What does an appellate lawyer actually do, day to day?

An appellate lawyer's work can include evaluating whether an appeal should be pursued, analyzing the trial record, identifying and narrowing appellate issues, researching the applicable standards of review and preservation questions, preparing appellate briefs, handling appellate motions, and preparing for or conducting oral argument when the court grants one. Much of the work is research and writing rather than courtroom advocacy, since the written brief carries most of the argument's weight.