First-Ever Procedural Rule Issued For MDLs

On December 1, 2025, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16.1 governing multi-district litigation (MDL) proceedings took effect. This is the first MDL-specific rule and is the culmination of a multiyear-long rulemaking process seeking to address the unique procedural and case management issues posed by MDLs. With about 200,000 to 450,000 cases pending in MDLs in 2024 and 2025, Rule 16.1 is an important development that guides courts and parties in MDL case management, promotes uniformity and opportunities for early evaluation of claims, and could impact mass actions and other non-MDL cases.

Rule 16.1 provides a framework for the initial management of MDL proceedings. Courts are encouraged to require the parties to submit a report in advance of the conference that provides their views on the appointment of leadership counsel, history of any prior scheduling orders, and coordination with any related actions, among other issues. The parties' report—if required—must also