Hon. Marguerite A. Grays — Part B Rules

Commercial Division Part B Rules

JUSTICE MARGUERITE A. GRAYS

SupremeCourtoftheStateofNewYork,QueensCounty

88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 11435

Courtroom 66

Commercial Division Part B Email: QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov

Principal Law Clerk: Jasmine Valle-Bueno, Esq.

Principal Secretary: Ms.MelonieD.Holder-Mayzoub

Part Clerk: Mr. Eric Kang

CDPartB/courtroom: 718-298-1214

CDPartB/chambers: 718-298-1212

IASMotionSupport: (718)298-1009

Ex Parte Support Office: (718)298-1018

VirtualMotionCalendar: Tuesdaysat10:00a.m.(Noappearanceunlessotherwisedirectedby

the Court.)

CDPre-TrialConference: As scheduled INPERSON unlessotherwise directedbytheCourt.

Preliminary Conferences: CommercialDivision-Mondaysat11:30a.m.INPERSON

ComplianceConferences: CommercialDivision -Tuesdaysat 11:30a.m.INPERSON

GENERAL

1. All counsel and pro se litigants must familiarize themselves with these Part Rules and the

Rules of the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court (22 NYCRR §202.70).1

2. PleasenotifytheCourt immediately, especiallywhilea motion is pending, if the action or

petition has been settled, discontinued and/or the motion has been resolved, via email at

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov, and copy all parties to the action.

3. CommercialDivisionPartBisanelectronicpart.CorrespondencewiththisPartshall

bebye-mail,whichisthepreferredmethodofcommunication,orbytelephone,only.

Postal mail is discouraged unless necessary to provide the Court with an originally

executed document.

4. AllinquiriesregardingmotionsmustbemadetoeitherMotionSupport at(718-298-1009)

or the Clerk of the Part QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov, or (718) 298-1214. No telephone

inquiriesconcerningmotionsorapplicationsmaybemadetochambers.Pleaseinclude

1 TheCommercialDivisionRulesareavailableat: http://ww2.nycourts.gov/rules/trialcourts/202.shtml#70.

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caption, index number and a brief description of the subject matter of the email in the

“subject” box. All appearing parties must be included on any email.

5. Counsel and litigants (represented or self-represented) are advised that Justice Grays, her

Principal Law Clerk, and the Part Clerk maynot engage in anyex partecommunications.

6. To create opportunities for attorneys knowledgeable with the subject matter of the action

before the Court, and who historically have been under-represented in the Commercial

Division,participationbysuchattorneysisstronglyencouraged. Thiscanbeachieved,for

example, by having a less senior attorney, who prepared the brief on a motion, argue the

motion before Justice Grays.

7. Important - Individual Court Parts DO NOT receive email notification when papers

are uploaded to NYSCEF. All stipulations of discontinuance should be uploaded to

NYSCEF and emailed to QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov.

ELECTRONICFILING

1. AllcasesinCommercialDivisionPartBarerequiredtobeelectronicallyfiledthroughthe

NewYorkStateCourtsE-Filing(NYSCEF)system. Attorneysareexpectedtofamiliarize

themselves with the NYSCEF procedures.

2. All efiled documents must be text-searchable. All electronically-submitted memorandum

of law must be comply with Rule (NYCRR §202.70) contain bookmarks, pursuant to

Commercial Division Rule 6.

3. Partiesshouldconsiderconvertinganon-efiledmattertoe-filing.Toconverttoe-filing,the

partiesmustexecutethisform(StipulationandConsenttoE-filingForm)andsendthefully

executed form to efile@nycourts.gov, or, if any party does not consent to converting the

mattertoe-filing,anypartymayexecutetheLetterApplicationtoConvertPendingAction

to E-filing .

INTEGRATEDCOURTROOMTECHNOLOGY(ICT)

Courtroom 66 is equipped with up-to-date Integrated Courtroom Technology (ICT).

AttorneysandlitigantsareencouragedtofamiliarizethemselveswiththeCourtroomModernization

Initiative (CMI) Courtroom instructions. Any attorney who intends to utilize the ICT equipment

duringatrialorhearing,MUST notifythePartClerkatleastfourteen(14)dayspriortothetrialor

hearing,andshouldcontactthePartClerktoscheduleadateandtimetocomeintothecourtroom

prior to the trial or hearing to test-run the equipment.

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ADJOURNMENTS

Alladjournments2(motions,conferences,trials) requirepriorCourtapproval. EXPARTE

APPLICATIONSFORADJOURNMENTSWILLNOTBECONSIDERED.

