How to Write a Lawsuit Brief

Many courts offer standard lawsuit complaint forms that eliminate the need for extensive legal experience.

A lawsuit begins with a complaint filed with the appropriate court. The complaint lists the parties to the dispute and the issues at dispute. The complaint also lists if the party who filed the lawsuit is seeking monetary compensation. While an attorney is always seeking to improve his legal brief writing skills, anyone can master the concept of writing a basic lawsuit complaint.

Instructions

1. Place the appropriate court name and city across the top of the brief.

2. Format the caption. The caption is the area of the brief that identifies the parties to the dispute. The top should name the plaintiff. This is the person bringing the lawsuit.

   Under the plaintiff, the defendant -- the person being sued -- is named. Identify all other defendants in the case and list them below each other.

3. Using paragraphs, state the facts of the case and your claim for relief. Tell what happened and when. Also, explain why you believe the defendant is responsible and why.

4. State your "prayer for damages." This is the amount you wish the court finds the defendant is liable to pay. Under the damages request, the plaintiff lists if he demands a jury trial.

5. Sign and date the complaint. Below the signature is the appropriate area to add the identification of the party filing the document.

References

• 4 Law School: How to Brief a Case
• Public Counsel Law Center Preparing a Federal Case
• The Law Office of Miller & Zois LLC: Sample Auto Accident Complaint

Resources

• Writing a Persuasive Supreme Court Brief: Alexander, Dubose, Jones and Townsend LLP; Kevin Dubose