On February 23, 2026, Louisiana civil practice experienced significant developments in procedural rules and court operations that are set to impact how cases are handled in the state.One of the major changes is the amendment to the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, which now requires parties involved in civil litigation to participate in mandatory mediation before heading to trial. This new requirement aims to alleviate the backlog of cases in the state's courts and promote faster resolution of disputes.In addition to the mediation requirement, the Louisiana Supreme Court announced new guidelines for remote court proceedings. With the ongoing technological advancements, courts in Louisiana have been directed to expand their use of virtual hearings and remote proceedings to improve efficiency and accessibility for litigants, attorneys, and the public.Furthermore, the Louisiana State Bar Association introduced a new rule that allows attorneys to represent clients in civil cases on a limited scope basis. This means that attorneys can now provide legal services for specific tasks or portions of a case, rather than handling the entire matter. This rule change is aimed at increasing access to justice for individuals who may not be able to afford full representation.These changes in Louisiana civil practice have been met with mixed reactions from legal professionals and stakeholders. Some view the mandatory mediation requirement as a positive step towards streamlining the legal process, while others express concerns about potential delays and increased costs associated with mediation.Overall, these developments in civil practice in Louisiana represent a shift towards more efficient and accessible legal procedures that are designed to benefit both litigants and the court system as a whole. It will be interesting to see how these changes play out in practice and how they will impact the resolution of civil disputes in the state.