DISCOVERYDISPUTES

1. At this time, all conferences will be conducted virtually via Microsoft TEAMS unless

otherwise directed by the Court.

2. Priortofilingadiscovery-relatedmotion,includingbutnotlimitedto,MotionstoVacatethe

NoteofIssue,MotionstoRestore,MotionstoStrikePleadings,MotionstoDemandBillof

Particulars, and Motions to Preclude, the parties are directed to send an email to

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov and copy ALL parties to the email, to request a virtual

conference. The email should include a summaryof the discovery related issue(s).

3. Ifthepartiesareexploringsettlementofthecaseandwouldlikeasettlementconferencefor

the sole purpose of exploring resolution of the case, the parties may send an email to

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov with a copy to ALL parties to request a virtual settlement

conference.

4. Onlyattorneysthoroughlyfamiliarwiththecasemayappearforavirtualconference.

The attorneys should have on hand signed copies of all prior decisions, orders and

stipulations that are relevant to the issue(s) to be discussed at the conference.

VIRTUALCONFERENCES–GENERALPROTOCOL

1. Alllawyersandlitigants shouldidentifythemselves atthebeginningofeach appearance.

2. All microphones should be muted when not in use.

3. Courtroomrulesapply-speakoneatatimeanddonotinterruptotherspeakers,includingthe

Judge.

4. Recording the proceeding by anyone other than the Judge, Court Reporter orotherCourt

personnel, is PROHIBITED.

5. Allappearingpartiesshouldmakeeveryefforttoappearviavideo,withcamerasengaged.

Telephonic appearances should be limited to litigants who are unable to appear via video.

6. Maintain the decorum of an in-person courtroom. Lawyers and litigants should appear in

2Applicationsforanadjournmentonmotionswillbegrantedasamatterofrightforthe

first time. Said adjournment shall not exceed four (4) weeks.

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business attire from an office or quiet space. Background noise is detrimental to the

conditions necessary to ensure an accurate transcript and diminishes the decorum of the

proceeding.

7. Ifanindividualisunabletoappearviavideo,thatindividualshouldcontactthePartprior

to the scheduled court date at QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov.

8. If you would like to perform a test run of your equipment prior to anyvirtual conference

hearing or trial, please contact https://portal.nycourts.gov.

9. Foradditionalinformationregardingvirtualappearances,pleaseseetheVirtualAppearance

Guide at https://nycourts.gov/appear.

VIRTUALEVIDENCECOURTROOM

The Virtual Evidence Courtroom (VEC)1 has been created to allow for the submission of

evidence electronically in NYSCEF cases. Currently, the VEC functionality is available in some

SupremeCourtCivilcases.Ifyourcaseisscheduledforanon-jurytrialinCDPartBandallparties

consent to utilizing the VEC, please submit your request for access to the VEC by emailing

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov at least thirty (30) days prior to scheduled trial date.

EMERGENCYAPPLICATIONS

1. JusticeGraysisavailableforemergencyapplications. Theapplicationmustbeaccompanied

by a separate Emergency Affidavit.

2. When making an emergency application or Order to Show Cause application, the parties

shallprovidetheiremailaddress(es)anddirecttelephonenumbersofallpartiesbysending

an email to QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov.

MOTIONPRACTICE

1. Motion calendars forefiled motions areheld virtuallyonaweeklybasis. Motions shallbe

made returnable Tuesdays, at 10:00 a.m. The motion calendar is on submission only

unless otherwise directed. Appearance is not required, nor are working copies

required.

2. Please do not call Chambers or the Part to request an adjournment. Applications for an

adjournment will be grantedas amatterof right on consent for the first time for no longer

greaterthanfour(4)weeks. Nofurtherapplicationswillbegrantedwithoutpermissionof

1 The VEC instructions are available at

https://iappscontent.courts.state.ny.us/NYSCEF/live/help/EvidenceCourtInstructions.pdf

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the Court. Counsel must make every effort to notify their adversaries of their intention to

seek an adjournment.

3. MicrosoftTEAMSistheonlyplatformforconductingvirtualcourtproceedings.TheUnified

Court System does not use Zoom to conduct virtual conferences.

4. NON-EFILED MOTIONS WILL BE CALENDERED FOR AN IN-PERSON

APPEARANCE ON THE RETURN DATE AND ANY SUBSEQUENT ADJOURNED

DATE. Partiesshouldconsiderconvertingthemattertoe-filing. Toconverttoe-filing,the

parties must execute this form Stipulation and Consent to E-filing Form and send a fully

executed form to efile@nycourts.gov.

5. THE COURT WILL NOT CONSIDER PAPERS ELECTRONICALLY FILED

AFTER THE CALL OF THE CALENDAR.

