Legal Definitions - on the brief

On the brief refers to a lawyer who has directly participated in the creation of a specific legal brief.

A brief is a formal written argument submitted to a court, presenting a party's legal position, supporting facts, and relevant legal precedents. When a lawyer is "on the brief," it means they have contributed to the research, drafting, or editing of that particular document.

• Example 1: Appellate Court Argument

  In a complex appeal before a higher court, a legal team at a large firm is preparing the main appellate brief. Senior Partner A outlines the strategic arguments, Associate B conducts extensive legal research, and Associate C drafts the factual summary and specific legal sections. All three lawyers are considered on the brief because each contributed significantly to its preparation and content, even if their roles differed.

• Example 2: Amicus Curiae Submission

  A public interest organization decides to submit an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in a landmark environmental case. Three lawyers from the organization's legal department collaborate: one focuses on scientific data, another on relevant statutes, and the third on the overall legal argument. All three are on the brief for this submission, as they collectively authored the document to provide the court with additional perspectives.

• Example 3: Motion to Dismiss

  A defendant's lawyer is preparing a motion to dismiss a lawsuit, arguing that the plaintiff's claims lack legal merit. The lead attorney drafts the core legal arguments, while a junior attorney researches specific case law to support those arguments and helps refine the language. Both attorneys are considered on the brief for the motion to dismiss, as their combined efforts resulted in the final document presented to the court.