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.
"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!)."
"This seminar should be a yearly requirement for ALL new appellate judges for their first 3 years on the appellate bench!"
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: Because we often receive more applications than we can accept, and we aim for a diverse representation of courts and regions, we regret that we may not be able to accept all interested applicants. We strive to make room for all interested judges within a year of application, if possible. If interested in receiving details and an application for AJS 2025, please complete this form and email ija.admin@nyu.edu.
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 was truly one of the best “CLE’s” I have ever attended in my 26+ years as a lawyer. Thanks to everyone for all
their efforts in making this such a terrific week.”
“Thank you. This was an extraordinary week and I will sing the praise of this program to new judges in my state (and everywhere).”
“Probably the best MCLE program for judges I have ever attended!"