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This incisive publication provides guidance on writing and understanding amicus briefs, with practical suggestions on all aspects of the amicus practice.
About the author
Reagan W. Simpson is a partner in the Houston, Texas law firm of Yetter
Coleman LLP, a litigation boutique, where he has an appellate and a trial
practice. After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law, he
served as a law clerk to the late Thomas Gibbs Gee, Judge of the United
States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Reagan is a Fellow of both
the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the American College
of Trial Lawyers. He is also an Advocate in the American Board of Trial
Advocates and a Member of the American Law Institute.Mary Vasaly is a state trial court judge sitting in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Before her appointment to the bench, she practiced law for more
than 25 years with Maslon LLP, where she was a partner in the litigation
group. Her practice focused on appeals as well as commercial litigation.
She has been named to Best Lawyers in America and was selected twice by
Minnesota Lawyer magazine as an “Attorney of the Year.” Vasaly is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and the American Bar
Foundation. She has chaired ABA TIPS’ Appellate Advocacy Committee and
the Council of Appellate Lawyers in the ABA’s Judicial Division. Locally,
she has served as President of the Hennepin County Bar Association and
Minnesota Women Lawyers and Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association Litigation Section’s Governing Council. She serves as a member of the
Minnesota Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Rules of General
Practice. She co-edits the 8th Circuit Appellate Practice Manual and contributes to a number of other publications.
Ms. Vasaly may be contacted at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487; by telephone at (612)
348-0087; or by email at mary.vasaly@courts.state.mn.us.
Summary
The number of amicus briefs has increased dramatically over the years, filed not only with the Supreme Court but also with regularity in federal courts of appeals, state supreme courts, and state intermediate appellate courts. This updated edition of The Amicus Brief answers these questions, among others:
- What are the functions of an amicus brief?
- When and how do you seek amicus support?
- How do you write an effective amicus brief?
- How do you respond to an amicus brief?
- Can an amicus curiae participate in oral argument?
- What are the ethical considerations in amicus practice?
You’ll find practical suggestions on all aspects of the amicus practice and numerous examples of well-crafted briefs. Topics in the book range from how frequently are amicus briefs filed and who files and why, to how to file and respond to an amicus brief.