6. No motion relating to disclosure will be accepted without an affirmation of good faith as

required by 22 NYCRR §202.7.

7. Except for discovery motions, no prior permission is required before making a motion.

Justice Grays does not require a letter pursuant to Rule 24 of 22 NYCRR §202.70 unless

expresslyrequested. Priortomakingadiscoverymotion,partiesmustcontactChambersto

arrange a mutually convenient date and time for a virtual conference call via email at

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov. The email shall include a summary of the discovery related

issue(s).

8. Commercial Division motions shall have the words “COMMERCIAL DIVISION”

clearlyandconspicuouslymarkedontheNoticeofMotionorOrdertoShowCauseby

the moving party.

9. Word limits specified in Commercial Division Rule 17 will be strictly enforced, unless

permission to expand the word limits is granted in advance of the filing of the papers.

10. All Memorandum ofLawmust include aTableof Contents anda TableofAuthorities.

11. Each exhibit to the motion papers must be efiled under its own document number and

include a short label identifying the nature of the exhibit (e.g., Complaint, Contract dated

1/1/19, etc.).

12. AnyattorneyappearingonacaseforanypurposeMUSTbefamiliarwiththecase,and

ready and authorized to resolve any and all issues.

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PAPERS

1. WORKINGCOPIESARENOTREQUIRED. DONOTEMAIL,FAX,ORMAIL

WORKING COPIES TO CHAMBERS OR THE PART.

2. IftheCourtdirectsthatanOrderbesettledorsubmittedonamotioninan e-filedcase,the

proposedOrderandanyproposedCounter-Ordershallbee-filedviaNYSCEFwiththeCourt

with proof of service. As appropriate, the Clerk may make changes on the proposed

Order/Counter-Order.

3. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION MAY

RESULTINREJECTIONOR DENIALOFTHE OFFENDINGSUBMISSION OR THE

SUBSTANTIAL DELAY IN PROCESSING THE SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS.

ALTERNATIVEDISPUTERESOLUTION(ADR)

1. If, at any point, the parties decide that they would benefit from the Commercial Division

ADRprogram,theyshouldwriteajointlettertotheCourtaskingtobereferredtoADRvia

email to QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov.

2. The Court may also order parties to the Commercial Division ADR program without the

parties’ request or consent.

3. For more information regarding the ADR program, please contact Linda Dardis, ADR

Coordinator, at ldardis@nycourts.gov or (718)298-1031, or visit:

Queens Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) | New York Courts.

CONFIDENTIALITY ORDER/SEALING DOCUMENTS

1. AnyOrderregardingtheconfidentialexchangeofinformationmustadheretotheproposed

Stipulation and Order for the Production and Exchange of Confidential Information that

appearsin Appendix Bto the Rules ofPracticefortheCommercialDivision (22 NYCRR

§202.70(g),Rule11-g)2.

2. IfthepartieswishtodeviatefromtheformsetforthinAppendixBtotheRulesofPractice

fortheCommercial Division, theymustdosoincompliancewith 22NYCRR §202.70(g),

Rule 11-g(b).

2 Appendix B to the Rules of Practice for the Commercial Division is available at

CDRules202-70.pdf

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3. Applicationstosealdocumentsshallincludethenatureofthedocument,thereasonforthe

sealingrequest,and “goodcause”therefore(22NYCRR §216.1). TheCourt willconsider

applications to seal documents only by Order to Show Cause or Notice of Motion, not by

stipulation.

TRIALS

1. Parties should consult e-Courts regularlyforCommercial Division trial dates.

2. Each attorney or pro se litigant must submit to the Court, via email at

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov, prior to the commencement of trial, the following:

(a) marked pleadings;

(b) all prior Decisions/Orders in the case;

(c) a witness list;

(d) anexhibit list;

(e) anyNotice to Admit, with response(s);

(f) anyBill of Particulars.

3. EachpartymustnotifytheClerkofthePart,atleastfourteen(14)businessdayspriortothe

commencement of the trial, if any proposed witness needs an interpreter, and if so, the

language and specified dialect, if any.

4. Itisthedutyofcounsel, not courtpersonnel, tomakesureallsubpoenaeddocumentshave

arrived in the subpoenaed records room.

6. Thetrialwillbeconductedonacontinualdailybasisuntilconclusion,unlessotherinstructed

by the Court.

7. No adjournments or delays of the trial will be allowed unless exigent circumstances

exist.

VIRTUALBENCHTRIALS

ForVirtualBenchTrialProtocolsandProcedures,pleaseclickthislink:VirtualBenchTrial

Protocols and Procedures Manual.

