While I was listening to oral arguments in order to prepare for my own I heard this particular case argued in front of Judges Noonan, Bybee, and Korman at the Ninth Circuit’s Pasadena court house.   Interestingly enough during another case during the session the arguing counsel’s mobile phone went off.  This case however, is a classic example of My Cousin Vinny in fact the attorney who messed up even sounds a little like Joe Pesci.  First the judges tried to figure out if the appeal had any merit even though such was not obvious to the judges.  After about 3 minutes it becomes obvious that the appeal lacks merit and when the My Cousin Vinny like attorney still does not back down the judges put him in his place!  Listening to this argument is a must – click here:  What Not to do at oral argument: My Cousin Vinny oral argument recording

On March 8, 2010, Alex Wathen argued the case of Buckman v. MCI WorldCom, Inc. , 08-16537 before the Ninth Circuit sitting in San Francisco.  The panel consisted of Judges Hug, Rhinehardt, and Bybee.  Hug asked no questions, Bybee asked a question or two and Rhinehardt asked the most.  The recording can be downloaded here: Ryan Buckman v. MCI WorldCom Oral Argument by Alex Wathen before Judges Procter R. Hug, Jr., Stephen R. Rhinehardt, and Jay S. Bybee of the Ninth Circuit.

The case involved issues such as the scope of the record in a motion for summary judgment whether undesignated but filed portions of depositions should be considered, call in requirements under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Oral Argument Calendar tab above has a list of oral argument calendars at the various circuits.  It will be updated and include more details.