Join us for a lunchtime session focused on appellate work. The Appeals Webinar is scheduled for November 6, 2025. Registration is required; topics and confirmed faculty are below.

This one-hour webinar will provide a practical overview of how to identify critical appellate issues and avoid common preservation pitfalls in criminal trials. Participants will gain insights into strategies for safeguarding the record and strengthening appellate arguments, drawing on case law and practical experience.

This course is funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Speaker and Topics

Niles Illich
Texas Appellate Attorney

Niles Illich, Ph.D., J.D., is a highly regarded appellate attorney located in Addison, Texas. He specializes in criminal appeals and post-conviction relief. Niles practices with the Scott H. Palmer, P.C. firm and also runs his own practice, The Law Office of Niles Illich, P.C.

Jessica Graf
Texas Appellate Attorney

Jessica Graf is an experienced appellate defense attorney located in Lubbock, Texas. She founded Jessica Graf Law, a boutique firm that specializes in criminal appellate defense and post-conviction relief in both federal and Texas state courts. Her practice includes Texas and federal criminal appeals, federal habeas review for state convictions, habeas corpus relief for federal convictions, compassionate release, and providing research and writing assistance.

Topics will include:

Spotting Appellate Issues Early - Learn how to identify potential appellate points as they arise during trial to ensure arguments are preserved for review
Avoiding Preservation Pitfalls - Gain practical strategies for protecting the record and preventing common errors that can undermine an appeal.
Strengthening Appellate Arguments - Explore techniques, case law, and practice insights to build more persuasive and defensible appellate briefs.

Who Should Attend?

Attendance is exclusive to Texas criminal defense attorneys, Texas public and private defenders, and their staff, unless invited as faculty. Other registrations will not be accepted.

MCLE Credit

This course is approved by the Texas State Bar for 1 hour of MCLE credit.

After the course, CAIL will apply for credit in California and New Mexico if requested. Attorneys in other states may seek credit through self-submission, provided that course materials and evaluations are not required.

Webinar Access and Tech Tips

Registrants will receive a link to join the webinar within 24 hours of completing registration.
Additional reminder emails will be sent in the months leading up to the program to ensure access details remain top of mind.
The Webinar will be hosted on Big Marker webinar software, which can be accessed easily from any web browser.

For the best experience, we recommend joining from a desktop or laptop using the latest version of Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Test your audio and video settings in advance and check your spam or promotions folder if you do not see your access link. A stable internet connection is required to participate fully.

Scholarship Policy

Scholarships are available for attendees who meet one of these criteria:

First three years of practice in the field
Submission of a qualifying statement (150 words or less) or a reference letter, at least four weeks before the event

Priority may be given to those with a recommendation letter. Scholarships are awarded three weeks before the course and must be accepted within 24 hours. If declined, the opportunity passes to the next qualifying candidate.

Scholarship decisions are based on need and merit and are subject to approval by CAIL staff. Successful applicants will be reimbursed for eligible travel expenses after attending, in accordance with grant guidelines and restrictions. Covered expenses may include:

Transportation (airfare, bus, mileage)
Lodging
Meals during travel (lunches provided at the event)
Full tuition waiver

Tuition Waiver Policy

Attendees may also apply for a tuition waiver by submitting a statement (100 words or less) or a reference letter at least four weeks before the event. The Program Manager reviews these applications. Applicants selected for a waiver will be contacted for confirmation.

To request an application for a scholarship or tuition waiver, contact Melissa Hooper at mhooper@cailaw.org.

Other Information

We will be using a third party platform to host this webinar/event. By registering for this event, your email address and registration information will be used by our webinar host to communicate with you about this event and other services.

Cancellation Policy

Written cancellation must be received 5 business days prior to a program to receive a refund (Email: lgaspar@cailaw.org). After this date, no refunds, but substitution of attendees for this program will be permitted with prior approval. Registrants not entitled to a refund will receive the course materials. Note: Free registrants must attend the program to receive materials at no cost.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.

Privacy Policy

We do not sell or rent information to any outside parties. By providing your information, you will receive postal and electronic communications from The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) in accordance with CAIL's Privacy Policy. If we co-sponsor a program with another organization, information may be shared between the parties. All such co-sponsors will be identified on the event details and registration page. At any point, you can opt-out or unsubscribe by selecting either link at the bottom of each email or call us at 972.244.3400.

Preserve and Protect: Criminal Appeals

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Program Overview