Brief Guidance and Sample Briefs
Tools and references to help you prepare a brief that complies with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the court's local rules.
System-Generated Brief Template
To help filers prepare their briefs, we offer electronic filers templates in Microsoft Word formatted to comply with court rules and customized for the party filing the brief. The document contains the proper caption — specific to the filer's case — as well as an outline of all the necessary sections required in the brief, in the proper sequence.
How to use it
- Log in to CM/ECF.
- Click Utilities.
- Select the Brief Template tab.
Requires Active PACER Viewing Status on your CM/ECF filer account, and a previously filed Form for Appearance of Counsel in the case.
Pro se parties: contact the CM/ECF Help Desk for a template at ca05_cmecf@ca5.uscourts.gov.
Check My Brief
We will also perform a courtesy review of your brief to ensure it complies with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure and the court's local rules.
How to use it
- Log in to CM/ECF.
- Click Utilities.
- Select Check PDF Document.
Requires Active PACER Viewing Status on your CM/ECF filer account.