United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Format

Type

Times New Roman 14 pt, double-spaced

Margins

1-inch margins

Opening brief

14,000 words or 30 pages

Reply brief

7,000 words or 15 pages

What counts

Excludes cover, disclosure statement, TOC, TOA, glossary, statement regarding oral argument, addendum of statutes/rules, certificates of counsel, signature block, proof of service, and any item the rule exempts (FRAP 32(f)); headings, footnotes, quotations count

Rules

FRAP and Local Rules of the Second Circuit — FRAP 32(a); 2d Cir. R. 32.1(a); 2d Cir. R. 32.1(a)(4); FRAP 32(f)

Parts of the brief, in order

1. Cover — Required · FRAP 32(a)(2)
2. CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT — If applicable · FRAP 26.1; 28(a)(1)
3. TABLE OF CONTENTS — Required · FRAP 28(a)(2)
4. TABLE OF AUTHORITIES — Required · FRAP 28(a)(3)
5. JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT — Required · FRAP 28(a)(4)
6. STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES — Required · FRAP 28(a)(5)
7. STATEMENT OF THE CASE — Required · FRAP 28(a)(6); 2d Cir. R. 28.1(b) (must open with nature of case, judge below, disposition, citation of decision)
8. STATEMENT OF FACTS — If applicable · FRAP 28(a)(6)
9. SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT — Required · FRAP 28(a)(7)
10. ARGUMENT — Required · FRAP 28(a)(8)
11. CONCLUSION — Required · FRAP 28(a)(9)
12. Signature block — Required · FRAP 32(d)
13. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE — If applicable · FRAP 28(a)(10), 32(g)
14. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE — If applicable · FRAP 25(d)
15. SPECIAL APPENDIX / ADDENDUM — If applicable · 2d Cir. R. 32.1(c); FRAP 28(f)

Argument headings: Argument divided under numbered/lettered point headings (e.g. 'I.', 'A.'); all headings reproduced in TOC; contentions with citations to authorities and the record (FRAP 28(a)(8)(A))

Standard of review: For each issue, a concise statement of the applicable standard of review, in the argument or under a separate heading placed before discussion of the issues (FRAP 28(a)(8)(B))

Record citations: (A-12) / (JA-12) / (SPA-3) — prefix by convention, not rule

Joint Appendix (and Special Appendix)

Required. Pages are numbered like A-12. (FRAP 30; 2d Cir. R. 30.1, 32.1(b)-(c))

• table of contents (detailed; exhibit numbers alone insufficient)
• relevant docket entries
• relevant pleadings, charge, findings or opinion
• judgment/order appealed from
• notice of appeal
• other record parts

Volumes max 300 pages each; sequential numbering matching PDF; condensed transcripts max 4 panels/page. If appendix (excl. orders/opinions/judgments) exceeds 300 pages, a Special Appendix with the orders/opinions/judgments appealed from and verbatim text of significant statutes/rules is required, as addendum or separate volume. Appendix not required in IFP, Social Security and certain immigration cases (proceed on original record; attach orders to brief).

Certificates

• Compliance: Word count certificate under FRAP 32(g); limit 14,000/7,000 words per 2d Cir. R. 32.1(a)(4)
• Service: Proof of service showing date and manner of service, names and addresses (FRAP 25(d)); not required for papers served via CM/ECF on registered users per circuit rule
• Corporate disclosure statement (FRAP 26.1) in principal brief even if previously filed

Good to know

• Appellee brief may omit jurisdiction, issues, case statement and standard of review unless dissatisfied with appellant's (FRAP 28(b))
• Pro se litigants: FRAP 32 limits apply; handwritten/informal briefs and appendix exemptions vary by circuit (see below)
• Pamphlet format permitted: 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 in pages, 12-pt text and footnotes, 1 in margins (2d Cir. R. 32.1(a))
• Motions to exceed length or extend must be filed 14 days before due date absent exceptional circumstances

Filing: CM/ECF; text-searchable PDF; 6 paper copies of each brief (2d Cir. R. 31.1); appendix 6 paper copies (pro se 3) (2d Cir. R. 30.1)