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On September 13, 2025, the state of Wisconsin announced significant changes to its civil practice rules aimed at expediting court proceedings and improving efficiency within the judicial system. These changes come as a response to the growing backlog of cases faced by Wisconsin courts in recent years.One of the most notable changes is the introduction of mandatory mediation in all civil cases before they can proceed to trial. This new requirement is expected to help parties reach settlements more quickly and reduce the strain on the court system. Under the new rules, parties will be required to participate in mediation within 60 days of a case being filed, with limited exceptions for cases involving emergencies or imminent harm.Additionally, Wisconsin courts will now implement a strict timeline for the resolution of civil cases. The new rules require parties to complete all discovery within 120 days of a case being filed, and the court must issue a trial date within 90 days of the close of discovery. This timeline is intended to ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner and prevent unnecessary delay.Another key change is the implementation of electronic filing for all civil cases. Attorneys will now be required to submit all documents electronically, reducing the need for paper filings and streamlining the process for both attorneys and court staff. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize the court system and make it more accessible and efficient for all parties involved.In response to these changes, Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court praised the new rules as a positive step towards improving the state's civil practice system. "These changes will help to ensure that cases are resolved more quickly and efficiently, benefiting both litigants and the court system as a whole," said Chief Justice.Overall, the implementation of these new civil practice rules is expected to have a significant impact on court proceedings in Wisconsin, leading to faster resolution of cases and a more streamlined and efficient judicial system. It is hoped that these changes will help to alleviate the backlog of cases and improve access to justice for all parties involved in civil litigation.