NLRB Division of Judges Releases 2025 Bench Book

Washington, D.C - The Judges Division of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued an updated Bench Book, which replaces the last update issued in April 2024. The Bench Book serves as an NLRB trial manual and is designed to provide NLRB Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) with a reference guide during hearings. It is also a useful tool for practitioners before the Board because it sets forth Board precedent and other rulings and authorities on certain recurring procedural and evidentiary issues that may arise during hearings. 

This year’s edition also includes a separate document called “Substantive Additions to the 2025 NLRB ALJ Bench Book,” which identifies the major updates to this year’s bench book. The updated sections in this edition address a variety of topics, including pleadings, subpoenas, settlements, special appeals, sequestration of witnesses, and evidence.  

The 2025 edition was edited by (now retired) ALJ Jeffrey Wedekind, who served as the Bench Book editor since 2010, and ALJs Mara-Louise Anzalone, Lauren Esposito and Charles Muhl as associate editors. It also includes a foreword by Chief ALJ Robert Giannasi describing the Bench Book’s history and purpose. 

The new 2025 Bench Book and the substantive additions document can now be found on the public website here:  Manuals | National Labor Relations Board.