Virtually all writers on appellate practice stress the importance of oral argument. Just as trial attorneys would not consider passing up the opportunity to make a closing argument to the jury, appellate counsel should avail themselves of this important vehicle for persuading the court. Oral argument provides the last and best chance to answer any questions the briefs may have raised in the minds of the judges. Since the judges usually conference the case shortly after the argument, impressions gained during the argument will be fresh in their minds. The default should almost always be to opt for oral argument in cases where the court rules permit it.