Instructions and Sample Appellate Briefs for Self-Represented Parties
When appealing an order of a state administrative agency or a trial court, the appealing party (Petitioner or Appellant) must file an appellate brief that sets forth the party’s legal arguments. Thereafter, the opposing party (Respondent or Appellee) must file a brief responding to the appealing party’s arguments. Filing an appellate brief is a mandatory part of the appellate process. In many cases, the Commonwealth Court’s resolution of the appeal will be based solely on the parties’ briefs; i.e., there will be no opportunity for oral argument. Therefore, it is very important to make sure all requirements for a complete brief are met. Filing a brief that does not substantially comply with the rules of procedure may result in the appeal being dismissed or a party being precluded from filing a brief.
This page contains generic instructions that are applicable to preparing and filing any appellate brief. In addition, you will find on this page sample briefs, some of which are specific to certain case types. Select the sample brief that is applicable to your case type; if none of the sample briefs match your specific case type, any of them can be used as a representative sample of the required elements of an appellate brief. NOTE: This page is under construction. Additional sample briefs (for other case types) and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section will be added in the near future.
Instructions for Preparing and Filing an Appellate Brief
Read and utilize these general instructions to prepare and file your appellate brief regardless of whether you are preparing a brief on your own or using one of the sample briefs below.
Sample Brief – Appeal from the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review
Use this sample brief if you are appealing a final order of the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review. Carefully read and follow the instructions contained in the sample brief as well as the Instructions for Preparing and Filing an Appellate Brief linked above.
Sample Brief – Appeal from the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board
Use this sample brief if you are appealing a final order of the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. Carefully read and follow the instructions contained in the sample brief as well as the Instructions for Preparing and Filing an Appellate Brief linked above.