The California Academy of Appellate Lawyers is a statewide organization of experienced appellate practitioners. It strives to improve appellate practice in the nation's largest court system. CAAL was launched in 1972 by Edward L. Lascher, and Gideon Kanner who became its first president. Some of the earliest members included Cyril Viadro, Paul Selvin, Hillel Chodos, Raoul D. Kennedy and Ellis J. Horvitz. CAAL is the largest and oldest organization in America devoted to appellate practice.