Legal analysis: It is not necessary to hire a lawyer for the second instance. It is up to the parties to decide whether to hire a lawyer. If the parties concerned can express their claims and are familiar with relevant laws and regulations, they can defend themselves. The second-instance procedure is generally concluded within three months from the date of filing of the second-instance case.
Legal basis: "Civil Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China and the State"
Article 174 The people's court of second instance hears appeal cases except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter , the ordinary procedures of the first instance shall apply.
Article 175 The judgment and ruling of the second instance people's court shall be final.
Article 176. Article 1 The People's Court shall hear an appeal case against a judgment within three months from the date of filing of the second-instance case. If an extension is required due to special circumstances, the People's Court shall hear an appeal case against the judgment. The final ruling shall be made within thirty days from the date of filing of the second instance case.