Appeals in the County Court and High Court: procedure and documentation

by the late David di Mambro, Barrister, formerly of Radcliffe Chambers and Practical Law Dispute Resolution

This Practice note summarises the procedure and documentation for appeals in the County Court and High Court. It provides guidance for general civil and commercial practitioners on the key considerations when dealing with an appeal. It outlines the governing rules and guidance, primarily found in CPR 52 and Practice Directions 52A and 52B and explains the circumstances in which permission to appeal is required. It details at what stage permission may be sought, what must be demonstrated to obtain it and which documents need to be filed. Key procedural topics covered include determining the correct appeal court and the process for filing appellants' and respondents' notices. This note also covers key considerations such as time limits, applying for extensions of time and preparing and filing essential documents such as the appeal bundle and skeleton argument. (For the procedure in the Court of Appeal, see Practice note, Appeals to the Court of Appeal: procedure and documentation.)