The 2026 Appellate Practice Institute is the premier annual conference dedicated to appellate law, organized by Minnesota Continuing Legal Education (Minnesota CLE) in collaboration with the Minnesota State Bar Association's Appellate Practice Section. This event brings together esteemed members of Minnesota's appellate judiciary and experienced practitioners to enhance attendees' appellate skills and knowledge.
The institute features a range of sessions focusing on key aspects of appellate practice, including oral advocacy, motion practice, and other critical topics. A highlight of the event is the annual Fireside Chat, this year featuring Justice Theodora Gaïtas, offering attendees unique insights into the appellate process.
Attendees will benefit from a complimentary electronic copy of the "Summary Guide to Minnesota Appellate Procedure," access to all institute materials online, and the opportunity to revisit sessions through Watch Again Access. The event also includes an annual reception, providing a platform for networking and professional engagement.
This institute is ideal for appellate practitioners seeking to refine their skills, stay updated on recent developments, and connect with peers and experts in the field.
Categories
Speakers(16)
Alexandra Meyer
Attorney
Alexandra Meyer will participate in the roundtable discussion on hot topics in criminal law at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Amy J. Wildermuth
Dean at University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Amy J. Wildermuth is the Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, with expertise in appellate practice.
Caitlinrose H. Fisher
Attorney at Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP
Caitlinrose H. Fisher is an attorney at Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP, specializing in appellate and complex litigation.
Devin T. Driscoll
Attorney
Devin T. Driscoll will moderate the fireside chat with Justice Theodora Gaïtas at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
John Donovan
Attorney
John Donovan will participate in the roundtable discussion on hot topics in criminal law at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Judge Rachel F. Bond
Judge
Judge Rachel F. Bond will participate in the roundtable discussion on hot topics in criminal law at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Justice Theodora Gaïtas
Justice at Minnesota Supreme Court
Justice Theodora Gaïtas serves on the Minnesota Supreme Court and will participate in a fireside chat at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Kelsey R. Kelley
Attorney at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Kelsey R. Kelley is an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., focusing on appellate and commercial litigation.
Leanne Fuith
Attorney
Leanne Fuith will present on the state and impact of diversity on the appellate bench at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Liz Kramer
Commissioner at Minnesota Supreme Court
Liz Kramer serves as a Commissioner at the Minnesota Supreme Court, contributing to the court's administrative functions.
Mary L. Fee
Attorney
Mary L. Fee will present on the state and impact of diversity on the appellate bench at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Megan Odom
Attorney
Megan Odom will present on the state and impact of diversity on the appellate bench at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Michelle K. Kuhl
Attorney at Lommen Abdo, P.A.
Michelle K. Kuhl is an attorney at Lommen Abdo, P.A., focusing on appellate practice and civil litigation.
Nicole A. Saharsky
Partner at Mayer Brown LLP
Nicole A. Saharsky is a partner at Mayer Brown LLP, specializing in Supreme Court and appellate litigation.
Sarah J. Vokes
Attorney
Sarah J. Vokes will moderate the roundtable discussion on hot topics in criminal law at the 2026 Appellate Practice Institute.
Timothy J. Droske
Attorney at Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Timothy J. Droske is an attorney at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, specializing in appellate and intellectual property litigation.
Event Details
- Date
- February 27, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Minneapolis, United States
- Minnesota CLE Conference Center
- Pricing
- $345 - $395
- Audience
- Appellate practitioners, legal professionals interested in appellate law
- CLE Credits
- 6.5 CLE credits, including 1.0 elimination of bias credit
- Attendees
- Over 100 legal professionals expected