SUMMARYBENCHTRIALS

For more information on Summary Bench Trials, please click this link: Queens Supreme

Summary Trial | New York Courts.

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PRE-TRIALCONFERENCES

1. The Pre-Trial Conference calendar will be held in person on Mondays, at 10:00 a.m. in

courtroom 66,oratsuchothertimeastheCourtdirects.Upontheconsent ofallparties, a

virtualpre-trialconferencemayberequested.Anyrequestforavirtualpre-trialconference

shallbemadeatleastfourteen(14)dayspriortothescheduledconference.Allrequestshall

be emailed to QNSPTB@nycourts.gov.

2. Thepartiesshallcomplywiththerelevantpre-trialconferenceandtrialrulesasrequiredby

22NYCRR§202.70,andmustsupplytheCourt,atthetimeofthePre-TrialConference,

with a copy of the marked pleadings via email to QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov.

3. Any party intending to make a motion in limine shall fully comply with Rule 27 of 22

NYCRR§202.70. MotionsinLiminewhicharenottimelymadewillnotbeconsidered

by the Court.

4. Whereapartyisrepresentedbycounsel,anattorneyfullyfamiliarwiththecaseshallappear

at the Pre-Trial Conference.

MANDATORYSETTLEMENTCONFERENCE

PursuanttoRule30ofsection202.70(g)oftheUniformRulesfortheSupremeandCounty

CourtsunlessspecificallyexemptedbyJusticeGraysforgoodcauseshown,thepartiesineverycase

pending in the Commercial Division Part B must participate in a court-ordered Mandatory

Settlement Conference (MSC) following the filing of a Note of Issue.

FollowingthefilingoftheNoteofIssue,thepartiesmustconferandfilearequestforMSC

pursuanttooneofthefourtracks. Ifallpartieshaveagreeduponasettlementtrackthattheyprefer,

they may file a joint request for said track. If the parties do not agree, they must file separate

requests.All requests shall be filedwithin twenty-one(21)days of the filingof the Note of Issue.

ThefourpossibleMSC tracks are:

(A) A settlement conference before the assigned justice, or another judge pursuant to

Commercial Division Rule 3(b).

(B) The Court may refer the case to a Judicial Hearing Officer or Special Referee to

conduct the MSC.

(C) The Court mayrefer the case to the ADR Coordinator for assignment of a neutral

under Part 146 of the Rules of the Chief Administrative Judge.

(D) Theparties agreetoengageaprivateneutral.

TheMSCshallbeattendedbypersonswithknowledgeofthecaseandauthoritytosettle.

Justice Grays shall retain ultimate authority with respect to the MSC.

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DECISIONS

AnyattorneyorproselitigantdesiringacopyoftheCourt’sdecisionmustobtainsamevia

NYSCEF or from the Queens County Clerk.

PRELIMINARYANDCOMPLIANCECONFERENCES–COMMERCIALDIVISION

1. All PreliminaryConferences and Compliance Conferences will be held in person.

2. CounselforallpartiesmustconsultpriortoaPreliminaryorCompliance Conference about:

(i) the resolution of the case, in whole or in part; (ii) discovery and any other issues to be

discussedattheconference;(iii)theuseofAlternativeDisputeResolutiontoresolveallor

some of the issues of the litigation; and (iv) any voluntary and informal exchange of

information (Commercial Division Rule 8).

3. Commercial Division Preliminary and Compliance Conferences are be conducted in the

following manner until further notice:

• The parties shall obtain the Commercial Division Preliminary or Compliance

Conference Form prior to the scheduled Preliminary or Compliance Conference.

• AllfieldsofthePreliminaryorComplianceConferenceOrdermustbecompletedby

the parties. All appearing parties shall participate in completing the Order.

• Thecompleted Ordermust besignedbyall parties.

• The completed and signed Preliminary or Compliance Conference Order shall be

presented to the Court at the time of the scheduled conference.

• The parties should review the So Ordered Preliminaryor Compliance Conference

Order in the NYSCEF system for any changes made to the Order bythe Court.

• All parties who must appear at the conference scheduled and must possess full

knowledge of the facts of the case and authorityto resolve all issues.

SETTLEMENTSANDDISCONTINUANCES

Counsel MUST notify the Court as soon as practicable of the settlement or resolution of

active cases or pending motions, by email to the Court and to all parties at

QNSCDPTB@nycourts.gov.Counselshallemailacopyofthestipulationoraletterdirectedtothe

ClerkofthePart. AllStipulationsofdiscontinuancesmustbeaccompaniedbyproofofpaymentof

the appropriate fee (CPLR §8020(d)(1)).

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