Hon. Wilma Guzman — Part IA-7 Rules

*Effective September 26, 2025

PART 7 RULES

JUSTICE WILMA GUZMAN

Courtroom 624

Bronx County Supreme Court

851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451

BxSupCiv-IA7@nycourts.gov

1. Communication with Chambers

A. Letters. Any communication with the Court must be by letter filed electronically via

NYSCEF or sent to all counsel in non-efile cases. Letters and/or emails, solely between parties or

their counsel and not addressed to the Court, may not be filed on NYSCEF and will not be

considered or answered by the Court.

B. Scheduling Matters. For questions regarding scheduling and calendar matters,

contact the Part 7 Clerk at (718) 618-1288 or by email to BxSupCiv-IA7@nycourts.gov.

C. Telephone Calls. Telephone calls to Chambers are permitted only in emergency

situations requiring immediate attention. Do not contact Chambers for the status of a pending

motion. No information regarding pending decisions will be provided.

D. Requests for Adjournments of Motions, Hearings, and Conferences. Requests for

adjournments or extensions of time must be filed in the form of a stipulation on NYSCEF. Any

request for an adjournment of a court appearance shall be made at least 48 hours prior to the

scheduled date. Hearings and oral argument on motions are held on Mondays, or in the event of a

Monday holiday, on the following Wednesday. Stipulations for adjournments are deemed granted

unless counsel is otherwise notified by the Court. If the parties are unable to agree upon the terms of

an adjournment, all counsel must appear on the originally scheduled appearance date.

**The failure of any party to appear for a scheduled conference, hearing, or other appearance

before the Court may result in the imposition of a sanction pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.27.

E. Ex-Parte communications. Any ex-parte communication, whether via email or

otherwise, will not be considered or responded to by the Court.

2. Emergency Relief. Any proposed Order to Show Cause seeking a temporary restraining

order or other form of emergency relief must be filed via NYSCEF and also emailed to the Part 7

Clerk at BxSupCiv-IA7@nycourts.gov.

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3. Discovery

A. Preliminary Conference Orders. Parties may avoid an appearance by completing

and uploading to NYSCEF a Preliminary Conference Stipulation to be So-Ordered by the Court,

which is attached to these Part Rules. The form must be uploaded as NYSCEF Document:

“Preliminary Conference Order (Proposed).” In non-NYSCEF matters, or where a party has opted

out of NYSCEF, the completed form must be sent by email to BxSupCiv-IA7@nycourts.gov.

Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.19, all disclosure must be completed within 8, 12 or 15 months in

expedited, standard and complex cases, respectively.

**In the event the parties fail to upload a Preliminary Conference stipulation, or upload a

preliminary conference stipulation that is not acceptable to the Court, all parties must appear on the

scheduled preliminary conference date and time.

B. Compliance Conferences. No later than 60 days before the deadline for the

completion of discovery, an in-person Compliance Conference shall be held to monitor the progress

of discovery, explore potential settlement, and set a deadline for the filing of the note of issue.

Compliance conferences are held IN-PERSON on Monday afternoons.

C. Note of Issue. The Note of Issue may be filed only upon stipulation that all

discovery is complete, or by Order of the Court.

D. Discovery Motions. Upon the filing of a discovery-related motion (including any

motion to dismiss or strike pleadings based on a discovery violation) the Court will schedule a

conference to facilitate resolution of the dispute. In lieu of filing a motion, a party may request a

pre-motion conference by filing a letter with the Court through NYSCEF. Discovery conferences are

held in-person on Monday afternoons.

**The failure of any party to appear for a scheduled conference, hearing, or other appearance

before the Court may result in the imposition of sanctions pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.27.

4. Motions for Summary Judgment. All motions for summary judgment must be filed no

later than 60 days after the filing of the Note of Issue. The Court does not require submission of a

Statement of Material Facts.

5. General Motion Practice

A. Filing of Motion Papers. Motion papers, as well as all submissions to the Court,

including proposed orders, proposed judgments, stipulations to be So-Ordered, and letters, must be

electronically filed via the NYSCEF system. In non-NYSCEF cases, motion papers shall be filed

with the Bronx County Clerk’s Office promptly after service. The return date set forth in a motion is

NOT the date for oral argument. Oral argument is scheduled by the Part Clerk following the return

date.

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B. Proposed Orders. Where appropriate, the moving party on any motion, application,

order to show cause, or other request for substantive relief shall submit a proposed order for

signature by the Court via NYSCEF.

C. Courtesy Copies. Courtesy copies are NOT required unless specifically requested

by Chambers.

D. Oral Argument on Motions. All motions, orders to show cause, and other

submissions that are marked “fully submitted” by the Motion Support Office are scheduled for oral

argument by the Part 7 Clerk. All motions require IN-PERSON appearances in Courtroom 624 by

all counsel. A party who does not oppose a motion, or takes no position on a motion, may upload a

letter to NYSCEF so indicating and need not appear for oral argument. Oral argument is scheduled

on Mondays. In the event of a Monday holiday, oral argument is held on the following Wednesday.

