Appellant’s Opening Brief

Timeline

The brief of an appellant in a civil case should be filed with the appellate court within 45 days after the report of proceedings is filed in the trial court; or if the record on review does not include a report of proceedings, within 45 days after the party seeking review has filed the designation of clerk’s papers and exhibits.

Content

The appellant’s opening brief shall contain:

• Title page
• Tables
• Assignments of error
• Statement of the case
• Argument
• Conclusion
• Appendix

*Note: A statement of the issues and a statement of the case need not be made if respondent is satisfied with the statement in the brief of an appellant or petitioner

Format Specifications: See RAP 10.4

An appellant’s brief should not exceed 50 pages in length. For discussion of the following topics relative to briefs, see RAP 10.4:

• Text of statute, rule, jury instruction, or the like,
• Motion in brief,
• Reference to party,
• Reference to record,
• Citations,
• Unpublished opinions

Corresponding RAP Rules: 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 18.6

Form: Yes, see brief sample