Effective use of amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs is an important part of appellate practice in federal and state courts. Every lawyer who is handling or managing an appeal should “think amicus.” In other words, think about whether submission of one or more amicus briefs would be helpful to your client’s position.
Thinking amicus should not be limited to lawyers already involved in an appeal. Other attorneys who represent trade associations, professional organizations, advocacy groups, or individual corporations that may want to have a voice in appeals involving important legal issues also should think amicus. To read more, read my Thinking Amicus article, originally published by the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy.