Do I need a lawyer to write a brief?

Self-represented people can file briefs. The court's rules set the format, length and deadlines, so read them carefully.

Is there a standard for writing a brief?

Yes, each court's rules describe the format. Follow them closely.

Appeals

What an appellate court looks at

An appellate court decides mainly from the written record and the briefs. Knowing that shapes how you should write.

About 2 minread
General ideashold in most courts
Checked October 26, 2026educational only

The short version

The record includes the papers filed and the transcript or record of what happened in the lower court. Briefs explain your points and cite that record.

Cite the record

Point to the specific pages or papers that support each statement you make.

Focus on legal errors

Explain which legal rule was applied wrongly and why it matters to the result.

Keep briefs clear

Short sections, clear headings and direct statements help the court follow your argument.

Keep going

Your next step

NextWhat an appeal is, and what it is not

The Pro Se Field Workbook

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The Pro Se Field Workbook turns pages like this into questions you answer for your own case. It never tells you what to do in your case; it asks the questions that help you find out.

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New York specificallySee the New York guides →Read the New York version. Pro Se Posse keeps the general ideas here; the New York details live in our reference library.

Last checked: October 26, 2026. This page covers general ideas that hold in most courts. Rules differ by state and by court, so look up the rules for yours.

Educational information only. Not legal advice, not a law firm, and no attorney-client relationship. Nothing here tells you what to do in your own case.