Strategies for Powerful Legal Writing: From Introduction to Conclusion

Michael Alfera | Weinberg Gonser LLP

As an Associate Attorney, Michael excels in devising winning arguments and case strategies for clients involved in business and commercial disputes on both sides of the ‘v.‘ Prior to working at Weinber Gonser, he worked as a judicial law clerk, first for the Los Angeles Superior Court and then for the Honorable Otis D. Wright II, District Judge in the District Court for the Central District of California. Working in the supporting role for multiple judges fostered Michael’s ability to analyze cases from a judicial standpoint, a perspective that is instrumental in obtaining positive results for the Firm’s clients.

Michael ranked #1 in his cohort at Southwestern Law School, and he was a member of the championship team at the 2018 Wagner Labor and Employment Law national moot court competition in New York City. Michael’s academic excellence and practical experience have forged a unique skill set that empowers him to navigate complex litigation challenges with confidence. His strategic mindset and comprehensive understanding of the state and federal court systems make him a formidable advocate for the interests of the Firm’s clients.

Michael is a classically trained pianist, composer, and conductor. He is the former accompanist for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles and the founder of the L.A. Choral Lab, a local performing arts nonprofit dedicated to promoting the modern choral art form.

Erica L. Jansson | Gibson Dunn

Erica L. Jansson is a litigation associate in the Los Angeles office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. She rejoined the firm in 2023 after serving as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Philip S. Gutierrez of the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Erica earned her law degree summa cum laude from Southwestern Law School, where she currently works as an adjunct professor in the Appellate Litigation Clinic. In law school, she served as Editor-in-Chief of The Southwestern Law Review and Chair of the Moot Court Honors Program. She also received the Judge Barry Russell Federal Practice Award and won best oralist awards in the Herbert Wechsler National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition and Leroy R. Hassell Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition.

Erica graduated from California Institute of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Choreography and a minor in Social Sciences. Prior to entering law school, she danced professionally for various dance and theater companies and taught at the Harvard-Westlake School.

Erica is admitted to practice law in the State of California.

I. The stages of writing: madman, architect, carpenter, and judge| 1:00pm – 1:25pm

II. Understanding your audience and avoiding common judge pet peeves| 1:25pm – 1:45pm

III. Crafting engaging openings and leveraging your table of contents| 1:45pm – 2:00pm

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

IV. Creating memorable themes and impactful conclusions| 2:10pm – 2:35pm

V. Paragraph- and sentence-level hacks to make your brief shine| 2:35pm – 3:10pm