February 21, 2026 - In a historic move, the Virginia Supreme Court has announced significant changes to the civil practice rules in the state, aimed at streamlining the legal process and improving access to justice for all residents. The changes, which come into effect immediately, are expected to have a profound impact on how civil cases are litigated in Virginia.One of the most significant changes is the introduction of mandatory mediation for all civil cases filed in Virginia courts. This means that parties will now be required to attempt mediation before their case can proceed to trial. The goal of this change is to encourage settlement negotiations early on in the litigation process, potentially reducing the caseload in the courts and saving parties time and money.In addition to mandatory mediation, the Virginia Supreme Court has also implemented new rules regarding electronic filing and service of documents in civil cases. Attorneys will now be required to file all documents electronically, and service of documents on opposing parties must also be done electronically. This move is aimed at modernizing the legal process in Virginia and reducing paperwork and administrative costs.Furthermore, the Virginia Supreme Court has announced changes to the rules governing discovery in civil cases. Parties will now be subject to stricter limits on the number of discovery requests they can make, as well as timelines for responding to discovery requests. These changes are intended to ensure that the discovery process is more efficient and cost-effective for all parties involved.The legal community in Virginia has expressed mixed reactions to these changes. While some attorneys welcome the new rules as a positive step towards improving the civil justice system in the state, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on their practice and the rights of their clients. However, the Virginia Supreme Court has emphasized that these changes are necessary to adapt to the evolving legal landscape and ensure that justice is served in a timely and efficient manner.Overall, the changes to the civil practice rules in Virginia represent a significant shift in how civil cases are litigated in the state. It remains to be seen how these changes will be implemented in practice and what impact they will have on the legal community and residents of Virginia. One thing is certain - the legal landscape in Virginia has undergone a major transformation, and the effects of these changes will be felt for years to come.