Pilots are required to learn and use checklists for every aspect of flight, from preparing for take-off to dealing with equipment malfunction. It was a checklist that helped Captain Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeffery Skiles safely land their US Airways flight in the Hudson River after the plane’s engines were damaged by a flock [...]
The procedures by which the Supreme Court decides to grant or deny a petition for writ of certiorari are well-guarded. Unless you work, or have worked for the Court, it’s nearly impossible to appreciate the specific mechanisms which contributed to a decision on certiorari. Thanks to Michael Kimberly (Mayer Brown LLP), John Elwood (Vinson & [...]
Twenty-eight counselors of law will argue before the Supreme Court this month. Twenty-seven advocates will be men. One will be a woman. Put another way, you had a better chance of having your “paid” petition for writ of certiorari granted during the last Term (approximately 5 percent) than having your counsel of record be a [...]
For many lawyers, filing a brief in a case before the United States Supreme Court is a once in a lifetime opportunity. At Cockle Legal Briefs, we’re honored to play a role in such a momentous occasion. Since the beginning of 2012 we’ve filed nearly 3,000 briefs with the Court. What follows is a recap [...]