On February 18, 2026, the District of Columbia appellate practice experienced significant changes that will shape the legal landscape for years to come. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia announced several updates to its rules and procedures, aimed at improving efficiency and access to justice for all parties involved in the appellate process.One of the most notable changes introduced by the Court of Appeals is the implementation of electronic filing for all appellate documents. This move marks a significant shift towards digitization in the District of Columbia's legal system, streamlining the filing process and reducing the reliance on paper-based documents. The transition to electronic filing is expected to not only improve the efficiency of the appellate process but also make it more accessible for all parties involved.In addition to electronic filing, the Court of Appeals also announced updates to its scheduling procedures. Moving forward, appeals will be assigned to specific panels of judges at the beginning of the appellate process, rather than waiting until the case is ready for oral argument. This change is intended to provide parties with more clarity regarding the timeline for their appeals and ensure timely resolution of cases.Furthermore, the Court of Appeals introduced new requirements for the length and format of appellate briefs. The updated rules aim to promote concise and clear arguments, making it easier for judges to understand and evaluate the issues presented in each case. Additionally, parties are now required to include hyperlinks to authorities cited in their briefs, further enhancing the accessibility of appellate documents.Overall, these changes represent a significant step forward for appellate practice in the District of Columbia. By embracing electronic filing, improving scheduling procedures, and updating rules for appellate briefs, the Court of Appeals is paving the way for a more efficient and accessible appellate process. These updates are sure to have a lasting impact on the District of Columbia's legal community, shaping the way appellate cases are handled for years to come.