Membership

As the only national appellate bench-bar organization in the country, the Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL) offers many benefits unavailable elsewhere to its members:

• Tailored appellate continuing legal education;
• Reduced fee to attend CAL’s annual appellate seminar;
• Nationwide networking with other appellate attorneys;
• Networking with state and federal appellate judges;
• Participation in CAL’s List Serve;
• The Journal of Appellate Practice and Procedure;
• The Judges Journal;
• The Judicial Division Record; and
• Appellate Issues

Current issues that the AJC is working on include:

• Reducing appellate court delay;
• Providing leadership on improving judicial salaries, retirement plans and working conditions;
• Developing important ABA policies relating to judicial administration;
• Remedying inadequate resources for appellate courts;
• Improving public perception of the courts;
• Enhancing judicial independence; and
• Promoting Fair and Impartial Courts.

As the American population becomes more sophisticated and as public discourse becomes more critical, the courts and judicial system are being increasingly scrutinized. Membership in CAL is a way for you, as a vital member of the legal community, to ensure that your voice and concerns are heard and acted upon. Through the national voice that the ABA provides, CAL plays a leading role in defining, supporting and maintaining the efficiency and independence of the state and federal appellate judiciary.

Membership is open to any lawyer who practices, teaches or has an interest in appellate law and procedure. Dues are $35 plus ABA dues.

If you are already a member of the Appellate Judges Conference, and would like to join a Council, please fill out our membership form. If you are interested in student membership, please fill out this form.

If you are not an ABA member, click here to join.

Contact our Service Center by phone at (800) 285-2221.

For more information on membership, please contact the Judicial Division Membership Specialist by e-mail or by calling 312.988.5124.

The Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL) is the first and only national appellate bench-bar organization in the country.  Founded in 2000, CAL’s mission is to foster a dialogue among federal and state appellate lawyers and judges that will improve appellate advocacy and strengthen ties among the numerous federal, state, and local appellate bar associations.  Often working with the Appellate Judge’s Education Institute (AJEI), CAL sponsors and develops continuing legal education programs taught by the country’s most celebrated appellate judges and practitioners

View a downloadable copy of the Council of Appellate Lawyers official bylaws.