Chris Edwards to Share Strategies for Building an Appeal-Ready Record for NCAJ Program

A successful appeal often begins long before a notice of appeal is filed. It begins in the trial court, with a record that clearly shows what happened, what evidence was considered, what objections were made, and why the court ruled as it did.

On September 23, 2026, Ward and Smith appellate attorney Chris Edwards will address those important issues during a virtual program called “Building the Record Starts Now: Building a Reviewable Trial-Court File.” It’s hosted by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ).

Chris, a Board Certified Specialist in Appellate Practice, will discuss the trial attorney’s role in creating a complete, clear, and reviewable record for a potential appeal, helping lawyers avoid discovering too late that important material was never properly made part of the record. Since appellate courts generally decide cases only on materials properly before them, careful record-building is essential at every stage.

Chris will also cover practical steps including handling bench conferences, chambers discussions, remote hearings, and other events that may not automatically appear in a transcript; marking and preserving exhibits so they can be identified and retrieved later; protecting confidential and sealed information while keeping it available for appellate review; and drafting appeal-ready orders with clear findings and conclusions.

The virtual event is open to NCAJ members and non-members. Register today!