Legal analysis: the court needs a defense lawyer in the second instance. Whether to hire a lawyer is entirely your personal freedom, and you don't have to hire a lawyer in the lawsuit. For criminal cases, the second instance can be heard in writing or in court. However, the people's procuratorate must hold a court session to hear cases of appeal and protest that the facts are unclear after reading papers and investigation.
Legal basis: Article 32 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). In addition to exercising the right of defense, criminal suspects and defendants may also entrust one or two people as defenders.