NY Times Legal Correspondent Launches New Newsletter

Adam Liptak aims to demystify the justice system with his new weekly newsletter, "The Docket"

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Adam Liptak, The New York Times' chief legal affairs correspondent, is launching a new weekly newsletter called "The Docket" to help readers better understand the justice system and legal developments. Liptak, who has covered the Supreme Court for over 18 years, says the newsletter will answer reader questions, provide context on legal issues, and explore both weighty and quirky legal topics in an accessible and engaging way.

Why it matters

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, especially with the ongoing impact of the Trump administration, there is a growing need for authoritative yet approachable coverage that can cut through the complexity and jargon of the justice system. Liptak's new newsletter aims to fill that gap by translating complex legal matters into clear, conversational language for a general audience.

The details

Liptak, who practiced law for 14 years before becoming a journalist, says his experience as a civil litigator specializing in First Amendment issues has given him unique insights into how the legal system works in practice. Unlike the Sidebar column he previously wrote for The Times, The Docket will feature multiple reported pieces, reader Q&As, and overviews of The Times' legal coverage. Liptak plans to closely follow several high-profile Supreme Court cases in 2026, including ones related to President Trump's tariff programs, immigration policies, and attempts to remove heads of independent agencies.

  • The Docket newsletter will be published weekly on Thursdays.

The players

Adam Liptak

The New York Times' chief legal affairs correspondent, who has covered the Supreme Court for over 18 years and previously wrote the Sidebar column.

Roz Helderman

Liptak's editor at The New York Times.

Jodi Rudoren

The New York Times' newsletters director.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If I do it right, it'll be both informative and entertaining.”

— Adam Liptak (The New York Times)

“Lawyers and judges write long briefs and opinions laden with legal jargon, and just cutting through that noise and turning it into accessible, reasonably short conversational English is a real journalistic goal.”

— Adam Liptak (The New York Times)

The takeaway

Liptak's new newsletter, "The Docket", aims to demystify the justice system and legal developments for a general audience, providing much-needed clarity and context in an era of increasing legal complexity and uncertainty.