Federal Reply Brief Template

Cover Page

• Court caption, case number, parties
• Title: "Reply Brief of [Appellant/Appellee]"
• Counsel information and contact details

Table of Contents and Authorities

• Update to reflect reply brief sections and authorities.

Introduction

• Briefly restate purpose of reply: address arguments raised in appellee’s brief.
• Reinforce overarching theme and relief sought.

Summary of Argument

• Concise overview of key rebuttal points.
• Highlight errors or misstatements in opposing brief.

Argument

• Organize corresponding to issues addressed in opening brief.

I. [Issue Heading]

1. Opposing Argument Recap – Summarize opponent’s position succinctly.
2. Rebuttal – Use record citations and legal authority to counter.
3. Clarify Standard of Review/Legal Rule – Correct misstatements.
4. Demonstrate Harm/Prejudice – Explain why error warrants relief.

II. [Additional Issue]

• Follow same structure for each remaining issue.

Response to New Matters

• Address any new arguments or authorities raised for the first time in opposition and explain why they should be disregarded or are incorrect.

Preservation of Issues

• Reassert that issues raised in opening brief are preserved; respond to waiver arguments.

Conclusion

• Restate requested relief (reverse, remand, vacate).
• Optional: Request oral argument if not previously requested or if circumstances changed.

Certificate of Compliance

• Word count and formatting certification under Fed. R. App. P. 32(g)(1).

Certificate of Service

• Identify service method and date (CM/ECF, mail).

Ensure reply brief adheres to page/word limits and focuses on rebuttal without rearguing opening brief content verbatim.