Appeals can be expensive and the appellate process can be lengthy. If parties are able to resolve the appeal in mediation before they are required to spend additional financial and emotional resources pursuing an appeal, they can save time and money, and avoid the anxiety generated by continuing litigation.
The mediation process at the Court of Appeals is an informal, confidential process in which the parties to an appeal work with an impartial mediator, trained and selected by the court, to assist them in reaching a negotiated resolution of their case. The mediator’s role is to help clarify communication among the participants and assist them in understanding their options. If settlement if not possible, the mediator may help the parties to streamline the appeal by clarifying or elimi
Yes, you may watch oral arguments at the Historic Courthouse at 430 E Street, NW; Washington, DC, 20001, or live online on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0vcI3ebjJE1g5hNT3UmltA. The court posts links to upcoming and previous oral arguments on our Oral Arguments page
An appendix to a Court of Appeals brief must contain: (1) relevant docket entries in the proceeding below, (2) relevant pleadings, charge, findings or opinion; (3) the judgement, order or decision in question; and (4) other parts of the record to which the parties wish to direct the court's attention. For more information, please see DCCA Rule 30(a)
A brief may not exceed 50 pages. A reply brief may not exceed 20 pages. For more information, please see DC Court of Appeals Rule 32(a)(6)
Briefs provide information on a case and explain the party's legal arguments. You must format briefs according to the detailed instructions in DC Court of Appeals Rule 32.
Yes, the Court of Appeals offers mediation for certain cases, including probate, marital property, child custody, and administrative appeals. Cases that are not eligible for mediation include criminal cases, matters from the juvenile court, cases involving attorney licensing, the unauthorized practice of law, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, adoption, and the guardianship of minors. For more information, see https://www.dccourts.gov/court-of-appeals/appellate-mediation
Attorneys must efile pleadings at https://efile.dcappeals.gov/login.do. If you do not have an attorney representing you, you may start an appeal at https://www.dccourts.gov/court-of-appeals/how-to-appeal or file pleadings at efilehelp [at] dcappeals.gov or in person at the Court of Appeals Public Office in the Historic Courthouse at 430 E Street, NW; Washington, DC. 20001.
If you are appealing a Superior Court decision, file your appeal in the Superior Court division that heard your case. If you are appealing an administrative agency case, file your appeal in the Court of Appeals, in person, by mail, or at efilehelp [at] dcappeals.gov and pay the filing fee by mail or in person or request waiver of the fee. For more information, please see https://www.dccourts.gov/court-of-appeals/how-to-appeal.
Please contact the Public Office at efilehelp [at] dcappeals.gov or 202-879-2700.
