Three important changes to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure are scheduled to take effect on Dec. 1. These amendments will affect the due dates for appellate reply briefs, the acceptance or rejection of amicus briefs that would result in the recusal of appellate judges and the procedures governing a federal appellate court’s stay of its mandate in cases where U.S. Supreme Court review will be sought.

Nearly two years ago, on Dec. 1, 2016, the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure were amended to eliminate the extra three days for responding or replying to briefs or motions that were served electronically. At the time, one concern that advocates voiced about that change was the effect it would have on the period for filing a reply brief.