The return date set forth in a motion is NOT the date for oral argument. Oral argument is scheduled

by the Part Clerk following the return date.

E. Motion Calendar Call. Part 7 is not a “check-in” Part. All parties appearing for a

motion must appear at the designated time. The motion calendar call begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.

on Mondays. Cases are called in the order they appear on the calendar. A second and final calendar

call will immediately follow the first call of each motion, at which time a default order may be issued

if a party fails to appear.

F. Virtual Conferences. The Court does not conduct virtual conferences absent exigent

circumstances. In the event that a virtual conference is scheduled, via Microsoft Teams, counsel will

receive further instructions from the Part Clerk.

G. Compliance with Uniform Civil Rules / CPLR. All parties must comply with 22

NYCRR § 202.8 and the CPLR with respect to motion practice. All motions for summary judgment

must be filed no later than 60 days following the filing of the Note of Issue.

6. Settlement Conferences

A. At any time during the pendency of an action, any party may request a settlement

conference with the Court if they believe that a conference will help effectuate a settlement or

otherwise expedite the case. Any such request must be filed by letter on NYSCEF with the consent of

all counsel.

B. Settlement Conferences are scheduled for specific dates and times. There is no

general calendar for such conferences. Counsel must appear at the scheduled time or a default may

be entered.

C. One week prior to any settlement conference with the Court, counsel shall confer to

convey a demand and offer. All attorneys appearing at settlement conferences must be fully familiar

with the facts and issues of the case and must have full authority to enter into a binding stipulation of

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settlement on behalf of their client(s). Counsel should also be prepared to discuss the status and

amount of any liens and/or litigation funding agreements. All counsel must notify their clients and/or

claims representatives of the settlement conference, who should be available, by phone or otherwise,

at the time of the conference.

7. Trials

A. Assignment. Trials are assigned under the direction of the Trial Assignment Part

(TAP). All counsel and parties assigned to Part 7 for trial must be ready to proceed from the time the

case is assigned to this Part through the conclusion of the trial.

B. Motions in limine. All motions addressing evidentiary issues or other matters which

should be resolved in limine that are not raised at the first appearance in Part 7 may be deemed

waived. Motions in limine are generally not required to be submitted in writing unless they involve

complex issues of law or fact.

C. Filings Prior to Trial. At least two business days prior to the date scheduled for trial,

each party shall submit:

1. Two business cards/contact information, including email and cell phone numbers.

2. Copies of relevant stipulations and pleadings.

3. A list of the names of all witnesses (both fact witnesses and expert witnesses) that

each party intends to call, in the likely order of appearance.

4. Any stipulations or statements of fact or law which have been agreed to by all parties.

5. Motions, where necessary, addressing evidentiary issues or other issues to be

resolved in limine.

6. Proposed verdict sheets and requests to charge (PJI charges must reference the most

recent edition).

7. A list by each party of exhibits to be offered in its case in chief, with a star indicating

exhibits to which no party objects.

8. Requests for interpreters.

9. Any special requests for the use of technology in the Courtroom.

10. In jury cases, a brief summary of the relevant facts and contentions, and any

anticipated issues in the case. The Court will not share the summary with opposing counsel.

8. Infant Compromise Orders

A. Once the Infant Compromise Order and necessary documents have been submitted to

the Clerk’s Office in Room 217 and reviewed by the Court, the parties will be advised of the hearing

date by the Part Clerk.

B. In order to avoid delay and ensure that all required documentation is submitted,

counsel or pro se litigants should obtain an Infant Compromise Order checklist from Room 217

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before submission of the proposed Order. Proposed Infant Compromise Orders without the required

documentation will delay the process and may eventually be rejected.

C. The infant’s appearance will not be waived. Plaintiff’s counsel must make all

arrangements to have the infant and parent/natural guardian appear in person. The Court does not

conduct virtual conferences absent exigent circumstances. In the event that a virtual conference is

scheduled via Teams, counsel will receive further instructions from the Part Clerk.

D. Proof of identity of the guardian appearing at the hearing must be furnished to the

Court either prior to or on the date of the hearing.

9. Inquests / Framed Issue Hearings

Inquests and framed issue hearings are scheduled based on the Court’s availability. All

evidence introduced at hearings and inquests must be in admissible form.

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SUPREMECOURTOFTHESTATEOFNEWYORK

COUNTYOFBRONX:PART7

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PRELIMINARYCONFERENCEORDER

Plaintiff(s),

IndexNo._______________________

-against-

DateRJIFiled:___________________

Defendant(s).

