Judge Christopher T. McGrath
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Adjournments
- A conference-adjournment request must be submitted in writing through NYSCEF and copied to chambers at least 24 hours before the scheduled conference.
- A written motion-adjournment request must be uploaded to NYSCEF and emailed to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov before the motion's return date, with copies to all counsel and pro se litigants.
- Only the Court may grant an adjournment; counsel cannot grant one by stipulation.
- An adjournment application must state the current return date, reason for the request, opposing parties’ position, requested length, and prior adjournment requests and dates.
- +2 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers, Duty Judge
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An affirmation or affidavit may not exceed 20 pages unless good cause is shown.
Except for good cause shown, no affirmation or affidavit shall exceed 20 pages.
Affirmation Or Affidavit
20 pages
Document Format Requirements10 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits must be legible and bear external tab markings.
All exhibits must be legible and labeled with external tab markings.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Motion papers and Orders to Show Cause must use type with at least 12-point type, be double-spaced, securely bound, and entirely legible.
All motion papers and Orders to Show Cause must be typewritten (minimum 12-point type), double-spaced, securely bound and entirely legible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
A submission thicker than one-half inch must be acco-fastened rather than stapled.
Any submission over 1/2-inch thick must be acco-fastened, not stapled.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Video and photograph exhibits must be provided to the Court on a USB drive.
If counsel wishes to provide the Court with video or photograph exhibits, said exhibit(s) are to be provided to the Court on a USB drive.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Citations to exhibits longer than 10 pages must identify the cited page; if the exhibit lacks page numbers, it must be Bates-stamped.
Reference to exhibits longer than ten (10) pages shall indicate the page number on which the information cited is contained. Should the exhibit not contain page numbers, the exhibit shall be bates-stamped.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The requested-jury-charge list must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
a complete list of requested jury charges, drawn from the Pattern Jury Instructions (PJI) of the then-current year, including departures if the trial involves claims of professional negligence, must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format to the remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov)
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Each side’s alternative Proposed Verdict Sheet must be prepared in Microsoft Word format.
If counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) cannot agree to the questions to be posed to the jury prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each side shall submit a Proposed Verdict Sheet by email in Microsoft Word format to the Court’s remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov).
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The Proposed Verdict Sheet must be prepared in Microsoft Word format.
A Proposed Verdict Sheet, jointly prepared by all counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format to the Court’s remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov), as directed but the Court and no later than the first Pre-Trial Conference before this Part.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
A party's exhibit lettering or numbering should continue across subsequent submissions rather than restart.
Exhibit lettering or numbering should not begin anew for subsequent papers submitted by the same party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Plaintiffs shall designate exhibits by number; Defendants shall designate exhibits by letter.
Summary: Plaintiffs must designate exhibits numerically, while defendants must designate exhibits by letter.
Document Filing Requirements24 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An adjournment request based on counsel's engagement must include an Affirmation of Engagement conforming to 22 NYCRR 125.1.
Adjournments requested because of engagement of counsel must be accompanied by an Affirmation of Engagement in conformity with 22 NYCRR 125.1.
Document Type
Adjournment Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
A discovery motion must state that the required pre-filing procedure was complied with, after the Court has conferred and granted leave to file.
After the Court conferences the matter and if the Court grants leave of court to file a discovery motion, any discovery motion must state that this procedure has been complied with.
Document Type
Discovery Motion
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
By the Pre-Trial Conference, counsel or self-represented parties must electronically file and provide the Court with a working copy of marked pleadings and incorporated exhibits, bills of particulars, applicable expert disclosures, a probable trial witness list, and applicable prior decisions or orders.
On or before the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff’s counsel, Defendant’s counsel (or pro se (self-represented) parties) must file via NYSCEF and provide the Court with a working copy of the following: 1. Marked pleadings in accordance with CPLR Section 4012, including copies of any exhibits incorporated by reference in the pleadings; 2. A copy of all bill(s) of particulars; 3. A copy of all expert disclosures served pursuant to CPLR Section 3101(d) (if applicable); 4. A list of probable trial witnesses; 5. A copy of all prior Decisions or Orders on motions issued in the case (if applicable);
Document Type
Pretrial Conference Materials
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Counsel and self-represented litigants may not file a Note of Issue unless the Court grants permission.
Counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) are not permitted to file a Note of Issue in any action unless permission to do so is granted by the Court.
