The Arizona Court of Appeals announced significant changes to the appellate practice rules on February 19, 2026, aimed at streamlining the appeals process and improving efficiency in the handling of appeals cases. The new rules, which will go into effect on March 1, 2026, come after months of consultation with legal experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the legal community.One of the key changes introduced in the new rules is the requirement for parties to provide a concise statement of the issues in their opening brief. This is expected to help the court better understand the issues at hand and expedite the review process. Additionally, parties are now required to include a table of authorities in their briefs, making it easier for the court to identify relevant legal precedents.Another significant change is the introduction of word limits for briefs. The new rules mandate that opening briefs be limited to 10,000 words, while response briefs are limited to 7,000 words. This limitation is intended to encourage parties to focus on the most important issues and arguments in their briefs, leading to more concise and effective advocacy.The new rules also include provisions for electronic filing and service of documents, in line with the court's ongoing efforts to modernize its operations. Parties are now required to electronically file their briefs and other documents through the court's online portal, simplifying the filing process and reducing the use of paper.In a statement announcing the new rules, Chief Judge Josephine Reynolds emphasized the court's commitment to improving the appellate process for all parties involved. "These changes are designed to make the appeals process more efficient and user-friendly, benefiting both litigants and the court," Judge Reynolds said. "We believe that these new rules will help ensure a more timely and fair resolution of appeals cases."Legal practitioners and scholars have welcomed the changes, noting that they are long overdue and will bring Arizona's appellate practice in line with best practices in other jurisdictions. The new rules have been praised for their focus on clarity, brevity, and modernization, which are expected to make the appeals process more accessible and user-friendly for all parties.Overall, the new appellate practice rules implemented in Arizona on February 19, 2026, mark a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the appeals process in the state. With these changes in place, parties can expect a more streamlined and transparent experience