Preserving the Record and Standards of Review in Criminal Cases: A Two-Part Series
Monday, November 2 and Monday, November 9, 2026
CPCS approved 2.0 credits for each day for the YAD Trial and Appeals and Criminal Trial and Appeals panels. CPCS also approved 1.0 credits for the Mental Health Trials panel for day one only.
Format: Online only- and will be recorded.
A successful criminal appeal requires two things: a meticulously preserved record from the trial court and a strategic mastery of the applicable standards of review.
This popular appellate CLE is back for 2026, expanded into a comprehensive two-day masterclass featuring an all-star faculty of trial judges, appellate justices, and seasoned practitioners.
Whether you are a trial attorney looking to protect your client's appellate rights or an appellate advocate navigating layered standards of review, this course is essential for your practice.
Cost: $75 per session
Special Series Discount: $125 for both sessions (Save $25)
Format: Online only- and will be recorded.
Day 1 focuses on the critical mechanics of preserving and raising issues for appeal during criminal trials.
Faculty
- Hon. Robert Toone, Massachusetts Appeals Court
- Hon. Jeremy Bucci, Massachusetts Superior Court
- Hon. Ira Gant, Massachusetts Superior Court
- Lindsay Holmes, Esq., Staff Attorney, Massachusetts Appeals Court
- Joseph Schneiderman, Esq., Appellate Practitioner
- Patrick Sparks, Esq., Senior Trial Counsel, CPCS Youth Advocacy Division
- ADA Cynthia Von Flatern, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office
What You Will Learn:
- The Importance of Objections: Why timely, specific objections are the lifeline of an appeal.
- Evidentiary Rulings: How to effectively preserve evidentiary objections on the record.
- Motions to Suppress: Strategic best practices for bringing and preserving suppression issues.
- Jury Instructions: How to request specific instructions and preserve objections to the final charge.
- Bench Trials: Identifying unique preservation opportunities
Format: Online only- and will be recorded.
Day 2 shifts to the appellate stage, breaking down how courts understand and apply the layered standards of review in criminal cases.
Faculty
- Hon. Elizabeth Dewar, Supreme Judicial Court
- Monica DeLateur, Assistant Clerk, Massachusetts Appeals Court
- Kathryn Janssen, Esq., Assistant District Attorney, Eastern District
- Eva Jellison, Esq., Jellison & Nathanson, LLP
- Joseph Schneiderman, Esq., Appellate Practitioner
What You Will Learn:
- A practical guide to the varied standards of review utilized by appellate courts.
- How to successfully frame your arguments within those standards, including navigating waived or forfeited errors.
- Writing tips, brief-crafting strategies, and best practices from both advocates and the Court.
Online registration is encouraged. For assistance with group registrations, disability accommodations, or out-of-state CLE credits, please contact CLE Coordinator Michael Saporito at [email protected].
Note on Recordings: Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded. All registrants will receive a digital download link, typically within one week of the program. To ensure you receive the video link, please register in advance.
Please note: CLE credit (and/or certificates) are only granted to those who attend at least 80% of the live webinar. A separate certificate will be emailed for each day.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Social Law Library.