Document Type
Note Of Issue
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If AI was used to prepare motion papers, counsel must submit an affirming that all AI-provided legal references were thoroughly checked for accuracy and validity.
If counsel did use AI in preparation of the motion papers, counsel must then submit an affirmation that all case law and other references provided by AI were thoroughly checked for accuracy and validity.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An emergency Order to Show Cause requires both a special affidavit based on personal knowledge and an affirmation explaining the emergency in detail.
An “Emergency” Order to Show Cause requires a special affidavit based upon personal knowledge and an affirmation explaining in detail the nature of the emergency.
Document Type
Emergency Order To Show Cause
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Each branch of relief in a notice of motion or order to show cause must be numbered or lettered to match the supporting affirmation or affidavit paragraphs addressing that relief.
In addition, the various branches of the motions as delineated in the Notice of Motion or Order to Show Cause are to be preceded by a number or letter which corresponds to a number or letter in the supporting affirmations and affidavits containing the numbered paragraphs dealing with the particular relief sought.
Document Type
Supporting Affidavit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Infant compromise paperwork must include defense counsel’s written waiver of appearance at the infant compromise hearing.
(iii) defense counsel’s waiver of appearance at the Infant’s Compromise Hearing, in writing.
Document Type
Infant Compromise Paperwork
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An application for approval of a proposed infant compromise must be submitted through the Infant’s Compromise Clerk.
All applications for Court approval of a proposed compromise of an infant’s claim must be submitted through the Infant’s Compromise Clerk (“ICC”).
Document Type
Infant Compromise Approval Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Infant compromise paperwork must include a medical report or affidavit addressing recovery, injuries, and anticipated treatment, together with related medical records when applicable.
(i) a medical report/affidavit indicating whether the injured infant plaintiff has fully recovered, and if not, the nature and extent of the injuries and anticipated future treatment, if any, and related medical records where applicable;
Document Type
Infant Compromise Paperwork
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Infant compromise paperwork must include written proof of settlement from defense counsel.
(ii) proof of settlement of the infant’s claim from defense counsel, in writing;
Document Type
Infant Compromise Paperwork
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Infant compromise petitions must comply with CPLR 1207, CPLR 1208, and 22 NYCRR 202.67.
Infant Compromise petitions must comply with CPLR 1207, 1208, and 22 NYCRR 202.67.
Document Type
Infant Compromise Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
All trial exhibits must be pre-marked with the court reporter, whether or not the parties stipulate to their admission.
All trial exhibits, whether the parties stipulate to admit them into evidence or not, shall be pre-marked with the Court reporter.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
A subpoena seeking HIPAA-protected medical or other records must include a duly executed authorization permitting their release.
All subpoenas seeking the production of medical (or other) records subject to the HIPAA Rules shall attach a duly executed authorization permitting the release of such records.
Document Type
Subpoena
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An affidavit of consent from an infant aged fourteen or older must accompany the submitted infant compromise papers.
If the infant is fourteen years or older, an affidavit of consent from the infant must be included in the submitted papers.
Document Type
Infant Compromise Paperwork
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
All counsel and self-represented litigants must jointly prepare and submit a Proposed Verdict Sheet by email in Microsoft Word format no later than the first pretrial conference.
A Proposed Verdict Sheet, jointly prepared by all counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format to the Court’s remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov), as directed but the Court and no later than the first Pre-Trial Conference before this Part.
Document Type
Proposed Verdict Sheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If the parties cannot agree on jury questions before the pretrial conference, each side must submit its own Proposed Verdict Sheet by email in Microsoft Word format.
If counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) cannot agree to the questions to be posed to the jury prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each side shall submit a Proposed Verdict Sheet by email in Microsoft Word format to the Court’s remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov).
Document Type
Proposed Verdict Sheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Papers submitted for the court’s signature must identify the document on the signature page using information such as the case name, index number and year, and document type.
All papers which are submitted for signature by the Court shall be identified on the signature page so that the document being signed by the Court can be identified. Example: Jones v. Jones, Index #/year, Type of Document.
Document Type
Papers Submitted For Signature
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Note
A party may request oral argument by placing the specified notation above the Index Number on the motion papers' first page.
Parties seeking oral argument of a motion may request that oral argument be heard by stating “Oral Argument Requested” above the Index Number on the first page of the papers submitted.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Counsel must upload a certification that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has not been used.
Summary: Counsel must upload a certification stating that AI was not used.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
All voluntary discontinuances not agreed upon by all parties to the action shall not be so-ordered without a motion.
Summary: A voluntary discontinuance not agreed to by every party may not be so ordered unless a motion is filed.
Document Type
Motion
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
A proposed Infant’s Compromise Order must include the full name of the infant-plaintiff and reference therein the following:
Machine summary and details
Summary: A proposed infant compromise order must include the infant plaintiff’s full name and the quoted confidentiality finding.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Orders, judgments, counter-orders and/or counter-judgments submitted for signature on notice will be returned unsigned unless an Affidavit of Service and Notice of Settlement for a date designated in accordance with 22 NYCRR 202.48 has been included.
Summary: An order, judgment, counter-order, or counter-judgment submitted for signature will be returned unsigned unless it includes the required affidavit of service and notice of settlement.
Document Type
Orders Judgments Counter Orders And Counter Judgments
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
a complete list of requested jury charges, drawn from the Pattern Jury Instructions (PJI) of the then-current year, including departures if the trial involves claims of professional negligence, must be submitted by email
Summary: The jury-charge list must be complete, use the then-current Pattern Jury Instructions, and include departures for trials involving professional-negligence claims.
Document Type
Jury Charge List
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All submissions to the Court must be filed electronically.
All submissions to the Court must be electronically filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 2 | II. E-Filing Rules
A request to have a subpoena so-ordered must be uploaded through NYSCEF with the subpoena; email requests are not accepted.
Counsel seeking to have a subpoena so-ordered must upload the subpoena via NYSCEF with a request to so-order. Requests to so-order subpoenas will not be accepted via email.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | VI. Trials and Hearings
Documents in mandatory e-filed cases must be filed through NYSCEF unless the documents are subject to the stated opt-out or withheld-consent exceptions.
All documents in mandatory e-filed cases, except documents subject to the opt-out provision of Section 202.5-bb of the Uniform Rules for the New York State Trial Courts, or ===== PAGE 2 ===== documents subject to e-filing in which consent is being withheld, are to be filed through the New York State Courts E-Filing System (NYSCEF).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | II. E-Filing Rules
The motion's affidavit of service must be included in the motion papers and separately uploaded to NYSCEF before the motion is submitted.
In addition to being part of the motion papers, the affidavit of service of the motion must be separately uploaded to NYSCEF prior to submission of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules, 4
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Motions must be served and filed in conformity with CPLR 2214.
Motions are to be served and filed in conformity with CPLR 2214.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 7 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders
All correspondence to the Court must be copied to all adversary counsel and self-represented litigants.
All correspondence to the Court shall, without exception, be copied to all adversary counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | I. Communications with the Court
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Working copies of motions ordinarily are not required, but must be provided if the Court requests them.
No working copies of motions are required unless otherwise requested by the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules, 7
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
No case or portion of a case may be sealed without adequately showing good cause.
No case or portion thereof shall be sealed unless good cause has been adequately shown (22 NYCRR 216.1).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 2 | II. E-Filing Rules
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A discovery motion may not be submitted without the required conference.
There shall be no submitted discovery motions in the absence of a Conference (see Rule III(E) above).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 7 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders
Parties must attempt to resolve a discovery dispute before filing any discovery motion, including a motion to vacate the Note of Issue.
The parties are not to make any motion concerning discovery, including motions to vacate the Note of Issue, without having first attempted to resolve the issue.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | III. Court Conferences
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Only the Court may grant an adjournment; counsel cannot grant one by stipulation.
Adjournment requests may only be granted by the Court, not by stipulation of counsel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — B. Adjournments of Motions
A written motion-adjournment request must be uploaded to NYSCEF and emailed to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov before the motion's return date, with copies to all counsel and pro se litigants.
A request to adjourn a motion must be made in writing and transmitted to Chambers by letter uploaded to NYSCEF, and email a copy to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov, prior to the return date of the motion, and copied to all counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — B. Adjournments of Motions
An adjournment application must state the current return date, reason for the request, opposing parties’ position, requested length, and prior adjournment requests and dates.
All applications for adjournments must set forth: (1) the current return date; (2) the reason why an adjournment is necessary; (3) whether the opposing party(ies) consent(s) or object(s) to the application; (4) the length of the adjournment sought; and (5) the number of prior requests for adjournment and the dates previously set.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 7 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders
Scheduled trial and hearing dates will be maintained unless an extraordinary showing of good cause supports changing the date.
Scheduled trial and hearing dates will be adhered to except for the most extraordinary good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | VI. Trials and Hearings
A conference-adjournment request must be submitted in writing through NYSCEF and copied to chambers at least 24 hours before the scheduled conference.
A request to adjourn a conference must be made in writing, by uploading to NYSCEF and copy to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the scheduled conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | III. Court Conferences
An adjournment letter request or response may not advocate the requesting party’s position on the underlying dispute and may address only why consent was declined.
The letter request and the response, if any, are not to be used to advocate a position on the substantive dispute and shall address only the reason that consent for the requested adjournment is being declined.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 7 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders
Chambers Communication Rules
Preliminary Conference adjournment requests must be directed to the DCM Clerk’s office or Preliminary Conference Part at the stated telephone number.
Accordingly, PC adjournment requests are to be addressed to the DCM Clerk’s office or Preliminary Conference Part at (516) 493-3120.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 3 | III. Court Conferences
An in-person appearance with oral argument is required for an Order to Show Cause unless the Court directs otherwise.
All Orders to Show Cause will require an in-person appearance with oral argument unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 5 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules
An opponent seeking oral argument on a TRO or other emergency request must act immediately upon receiving the required notice, upload a letter to NYSCEF, email JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov, and notify all counsel and pro se litigants.
If the opposing party requests oral argument concerning the request for a Temporary Restraining Order or other emergency relief, said request shall be made immediately upon receipt of notice required by 22 NYCRR 202.7(f) via letter uploaded to NYSCEF and email copy to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov on notice to all counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules, 6
Counsel must promptly notify the Court in writing when a motion or part of it is resolved, withdrawn, or rendered moot because of settlement or another resolution.
Counsel must advise the Court, in writing, and as soon as practicable, if any submitted or unsubmitted motion, or portion thereof, has been resolved, withdrawn, or rendered moot because the case is settled, or an issue is otherwise resolved.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules, 5
The Court may waive the 24-hour notice requirement when it determines that a true emergency exists.
In a true emergency, the Court, in its discretion may dispense with the 24-hour notice requirement.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules, 6
Counsel must check in with the Part Clerk at the start of each trial date so the clerk knows counsel is present.
Check in at the start of trial each date so that the Part Clerk is aware of your presence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | VI. Trials and Hearings
Oral argument is not required for a motion unless the Court directs it.
There will be no oral argument required on any motion unless directed by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 5 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules
Unless extremely unusual circumstances would cause significant prejudice, opponents must receive at least 24 hours' advance notice of an Order to Show Cause seeking emergency relief and be advised of the right to be heard.
Unless there are extremely unusual circumstances in which significant prejudice (set forth in detail in a supporting affidavit/affirmation) will result, opposing counsel or parties are to be advised at least 24 hours in advance of the date and time that any Order to Show Cause which includes a request for a Temporary Restraining Order or other emergency relief is being presented to the Court in accordance with 22 NYCRR 202.7(f) and is to be advised that he/she has the right to be heard on the application.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules, 6
A complete jury-charge list drawn from the current Pattern Jury Instructions, including professional-negligence departures when applicable, must be emailed in Microsoft Word format to the stated remote address no later than the first pretrial conference.
Once a matter is assigned to this Part for trial, a complete list of requested jury charges, drawn from the Pattern Jury Instructions (PJI) of the then-current year, including departures if the trial involves claims of professional negligence, must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format to the remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov), as directed by the Court and no later than the first Pre-Trial Conference before this Part.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | VI. Trials and Hearings
Correspondence to the part should be filed through NYSCEF and emailed to the chambers address.
All correspondence to this part should be filed via NYSCEF and copied via email to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | I. Communications with the Court
Telephone calls to court staff are permitted only for urgent situations requiring immediate attention.
Telephone calls to Court staff are permitted only in urgent situations requiring immediate attention.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | I. Communications with the Court
The attorney whose oral-argument request is granted must notify all other attorneys of the scheduled argument, with possible sanctions for failure.
It is the responsibility of that person to inform all other attorneys of the date and time set, and failure to do so may result in sanctions.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | IV. Motions/Orders to Show Cause/Temporary Restraining Orders — A. General Rules
A party may state the reason for objecting to an adjournment request by email to the chambers address.
A party objecting to an adjournment request may succinctly provide the reason for objecting via email to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | III. Court Conferences