The Eastern District of Pennsylvania recently completed a two-year process of updating and revising its local civil rules. Shareholder and Litigation Group chair John Summers served as chair of the Advisory Committee, collaborating with the court’s staff counsel and the Civil Business Committee, chaired by Judge Gerald McHugh, to modify the local rules.
Working alongside committee members, John played an instrumental role in formalizing procedures related to electronic filing and implementing permanent pandemic-related protocols, including the option to conduct arbitrations via video conference. The revised rules also established a formal procedure for consolidating cases and overhauled the procedures for the taxation of costs.
During a recent meeting of the Board of Judges, the court passed a resolution commending the members of the Advisory Committee for their extraordinary commitment of time and effort in enhancing the administration of justice.
