Is the court of appeal in criminal cases obliged to notify the lawyer?

Lawyers will be notified before the trial. If the court decides not to hold a hearing, there is no need to inform the lawyer.

Criminal Procedure Law of the People's Republic of China

Article 223 When trying the following cases, the people's court of second instance shall form a collegial panel:

(a) the defendant, the private prosecutor and his legal representative raised objections to the facts and evidence ascertained in the first instance, which may affect the conviction and sentencing;

(2) An appeal case in which the defendant was sentenced to death;

(3) Cases protested by people's procuratorates;

(4) Other cases that should be heard in court.

If the people's court of second instance decides not to hold a hearing, it shall interrogate the defendant and listen to the opinions of other parties, defenders and agents ad litem.

The people's court of second instance may hear an appeal or protest case in the place where the case occurred or in the people's court that originally tried the case.