-------------------------------------------------------------------x

APPEARANCES:

Plaintiff:________________________________ Defendant1:________________________________

Attorney:________________________________ Attorney:___________________________________

Firm:___________________________________ Firm_______________________________________

Defendant2:____________________________ Defendant3:________________________________

Attorney:_______________________________ Attorney:___________________________________

Firm:___________________________________ Firm:______________________________________

*ThirdPartyDefendant(s):_______________________________________________________________

DCMtrack: ⬜ Standard(12months) ⬜ complex(15months) ⬜ Expedited(8months)

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I. INSURANCEINFORMATION

Ifnotalreadyprovided,theexistenceandcontentsofany insuranceagreement,both primaryand

excess,asdescribedin CPLR §3101(f),shallbeprovidedwithinthirty(30)days.

II. BILLSOFPARTICULARS

(a)Demand(s)foraBillofParticularsshallbeservedonorbefore_______________________.

(b)PlaintiffshallserveaVerifiedBillofParticularswithinthirty(30)daysafterreceiptofademand.

(c)Defendant(s)shallserveuponthePlaintiffaVerifiedBillofParticularsastoanyaffirmative

defensesand/orcounterclaimsintheAnswer(s)withintwenty(20)daysafterreceiptofsuchdemand.

III. MEDICALAUTHORIZATIONS

HIPAAcompliantmedicalauthorizationsshallbefurnishedtoDefendant(s)withintwenty(20)

daysforallmedicalproviderswhohavetreatedPlaintifffortheallegedinjuriesincluding:

___________________________________ _____________________________________

___________________________________ ______________________________________

___________________________________ _____________________________________

IV. OTHERDISCLOSURE

(a) Allpartiesshallexchangethenamesandaddressesofallwitnesses,opposingparties’statements,

ifany,photographs,andvideoswithintwenty(20)days. Ifnoneexit,counselshallprovidean

affirmation,filedonNYSCEF,soindicating.

(b)PlaintiffshallprovidetoDefendant(s)withintwenty(20)daysauthorizationsfor:

____IRS/IncomeRecords(W-2s,1099s,taxreturns,asapplicable)

____Employmentrecords

(c) AnyaffidavitmadepursuanttoJacksonv.NewYork,185A.D.2d768(1stDep’t1992)mustset

forthindetailwheretherequestedrecordswerelikelytobekept,whatefforts,ifany,weremadeto

preservethem,whethersuchrecordswereroutinelydestroyed,orwhetherasearchhadbeen

conductedineverylocationwheretherecordswerelikelytobefound.

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V. EXAMINATIONSBEFORETRIAL

(a)Plaintiff’sdepositionshallbeheldon_________________________________________.

(b)Defendant(s)deposition(s)shallbeheldon ____________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________.

(c)Whereadepositionissoughtofacorporation,estate,trust,limitedliabilitycompany,

government,orotherlegalorcommercialentity,thepartiesmuststrictlycomplywith22NYCRR§

202.20-d.

(d)Non-Partydepositionsshallbecompletedonorbefore_________________________________.

VI. PHYSICALEXAMINATION

(a)ExaminationofPlaintiffshallbeheldonorbefore_______________________________.

(b)Acopyofthephysician’sreportshallbefurnishedtoPlaintiffwithinthirtydaysofthe

examination.

VII. POSTEBTDEMANDS

(a)Post-EBTDemandsshallbeservedwithintwentydaysaftercompletionofthedeposition.

VIII. DISCOVERYMOTIONS

(a)Discoverymotionsmaynotbefileduntilthepartieshave(i)conferredtoattempttoresolvethe

disputepursuantto22NYCRR§202.7(a)(2),and(ii)participatedinapre-motionconferencewith

theCourt.

(b)

(c)If,aftermakingagoodfaithefforttoresolveanydiscoverydispute,interventionoftheCourtis

necessary,thepartiesshallfilealettertoNYSCEFrequestingadiscoveryconferencecontaininga

briefdescriptionoftheissue. Discoveryconferencesareheldin-person

IX. ADDITIONALDIRECTIVES

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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X. NOTEOFISSUE

TheNoteofIssueandCertificateofReadiness

XI. SUMMARYJUDGMENT/DISPOSITIVEMOTIONS

Allmotionsforsummaryjudgmentmustbefilednolaterthansixty(60)daysafterthefilingofthe

NoteofIssue.

ALLDISCLOSURESHALLBECOMPLETEDONORBEFORE_______________________________.

*No adjournments of any time directive above shall be permitted without prior permission of

the Court.

SoStipulated:

Plaintiff:_________________________________ Defendant#1:______________________________

Name:__________________________________ Name:____________________________________

Firm:___________________________________ Firm: ____________________________________

Defendant#2:_____________________________ Defendant#3:_______________________________

Name:___________________________________ Name:_____________________________________

Firm: ___________________________________ Firm: _____________________________________

*ThirdPartyDefendant(s):_______________________________________________________________

SOORDEREDthis____ dayof_____________,20____:

____________________________________

HON.WILMAGUZMAN,J.S.C.

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