Ward and Smith appellate attorney Chris Edwards believes that better appellate advocacy strengthens the entire justice system. “It betters the court system. It betters our outcomes,” he says.
As co-chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice, Chris recently joined the Voices of NCAJ podcast to discuss his new column in Trial Briefs, his upcoming CLE on November 12, and how trial lawyers can think strategically to set their cases up for success on appeal.
Appellate practice, he notes, demands both precision and perseverance. “It takes resilience,” Chris explains, “because things that you understood to be settled—you’ve got to adapt if those decisions are reversed or changed or limited or altered.” That mindset of flexibility and lifelong learning is what keeps appellate advocacy both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Chris shares practical insights on preserving appellate issues, collaborating effectively with appellate counsel, and understanding how strong advocacy at every stage benefits clients and courts alike.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on the NCAJ YouTube channel.
About the Podcast
The Voices of NCAJ podcast features members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice sharing how the association has shaped their lives and careers. Each episode offers in-depth conversations on the issues, trends, and people shaping the practice of trial law in North Carolina.