Appellant’s Reply Brief

Timeline

The reply brief of an appellant should be filed with the appellate court within 30 days after service of the brief of the respondent, unless oral argument is set fewer than 30 days after the brief of respondent is filed. In that instance, the reply brief must be filed at least 14 days before oral argument.

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• Unpublished opinions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