Professor Edward Hartnett Appointed by Chief Justice Roberts to Serve as Reporter to the Judicial Conference Committee on the Rules of Practice and Procedure

On October 16, 2025, John Roberts, the Chief Justice  of the United States, appointed Seton Hall Law School Professor Edward Hartnett to serve a five-year term as the Reporter to the Judicial Conference Committee on the Rules of Practice and Procedure, commonly referred to as the “Standing Committee,” to take effect in February 2026.  In this role, Professor Hartnett will assist the Standing Committee as it reviews and coordinates the recommendations of five advisory committees, addressed to Federal Rules of Appellate, Bankruptcy, Civil, and Criminal, Procedure as well as the Federal Rules of Evidence. The Standing Committee recommends to the Judicial Conference proposed rule changes “as may be necessary to maintain consistency and otherwise promote the interests of justice.” 28 U.S.C. § 2073(b).

The Standing Committee and the advisory committees are composed of federal judges, practicing lawyers, law professors, state chief justices, and representatives of the Department of Justice. Each committee has a reporter, a prominent law professor, who is responsible for coordinating the committee's agenda and drafting appropriate amendments to the rules and explanatory committee notes.

“I am honored that the Chief Justice has appointed me to discharge these important responsibilities,” said Professor Hartnett. “I look forward to supporting the work of the Standing Committee.”

“The appointment of Professor Hartnett to this prominent role is a testament to his esteemed reputation and long record of exceptional service,” said Dean Ronald Weich. “I am incredibly proud to see a Seton Hall Law Professor contributing to the work of the Judicial Conference in this distinguished role.”

Professor Hartnett is the fourth reporter for the Standing Committee, following the service of professors from Notre Dame, Boston College, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania.