NLRB Division of Judges Releases 2026 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 May 2025. 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 2026 NLRB ALJ Bench Book,” which identifies the major updates to this year’s Bench Book.  The updated sections in this edition address a wide range of topics, including pleadings, appearances at hearing, subpoenas, settlements and special appeals, sequestration of witnesses, the hearing record, Board precedent and relitigation of issues, supplemental or related proceedings, and evidence.  The 2026 Bench Book was edited by editor Judge Charles J. Muhl and associate editors Judges Mara-Louise Anzalone, Lauren Esposito, and John Giannopoulos.  Now retired Judge Jeffrey D. Wedekind, who previously served as the Bench Book editor beginning in 2010, has been designated the Bench Book’s Editor Emeritus.  The Bench Book also includes a foreword by Chief Judge Robert Giannasi describing the Bench Book’s history and purpose. 

The new 2026 Bench Book and the substantive additions document can now be found on the public website here:  Manuals | National Labor Relations Board.