Case law updates and fundamentals in California appellate practice — self-study MCLE.
Three Court of Appeal opinions and one Supreme Court grant from this month that affect preservation and appealability.
[Case] (2026) __ Cal.App.5th __ · [Case] (2026) __ Cal.App.5th __ · [Case], S______ (review granted Sept. 2026)
PreviewWhy the standard of review usually decides the appeal, and how to frame an argument around it.
PreviewWhat has to happen at trial for an issue to survive on appeal, and the objections most often lost by omission rather than by ruling.
PreviewDuties of candor and disclosure specific to appellate practice, including citation to unfavorable authority and developments after briefing closes.
Preview
Thomas Ogden is a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law and in Taxation Law, certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization, with more than 22 years in practice. His appellate practice is briefing and argument in civil and white-collar criminal appeals and writ proceedings before the California Courts of Appeal, the California Supreme Court, and the Ninth Circuit, with particular attention to the questions these activities cover: standards of review, preservation of error, appealability, and the record. Much of his work comes by referral from trial counsel who bring in appellate counsel at the post-trial stage, when the record is being settled and the issues framed. He served as a Tax Law Advisory Commissioner to the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization. He is also a solicitor (currently non-practising) in England and Wales and in Ireland.
Practice sites: appellate practice · tax controversy practice · Email: thomas@ogden.law