This is fun. Me: 1. Rush (x2) 2. U2 (x2) 3. NIN/Soundgarden (together) 4. Linkin Park/Bad Omens (together) 5. Rolling Stones

If you practice before or follow #SCOTX, here's something to check out while prepping your Thanksgiving turkey. A big rules overhaul is coming January 1. In this episode, @jodyssanders.bsky.social#SCOTXand I walk through what's changing and why. #appellatesky

Today's vibe.

Running a solo appellate practice means I need ways to pressure-test theories and expose blind spots fast. AI has become that tireless second chair—it accelerates my analysis while I retain judgment and accountability. The latter part is still up to me, and I don't see that changing any time soon.

You missed the signed order. The jurisdictional deadline passed. Even diligent lawyers hit this trap—until now. Texas launched automatic case notifications October 1. Every attorney of record gets alerts on orders, motions, filings. Details on what changed here.

A client's bankruptcy lawyer cited my podcast as proof I'm qualified to serve as appellate counsel in a big case. The judge's next question made me laugh: "Does that make you more qualified if you have a podcast?" I've handled countless appeals, but apparently the podcast sealed it. #appellatesky

Right up there with being “admitted to practice in all Texas state courts.”

#SCOTX seems to have quietly discontinued its oral argument summary emails. I relied on those handy advisories to preview upcoming cases and to plan on watching the arguments on YouTube if I could. Sure hope the Court brings this valuable service back. #appellatesky #texappcounsel

We had a great conversation with KC Ashmore about life in a small-town practice, lessons from military service, and the value of staying plugged into the bar. He also shared insights on professionalism, mentoring, and why relationships matter in trial and appellate work.

This is an evergreen episode that will resonate with anyone with experience handling appeals in any jurisdiction. We're grateful to Kevin for coming back and sharing his insights. #appellatesky

I often wake up with fresh ideas on how to approach a thorny legal issue. My subconscious apparently does a lot of legal work while I sleep.

We talked with Joe Stephens about how AI is reshaping legal practice—from transcript analysis in appeals to real-time courtroom use in public defense. We also explored how Texas is starting to regulate AI and what that means for lawyers.

Browse, Search, and Subscribe: The Texas Appellate Law Podcast Archive Is Live All 152 @texapplawpod.bsky.social episodes are now available in one place—with searchable transcripts, in-browser listening, and easy subscription options. #appellatesky

I’ve hit the six-month mark in my solo appellate practice. I share a few thoughts—plus a Law360 Pulse interview—on the Texas Appellate Counsel blog. #AppellateSky

We had a great conversation with Janet and Vince about how their team helps trial and appellate lawyers nationwide. This episode is worth a listen for any lawyer looking to streamline their briefing process.

We didn't let audio challenges deter us from having a great conversation that covered these topics, as well as the importance of mentorship and the relaunch of the State Bar Appellate Secton's flagship publication, The Appellate Advocate. #appellatesky

Great getting back behind the mic with @jodyssanders.bsky.social today for a new @texapplawpod.bsky.social episode slated for release next week. Meanwhile, please enjoy an animated version of what we look like when recording, courtesy of our production software. #appellatesky

Some Dallas friends dropped off Slovacek's kolaches on their way through town. Little slices of heaven from West, Texas.

I recently needed to find the pre-amendment text of a Texas statute and learned how useful the “Statutes by Date” tool is. Other online resources also make tracking down previous versions much easier than it once was. #appellatesky www.texappcounsel.com/2025/05/how-...

We had a great time talking with @txappellateatty.bsky.social on this week’s @texapplawpod.bsky.social episode. We covered everything from voir dire to error preservation to arguing in the Texas Supreme Court … plus a war story involving a SCOTUS filing during Winter Storm Uri. ❄️📬 #appellatesky

🎙️We’re celebrating @texapplawpod.bsky.social's upcoming 150th episode with a $50 Amazon gift card giveaway. Enter by sending in an appellate-related question by email or audio. Details in the post below.

I spoke on supersedeas issues yesterday at the TexasBarCLE Collections & Creditors’ Rights Course. Read my key takeaways and access my full slide deck here. #appellatesky

A great way to end the day!

