Preserving the Record and Standards of Review in Criminal Cases: A Two-Part Series
Monday, November 2 and Monday, November 9, 2026
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.