Yesterday, the Federal Circuit announced proposed amendments to the Federal Circuit Rules of Practice. Among other things, the amendments would add a new section permitting an eligible law student to enter an appearance on behalf of a party with the consent of the party and a supervising attorney, as well as appear on briefs and participate in oral arguments in appropriate circumstances. The amendments would also prohibit former court employees from disclosing to new employers or potential employers the list they receive of pending cases that they may not participate in or assist with after employment at the court. The announcement includes links to the proposed amendments and an email address to submit public comments. Here is a full text to the announcement along with links to the materials.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071(b) and Federal Circuit Rule 47(a), the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit gives notice that it proposes to amend Federal Circuit Rules of Practice 15, 25, 25.1, 30, 39, 46, 47.6, the Practice Notes to Rules 25, 39, 46, and 50. The proposed amendments are available on the court’s website. If adopted, the amendments would take effect on December 1, 2025.
Public comments must be received by the Clerk of Court on or before October 16, 2025, and may be submitted by email or by mail to Proposed Rules Comments 2025, Clerk’s Office, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 717 Madison Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20439.
The full notice is available on the court’s website (pdf).