LEWIS v. SMITH AIC VPIA (2021)

Carla T. Lewis appeals the district court's orders dismissing Lewis’ complaint without prejudice for failure to prosecute and denying reconsideration.^* On appeal, we confine our review to the issues raised in the informal brief. See 4th Cir. R. 34(b). Because Lewis’ informal brief does not challenge the basis for the district court's disposition, she has forfeited appellate review of the court's orders. See Jackson v. Lightsey, 775 F.3d 170, 177 (4th Cir. 2014) (“The informal brief is an important document; under Fourth Circuit rules, our review is limited to issues preserved in that brief.”). Accordingly, we affirm the court's orders. We further deny Lewis’ “motion to reintegrate appellate brief” and motions for entry of default judgment. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

FOOTNOTES

FOOTNOTE.   With respect to the first order, because the district court dismissed Lewis’ action “for procedural reasons unrelated to the contents of the pleadings,” we have jurisdiction over this appeal. Goode v. Cent. Va. Legal Aid Soc'y, Inc., 807 F.3d 619, 624 (4th Cir. 2015), abrogated in part on other grounds by Bing v. Brivo Sys., LLC, 959 F.3d 605, 611-12 (4th Cir. 2020) (discussing factors courts consider in determining whether order is final and appealable).

PER CURIAM:

Affirmed by unpublished per curiam opinion. Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.