Handbook XI.A: Notification

(See Fed. R. App. P. 34(b); D.C. Cir. Rule 34(c).)

The Clerk's Office ordinarily gives notice of the date for oral argument after the briefs have been filed. Generally, the members of the panel of judges who will hear the case are not named in the order setting the date for oral argument. The composition of the merits panel will be posted on the Court’s website, usually 30 days before the date of oral argument, and will not be disclosed before that time.

The Clerk’s Office does not confer with counsel regarding availability before the calendaring order is released but will take into account any scheduling conflicts identified by arguing counsel. See supra Part X.D. The calendaring order will contain an electronic link to Form 71 – a memorandum that provides important information on the requirements and logistics for oral argument. Subsequently, in the order allocating the amount of argument time, there will be an electronic link to Form 72, which counsel must complete and file no less than 7 days before oral argument, giving the name of the attorney or attorneys who will present the argument to the Court.

Requests by artists to sketch court proceedings should be directed to the Clerk’s Office well in advance of the scheduled argument. The Court will accommodate all requests unless the panel for reasons of security decides otherwise. Additionally, if the Court receives multiple requests, space considerations may limit the number of sketch artists that can be accommodated.