The Northern District of California’s new procedural guidance for class action settlements is among the most detailed in the nation, prompting welcome relief to critics but raising fresh concerns for some practitioners.

The guidance, announced on Nov. 1, comes as little surprise to lawyers who practice in the Northern District of California, which is home to numerous consumer class actions and judges who have spoken out about reforms. The guidance also mimics proposed changes to the Federal Rule 23 of Civil Procedure.