coached youth lacrosse and volunteered her time in healthcare and rehabilitation settings. Molly brings leadership, a passion for public service, and a diverse range of experiences to her legal career.
Register for How to Reason like an Appellate Judge
Register for How to Reason like an Appellate Judge on April 8th from 4-5PM. This CLE program is exclusive to FBA members. The event is complimentary, but the cost covers the reception, marketing, and other administrative fees.
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