reply brief

A reply brief is a written submission filed by a party in response to the opposing party’s brief. In appellate practice, after the appellant files an opening brief and the appellee responds, the appellant may file a reply brief to address arguments raised in the appellee’s submission. Deadlines are governed by rule. Under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 31, the appellant may file a reply brief within 21 days after service of the appellee’s brief, but it must be filed at least 7 days before oral argument unless the court orders otherwise.

Reply briefs are also used in trial courts. When a party files a motion and the opposing party files a brief in opposition, the moving party is often permitted to file a reply brief to respond and clarify issues before the court rules. Deadlines for reply briefs at the trial level are governed by local rules or court order and are typically short, often within a week of the opposition filing.

[Last reviewed in September of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team] 

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