“Recently enacted amendments to the Federal Rules, those on the way, and what could be next”

Ted Seitz authored the Detroit Legal News article, “Recently enacted amendments to the Federal Rules, those on the way, and what could be next.” Seitz outlines recent and proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that will impact litigation in federal courts, emphasizing the importance of staying current with evolving procedural requirements. The article highlights key rule changes that took effect in December 2025, including new guidance on privilege logs and the adoption of Rule 16.1, which establishes the first comprehensive framework for managing multidistrict litigation (MDL). It also reviews proposed amendments involving ownership disclosures, dismissal procedures, subpoena service, and potential future changes to class action rules and third-party litigation funding disclosure requirements.

Key updates include:

• New Rule 16.1 creates a standardized framework for MDL case management, addressing leadership appointments, discovery coordination, ESI preservation, and early issue identification.
• December 2025 rule changes encourage courts to address privilege log timing and procedures early in litigation to reduce discovery disputes.
• Proposed amendments would increase transparency through business ownership disclosures, simplify voluntary dismissals, expand subpoena service methods, and may eventually reshape class action procedures and litigation funding disclosure requirements.