The new edition of the Third Circuit Appellate Practice Manual has been released, and I just ordered my copy. If you haven’t already, you should order it too. Owning the APM is not optional if you practice in the Third Circuit and want folks to think you know what you’re doing.

Here is a link to the third edition’s table of contents. Two things stand out.

First, it covers it all, from whether to appeal to seeking certiorari. The previous edition is seven years old, and the new edition updates everything. It also adds two new chapters, on federal certification of state law questions and amicus briefs.

Second, the roster of authors is simply spectacular. Chief Judge Smith and Judges Scirica, Aldisert, Ambro, and Krause all have contributed. The co-editors are James Martin and Nancy Winkelman. Howard Bashman covers electronic filing. Bruce Merenstein covers who may appeal. Charles Becker and Patricia Dodszuweit handle motions practice. David Rudovsky tackles oral argument. Peter Goldberger covers criminal and habeas appeals. Deena Jo Schneider handles rehearing petitions. You get the idea.

The APM is published by PBI Press and costs $177 shipped, plus tax. It is 720 pages and comes with a searchable thumb drive. PBI will send you automatic updates unless you opt out.

I bought the 2010 second edition back when I started my practice. I keep it next to my desk and use it on every Third Circuit appeal I do, scribbling notes in the margins as I go. Using it over the years, I’ve been struck again and again how much effort all the authors put in to make each chapter indispensable. It’s like having a couple dozen of the best lawyers in the circuit whispering advice in your ear as you do your appeal, only less awkward.

Chief Judge Smith writes in the introduction, “every lawyer who picks up this volume ought to see each chapter as a ‘must read.’ I know I do….” Me too.