IJA New Appellate Judges Seminar

The New Appellate Judges Seminar (AJS) at New York University School of Law is designed for judges with no more than four years of experience on federal courts of appeal, state highest courts, and state intermediate courts of appeal. Since its inception in 1956, the IJA New Appellate Judges Seminars have been attended by appellate judges from virtually every state and federal appeals court. The success of the seminar is thanks to our dedicated senior judicial faculty and the active participation of the attending judges.

“This was jam packed with great programming geared towards appellate judges. My only suggestion would be that I would love to be back for continuing education beyond new judges."

"At most conferences there is one session of true value in this course every session was of value the session provided clear, actionable advise, and provided guidance on how we can continue to work and improve after we leave here. This is the best course I have attended."

Curriculum: The Seminar is taught by a distinguished faculty of senior appellate judges and law professors. The week combines practical training for new appellate judges such as sessions on appellate process and decision-making, conferencing & collegiality, issues of judicial ethics and independence, chambers management, and opinion editing, with select segments of substantive law, and several informal and interactive small group sharing and discussions. It is very important that program participants attend all sessions and remain through the end of the program.

Location: The Seminars are typically at NYU School of Law, located in New York City's historic Greenwich Village. 

Travel and Subsistence When Held Live: Each judge is responsible for his or her travel and living expenses though breakfasts and lunches are included in the program days. IJA sends group hotel rate information directly to accepted participants in the program. For help in defraying these expenses, judges should contact the staff responsible for judicial training in their courts.  

U.S. Court of Appeals Judges: The seminar is held in cooperation with the Federal Judicial Center's orientation for new Article III appellate judges. Attending Article III judges coordinate travel through the Federal Judicial Center.

Entertainment: The Seminar usually includes an opening dinner and an optional theater event with group discounts organized by IJA. 

Applications: If you are interested in receiving notice of AJS 2027 applications when open, kindly complete this Interest Form and put the PDF in or a link to it in IJA Box (NOT in the AJS 2026 box folder). 

Seminar Fee:  The Seminar fee covers 5-days of instruction, course materials and books, an opening dinner, breakfast and lunch weekdays during the Seminar. For Article III federal appellate judges,  IJA will coordinate tuition directly with the Federal Judicial Center . 

We are confident that the Seminar will provide attending judges with a stimulating, enjoyable, and memorable week. Thank you for your interest.

“This is by far the best seminar/CLE I have ever attended. The presentations were relevant, focused and totally helpful. I would highly recommend to all appellate judges.”

 "A blockbuster experience – revelatory in many ways about approach, difficulties, and methods to address this amazingly difficult and rewarding role. A MUST-DO for any judge new or old (especially new!)."

“One of the best conferences I have ever attended."