Impeachment. These days it's impossible to go an hour without hearing the word on cable news, along with evolving analysis on how the U.S. House might proceed with its inquiry of President Donald Trump.

In brainstorming about our November cover issue, we wanted to delve into the perspectives lawyers can lend on how the impeachment process unfolds. What gems can key attorneys from past impeachment proceedings offer us about the grueling hours and the massive amount of documents involved? What happens behind the scenes? And what are constitutional law scholars saying about the road ahead?

Fortunately, Jacqueline Thomsen, who joined our Washington, D.C., office in August, was eager to dig in.

"It was great to learn more about the impeachment experiences of these attorneys that make them expert voices on the proceedings we're seeing play out right now, " said Thomsen, who covers courts and the legal side of politics. For more, check out our cover story.

Next, we are excited to announce our 2019 Appellate Hot List. The appellate luminaries featured in this year's special report won key matters before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeal, staying true to their practice philosophies along the way. They recount how they tackled appeals involving everything from racial gerrymandering to RICO. They also share what they believe are the most satisfying elements of appellate practice. For Williams & Connolly's Lisa Blatt, the answer is pretty simple: "Winning." Blatt, at press time, has argued 37 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, more than any other woman in U.S. history.

These esteemed advocates also weigh in on the most valuable lessons they learned as young attorneys. Hogan Lovells' Neal Katyal in 2017 surpassed Thurgood Marshall's record for the most Supreme Court arguments by a minority lawyer with 35. At press time, Katyal has argued 39 cases. He shares this: "Take risks. Prepare relentlessly for them. But take them."

And WilmerHale's Danielle Spinelli offers this: "Stretch beyond your comfort zone [and] don't hesitate to take the lead even if the leaders you see don't look like you."

Indeed. For more jewels from these appellate heavyweights, check out our special report. Elsewhere in this month's issue, read about the latest in legal moves from government to private pratice in Revolving Door, and from around the globe in Movers.

As always, we love to hear from you. Email me at the address below or tweet me @lhelemNLJ. Thanks for reading!