Breaking Barriers to Justice
Federal Rules Updates
Transportation Committee in the BUILD America 250 Act. AAJ vigorously opposed this provision, as well as an amendment immunizing peer-to-peer car rental companies such as Turo, and a provision removing any legal obligation to recall and repair defects labeled “optional” on rented or leased commercial vehicles. AAJ worked to ensure that many other problematic provisions, including broker-shipper immunity and several measures restricting remedies, were not included in the bill, and we are continuing to work to prevent this legislation from advancing further. On June 17, nearly 1,900 survivors of sexual assault and rape sent a letter to Congress to oppose the proposal that would eliminate nearly all claims against ride-hail companies. It makes an enormous difference when lawmakers hear directly from people who have been impacted. Read AAJ’s press release and a recent news article in the progressive news outlet, The Lever.
The Committee on Practice and Procedure met in Chicago in June and approved several amendments that will take effect on December 1, 2027:
7.1 (Disclosure) 41(a) (Voluntary Dismissal by Plaintiff) 45(b) (Serving a Subpoena) 45(c) (Subpoena for Remote Testimony) 81(c) (Demand for a Jury Trial) FRAP 29 (Amicus Briefs)
The Committee approved proposed amendments for the 2026-2027 comment period, including amendments to privacy rules for civil, criminal, and bankruptcy rules. AAJ supports these amendments, which would remove social security numbers and require the use of pseudonyms for minors. Access AAJ’s member-only Rules Tracker.
Keeping Vigilant
In order to prevail so that injured people can continue to seek justice in the courts, we must be vigilant. AAJ is monitoring state and federal legislation, building consensus among diverse groups; We’re filing amicus briefs not only in the U.S. Supreme Court, but also in appellate and state courts, prioritizing cases that present significant interest to the trial bar; We’re actively working in the federal rules arena to ensure that the plaintiff voice is represented as we advocate for fair and balanced rules. Through this comprehensive approach, we remain strong, moving forward in the fight for accountability for all plaintiff lawyers and their clients.
Amicus Curiae Updates
Notwithstanding the decision in Monsanto v. Durnell, since January 2026, in cases of significance to AAJ’s mission and its members, The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has ruled in favor of AAJ’s position nine times, with eight of those being unanimous decisions. On June 11, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiff in Keathley v. Buddy Ayers Construction, Inc., 608 U.S. In Keathley, AAJ filed an amicus brief highlighting the flimsy historical background of judicial estoppel, which Justice Thomas cited in his concurrence.
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Consumer Attorneys of California
FORUM July/August 2026
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