I enjoyed visiting with @arnolditkin.bsky.social's Andrew Gould. We talked about bridging the trial/appellate divide, how appellate lawyers can support litigation strategy, and the value of transparency. He also shared one of the most practical war stories we’ve heard in a while. 🎧 #appellatetsky

If only an option like this were available for the other 16 Texas appellate courts. #AppellateSky

Hard to believe I'm already three months into my new solo practice. I'm grateful to have heard from so many friends and colleagues since the move. For anyone curious about my new gig, here's a sneak peek of an ad that will run in the next issue of Austin Lawyer. #texappcounsel

Finally got around to getting some firm-branded printing done. About the only people I hand business cards out to any more are court reporters at hearings. #texappcounsel

Texas lawyers: The Greenbook is being updated—and the Texas Law Review wants your input. Got thoughts on citing the 15th Court of Appeals (or anything else Texas-citation related)? Deadline: April 9. For details, visit www.texappcounsel.com/2025/03/an-o.... #AppellateSky

In this episode (our 146th!), @jodyssanders.bsky.social and I mark 5 years of talking about appellate law and lots of other topics. We also test the waters with a mailbag segment, with @kvptexas.bsky.social providing the first submission. #appellatesky

New addition to my office shelf. The gold pins represent appeals I'm currently handling. The silver pins are where I'm helping in trial courts. #texappcounsel

🎙️NEW EPISODE: Explore the intriguing saga of Judge Pauline Newman and delve into the system that polices federal judges with Chris Dove, @dtoddsmith.bsky.social, and @jodyssanders.bsky.social. #AppellateSky www.texappcounsel.com/2025/02/addr...

Dive into this week's Texas Appellate Counsel Roundup to catch up on SCOTX and 15th Court of Appeals oral arguments, pre-merits-briefing grants, and a @texapplawpod.bsky.social episode exploring the system that polices federal judges. www.texappcounsel.com/2025/02/scot...

The Texas Supreme Court is considering significant changes to the petition-for-review system, including eliminating pre-grant merits briefing. This would be a major—and positive—shift in Texas appellate practice. Learn more at texappcounsel.com/2025/02/scot... #appellatesky

Texas Appellate Counsel Digest: SCAC Appointments, Big Potential Rule Changes, and Ethics Opinion on GenAI Check it out at texappcounsel.kit.com/posts/scac-a.... #AppellateSky

I can't overstate the sheer volume of tasks involved in starting a law firm from scratch. It's a massive undertaking, but I'm committed to doing it the right way. Quick fixes might solve today’s problems, but they could create bigger issues down the road.

Exciting changes coming soon! #appellatesky

My original post only covered Day 1. Check out Day 2. #AppellateSky

I'm excited to be part of the new TexasBarCLE "Becoming an Appellate Lawyer" program, which will take place in Houston this March. Kudos to Chad Baruch and the planning committee for putting together a fantastic seminar offering insight into the best of all litigation practices! #AppellateSky

I've been thinking for a while about giving up alcohol altogether. As I've gotten older, I just haven't enjoyed it like I once did, and I'm not seeing the point. 1/4

But seriously, there's so much potential "find out" here. I'm coming in with eyes wide open, having run my own shop for 15 years before my last stint in BigLaw. The tools available to solos are better now, but the potential traps are far worse.

When setting up a new law firm, ignorance truly is bliss. How hard can it be? #teenylaw

When I started my first solo practice in 2006, it took me an hour to print a mailing label the first time I did it. Things have come full circle. I'm not actually printing a mailing label. But just about everything I'm doing in these early days is taking about 5x as long as it should. #teenylaw

#SCOTX is at its full complement once more. #appellatesky gov.texas.gov/news/post/go...

I'm noticing some major differences between setting up a solo practice in 2025 versus my first iteration in 2006. Some are great (technology), but others are not (also technology, but mostly cyber issues).

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Texas Appellate Counsel PLLC, a solo firm dedicated to appellate advocacy, trial support, and consulting for trial lawyers. 1/

Today marks the end of my time at Butler Snow LLP. Practicing in this firm has been a great opportunity, and I am grateful for the four years I spent here. While I’ll miss working with such a great group, I’m excited about what’s next. More to come on that soon!

My wife and I have recently been reminded about the importance of keeping one's estate plan up to date. Both our kids have become adults since the last revision, so we were past due. This is another unfun but necessary thing to deal with at certain stages of life.

Filing this clip from a headhunter email away for future rate conversations with clients: "[T]this law firm is particularly attractive to litigators as most of its mid-career partners are able to keep their rates below 4-figures." 🤔