Appellate work can be dicey. There are so many requirements for formatting, font styles, number of copies and, worst of all, deadlines. I find that when working on appellate issues, I require silence and large amounts of food.
To minimize distractions, while drafting briefs and Motions to Dismiss or simply weeping in frustration whilst trying to bleed cases from WestLaw, I generally lock myself in my office, silence the phone, fire up the commode, and order several large pizzas. To dissuade individuals from the folly of trying to interrupt me during the, ah, gestation period, I place a sign on my door. It reads: “Attention: Appellate Brief in Progress. Please Do Not Disturb the Occupant Unless:
