Court Rules

Southern District of New York Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

79 rules from official source documents

9 of 79 checked against the court's document. Each rule says how far it was checked. A value with a question mark is not in the court's wording on its card.

Rules encouraging junior lawyer participation in oral arguments and court proceedings. This page is scoped to Southern District of New York; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

The Court encourages senior lawyers to give junior lawyers opportunities to argue in court.

The Court encourages senior lawyers to allow junior lawyers the opportunity to argue in court, whether at a conference, hearing, trial or otherwise.

Judge Cathy Seibel

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

The Court prefers that the lawyer most familiar with an issue argue it, regardless of seniority.

Indeed, the Court prefers that the lawyer most familiar with an issue argue it in court, regardless of seniority.

Judge Cathy Seibel

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

The Court may allow multiple lawyers for one party to argue when that creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer.

The Court may permit more than one lawyer to argue for one party where doing so would create the opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue.

Judge Cathy Seibel

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Junior lawyers familiar with the matter but less experienced in motion argument are encouraged to participate actively in courtroom proceedings.

Accordingly, where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration by this Court but are less experienced in arguing a motion, they are encouraged to actively participate in courtroom proceedings.

Judge George B. Daniels

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

When a junior lawyer is given an opportunity to argue, the Court is amenable to allowing more than one lawyer to argue for a party.

In such circumstances, where a junior lawyer is afforded the opportunity to present arguments to this Court, Judge Daniels is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for a party.

Judge George B. Daniels

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

The lawyer responsible for the case, not the Court, makes the ultimate decision about who speaks for the client.

However, the ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of a client rests with the lawyer responsible for the case, not with this Court.

Judge George B. Daniels

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Civil cases

The Court encourages less experienced attorneys to participate, may grant oral argument to provide courtroom experience, and is amenable to allowing multiple attorneys to speak.

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings— including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, and witness examinations at trial—particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness. The Court may be inclined to grant a request for oral argument where doing so would afford the opportunity for a junior attorney to gain courtroom experience. To facilitate this provision, the Court is amenable to permitting more than one attorney to speak at a conference or argument.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Junior lawyers familiar with the matter but inexperienced in court argument should be encouraged to participate actively.

Accordingly, where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration, but are not experienced in arguing before a court, they should be encouraged to actively participate.

Judge Kimba M. Wood

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Junior attorneys are invited to argue motions they helped prepare, and the Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue for one party to enable junior participation.

Junior attorneys are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Civil cases

As a matter of policy, the Court supports the professional development of the next generation of litigators and strongly encourages the participation of relatively inexperienced attorneys in all types of courtroom proceedings, including conferences and trials.

Summary: The Court strongly encourages relatively inexperienced attorneys to participate in all types of courtroom proceedings, including conferences and trials.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Civil cases

However, the Court encourages junior attorneys who have worked on the case to take an active role during conferences.

Summary: The Court encourages junior attorneys who worked on the case to take an active role during conferences.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Civil cases

In keeping with the Court's commitment to providing courtroom opportunities to less experienced attorneys, the Court will make a greater effort to grant argument where a junior attorney will argue the motion.

Summary: The Court makes a greater effort to grant oral argument where a junior attorney will argue the motion.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes; a request for oral argument is more likely to be granted if a party identifies a lawyer to argue the motion who has graduated law school within the previous five years.

Summary: Oral argument requests are more likely to be granted when a lawyer who graduated law school within the previous five years is identified to argue, and junior attorneys are invited to argue motions they helped prepare.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Junior members of legal teams are invited to address the Court at case management conferences. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes.

Summary: Junior members of legal teams are invited to address the Court at case management conferences so firms can give them training opportunities.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

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Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, oral argument will not be heard in pro se matters.

Summary: Oral argument is not heard in pro se matters unless otherwise ordered.

Judge Analisa Torres

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Civil cases

Further, the Court is amenable to having multiple attorneys speak for one party if it creates an opportunity for a lawyer who is relatively inexperienced.

Summary: Court encourages multiple attorneys to argue if it provides opportunity for junior lawyers.

Judge Analisa Torres

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Civil cases

Further, the Court is amenable to having multiple attorneys speak for one party if it creates an opportunity for a lawyer who is relatively inexperienced.

Summary: Multiple attorneys may argue for one party to create opportunities for relatively inexperienced lawyers.

Judge Analisa Torres

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less-experienced attorneys in all proceedings—including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial—particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness. The Court may be inclined to grant a request for oral argument, or a request for more than one attorney to speak on behalf of a party in a conference, where doing so would afford the opportunity for a junior attorney to gain experience.

Summary: Junior lawyers are encouraged to participate in proceedings, and Court may grant oral argument requests where junior attorneys would gain experience.

Judge Arun Subramanian

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Civil cases

A party should advise the Court by letter if oral argument would be handled by a less-experienced attorney because, as discussed in Paragraph 7 above, that may make the Court more inclined to hold oral argument.

Summary: Parties should notify Court if oral argument will be handled by a junior attorney, as this may increase likelihood of argument being granted.

Judge Arun Subramanian

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less-experienced attorneys in all proceedings—including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial—particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in proceedings.

Judge Arun Subramanian

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The Court encourages senior lawyers to allow junior lawyers the opportunity to argue in court, whether at a conference, hearing, trial or otherwise. Indeed, the Court prefers that the lawyer most familiar with an issue argue it in court, regardless of seniority. The Court may permit more than one lawyer to argue for one party where doing so would create the opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue.

Summary: Court encourages junior lawyers to argue and may allow multiple attorneys to argue.

Judge Cathy Seibel

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Civil cases

The Court invites the participation of less experienced attorneys (i.e., those with six or fewer years of experience), including attorneys from all backgrounds, where the attorney(s) played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or preparing the relevant witness. Notwithstanding Section 3(b)(i), the Court may permit more than one attorney to argue for one party. The ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of the client is for the lawyer in charge of the case, not for the Court.

Summary: Junior lawyers (6 or fewer years) are invited to participate in conferences and may argue with permission.

Judge Dale E. Ho

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Civil cases

If oral argument would be handled in whole or in part by a less-experienced attorney, a party may so advise the Court consistent with Section 3(e) above.

Summary: Parties may advise Court if oral argument will be handled by less-experienced attorney.

Judge Dale E. Ho

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Encouraged Participation of Junior Members of Legal Teams. Due to the decline of trials, opportunities to train junior lawyers in courtroom skills have become increasingly rare. Accordingly, where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration, but are not experienced in arguing before a court, they should be encouraged to actively participate. In such circumstances, where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue, this Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party.

Summary: Junior lawyers not experienced in courtroom argument may be encouraged to participate, and the Court permits more than one lawyer to argue for a party when it creates opportunities for junior lawyers.

Judge Edgardo Ramos

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Due to the decline of trials, opportunities to train junior lawyers in courtroom skills have become increasingly rare. Accordingly, where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration, but are not experienced in arguing before a court, they should be encouraged to actively participate. In such circumstances, where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue, this Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party.

Summary: Court encourages junior lawyer participation and allows multiple attorneys to argue.

Judge Edgardo Ramos

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Civil cases

The Court will permit multiple attorneys to argue different issues for each party.

Summary: Multiple attorneys may argue different issues for each party.

Judge Gregory H. Woods

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Civil cases

The Court believes it is crucial to provide substantive speaking opportunities to junior lawyers, and that the benefits of doing so will accrue to all members of the profession and their clients.

Summary: Court encourages providing speaking opportunities to junior lawyers.

Judge Gregory H. Woods

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Civil cases

In addition, under circumstances where the more junior attorney is permitted to present the argument to the Court, the Court will entertain reasonable requests for the more senior attorney to supplement any argument that is made.

Summary: Court will entertain requests for senior attorney to supplement junior attorney's argument.

Judge Gregory H. Woods

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings—including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at

Summary: Junior attorneys encouraged to participate in proceedings

Judge J. Paul Oetken

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Civil cases

Additionally, a party should advise the Court by letter if oral argument would be handled by a less experienced attorney because, as discussed in paragraph 3(E) above, that may make the Court more inclined to hold oral argument.

Summary: Advise Court by letter if junior attorney will handle oral argument

Judge J. Paul Oetken

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings – including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial – particularly where the attorneys played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one attorney to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior attorney to participate.

Summary: The Court encourages junior attorney participation in all proceedings and permits more than one attorney to argue per party to create junior attorney opportunities.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, argument will not be heard in pro se matters.

Summary: Oral argument not heard in pro se matters unless ordered.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings – including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial – particularly where the attorneys played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one attorney to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior attorney to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys encouraged to participate in proceedings; multiple attorneys may argue to enable junior participation.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings – including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial – particularly where the attorneys played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one attorney to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior attorney to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys encouraged to participate in proceedings; multiple attorneys may argue if it allows junior participation.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Additionally, a party should advise the Court by letter if oral argument would be handled by a less experienced attorney because, as discussed in Paragraph 3(E) above, that may make the Court more inclined to hold oral argument.

Summary: Advise Court by letter if junior attorney will handle oral argument.

Judge Jesse M. Furman

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Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, oral argument will not be heard in pro se matters.

Summary: Oral argument not heard in pro se matters unless otherwise ordered.

Judge Jesse M. Furman

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of junior attorneys and attorneys seeking additional experience in federal court, particularly where the attorneys played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in cases where they substantially contributed to filings or witness preparation

Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke

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Civil cases

If oral argument is granted, the Court is amendable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for a party, especially where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue.

Summary: Court allows multiple attorneys to argue, especially junior lawyers

Judge John P. Cronan

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings — including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial — particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in proceedings where they contributed substantially.

Judge Katherine Polk Failla

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

In such circumstances, where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue, this Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party.

Machine summary

When it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue, the Court may permit more than one lawyer to argue for a party.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings—including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial—particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in all proceedings where they contributed substantially.

Judge Lewis J. Liman

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The Court encourages senior lawyers to allow junior lawyers the opportunity to argue in court, whether at a conference, hearing, trial, or otherwise. Indeed, the Court prefers that the lawyer most familiar with an issue argue it in court, regardless of seniority. The Court may permit more than one lawyer to argue for a party where doing so would create the opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue.

Summary: Court encourages junior lawyers to argue and may allow multiple lawyers to argue

Judge Loretta A. Preska

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Counsel may inform the Court in advance in the letter requesting oral argument that a junior lawyer is scheduled to argue all or part of a matter.

Summary: Counsel can notify court in advance if junior lawyer will argue

Judge Loretta A. Preska

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

A request for oral argument is more likely to be granted if counsel identifies one or two lawyers out of law school for five years or less who will argue the entirety of the motion and references this rule in the request.

Summary: Junior lawyers (5 years or less experience) arguing increases likelihood of oral argument.

Judge Lorna G. Schofield

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Oral Argument on Motions. .......................................................................................... 10

Summary: Oral argument granted at judge's discretion

Judge Margaret M. Garnett

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Oral Argument.

Summary: Rule section on oral argument procedures

Judge Margaret M. Garnett

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The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings—including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, and witness examinations at trial—particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in proceedings where they contributed substantially.

Judge Margaret M. Garnett

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The Court may be inclined to grant a request for oral argument, which it generally disfavors, where doing so would afford the opportunity for a junior attorney to gain courtroom experience.

Summary: Junior attorneys may increase likelihood of oral argument.

Judge Margaret M. Garnett

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Oral Argument. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, argument will not be heard in pro se matters.

Summary: Oral argument is not heard in pro se matters unless otherwise ordered.

Judge Margaret M. Garnett

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In this letter, the party should advise the Court if the oral argument would be handled by a less experienced attorney because, as discussed in Rule II(A)(4), supra, that may make the Court more inclined to hold oral argument.

Summary: Advise if oral argument will be handled by a less experienced attorney.

Judge Margaret M. Garnett

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of less experienced attorneys in all proceedings — including pretrial conferences, hearings on discovery disputes, oral arguments, and examinations of witnesses at trial — particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in all proceedings where they contributed substantially.

Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil

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Civil cases

The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Court permits multiple attorneys to argue if it allows junior lawyer participation.

Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Civil cases

Parties may request oral argument by letter at the time their moving or opposing reply papers are filed.

Summary: Oral argument may be requested by letter when filing reply papers.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

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Civil cases

In accordance with its policy of promoting the professional development of relatively new litigators, the Court welcomes the active participation of junior attorneys who have assisted in the preparation of the case during trial.

Summary: Junior attorneys who assisted in case preparation are encouraged to participate in trial.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

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Civil cases

As a matter of policy, the Court supports the professional development of the next generation of litigators and strongly encourages the participation of relatively inexperienced attorneys in all types of courtroom proceedings, including conferences and trials.

Summary: Court encourages participation of inexperienced attorneys in courtroom proceedings.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Civil cases

The attorney who will serve as principal trial counsel shall appear at all conferences with the Court. However, the Court encourages junior attorneys who have worked on the case to take an active role during conferences.

Summary: Principal trial counsel must appear at conferences; junior attorneys encouraged to take active role.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

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Civil cases

To assist in the training of the next generation of attorneys, the Court strongly encourages relatively inexperienced attorneys—in particular, attorneys with less than 5 years' experience—to participate in all courtroom proceedings including the oral argument of motions before the Court. Further, the Court is amenable to having multiple attorneys speak for one party if it creates an appearing should have the degree of authority consistent with the proceeding.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorneys (under 5 years experience) to participate in courtroom proceedings and oral arguments; multiple attorneys may speak for one party.

Judge Philip M. Halpern

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Civil cases

The Court encourages the participation of junior attorneys in all proceedings, particularly where a junior attorney played a substantial role in drafting a submission or preparing a witness. To encourage such participation, the Court will, upon request, allow more than one attorney to argue a motion on behalf of a party.

Summary: Junior attorneys encouraged; multiple attorneys may argue upon request

Judge Valerie E. Caproni

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Civil cases

As stated above in Rule 3(D)(iii), the Court encourages the participation of junior attorneys in oral arguments, particularly when a junior attorney played a substantial role in drafting a submission. To encourage such participation, the Court will, upon request, allow more than one attorney to argue a motion on behalf of a party.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorney participation in oral arguments and allows multiple attorneys to argue upon request.

Judge Valerie E. Caproni

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Junior attorneys are invited to argue discovery-related motions that they have helped to prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys are invited to argue discovery motions; multiple attorneys may argue to accommodate junior lawyer participation.

Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause

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Junior attorneys are invited to argue discovery-related motions that they have helped to prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys encouraged to argue discovery motions; multiple attorneys may argue.

Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause

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Civil cases

Normally, the Court applies the "one lawyer per party" rule for conferences, hearings, and motion arguments. However, the Court is willing to vary that rule in order to create opportunities for less experienced lawyers to argue or otherwise participate in courtroom proceedings as to matters they have helped prepare, and firms are encouraged to provide such opportunities for the junior members of their teams. Lead counsel should advise the Court at the outset of a proceeding of any request to permit a second lawyer to handle a portion of that proceeding.

Summary: Court encourages junior lawyer participation in proceedings, allowing second lawyer to handle portions of proceedings.

Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses

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Civil cases

Judge Gorenstein normally does not hear oral argument on motions. A party may request oral argument by letter. If the Court determines that argument will be heard, it will so advise the parties. (A request for oral argument is more likely to be granted if a party identifies a lawyer to argue the motion who has been admitted within the previous five years and references this paragraph in the letter request.)

Summary: Oral argument rarely granted; more likely if junior lawyer (admitted within 5 years) argues.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein

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Civil cases

Judge Gorenstein normally does not hear oral argument on motions. A party may request oral argument by letter. If the Court determines that argument will be heard, it will so advise the parties. (A request for oral argument is more likely to be granted if a party identifies a lawyer to argue the motion who has been admitted within the previous five years and references this paragraph in the letter request.)

Summary: Oral argument rarely granted; more likely if lawyer admitted within 5 years argues.

Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein

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Civil cases

Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to argue motions that they have helped to prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior lawyers. While the Court generally prefers having only one attorney for each side participate at argument, the Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer argue different issues if this division of responsibility creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate. Of course, the ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of the client is for the lawyer in charge of the case and the client, not for the Court. That said, the Court believes it is crucial to provide substantive speaking opportunities to less experienced lawyers, and that the benefits of doing so will accrue to all members of the profession and their clients.

Summary: Junior lawyers are encouraged to argue motions they helped prepare.

Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo

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Civil cases

Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to argue motions that they have helped to prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior lawyers. While the Court generally prefers having only one attorney for each side participate at argument, the Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer argue different issues if this division of responsibility creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior lawyers invited to argue motions they helped prepare; multiple attorneys may argue different issues.

Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo

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Junior members of legal teams are invited to address the Court at case management conferences. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes.

Summary: Junior attorneys invited to address court at case management conferences

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

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Civil cases

To assist in training the next generation of attorneys, the Court strongly encourages relatively inexperienced attorneys—in particular, attorneys with less than five years’ experience—to participate in all courtroom proceedings. Further, the Court is amenable to having multiple attorneys speak on behalf of a single party if doing so creates an opportunity for a lawyer who is relatively inexperienced.

Summary: Court encourages junior attorneys (under 5 years) to participate in courtroom proceedings and allows multiple attorneys to speak.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

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Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. This court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate. The ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of the client is for the lawyer in charge of the case, not for the Court.

Summary: Junior lawyers (under 7 years) may argue motions and question witnesses, with multiple attorneys permitted to argue for training opportunities.

Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker

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Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to address the Court at case management conferences. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. This Court is amenable to permitting different lawyers on a team to speak on different issues if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys invited to address Court at case management conferences.

Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker

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Civil cases

Junior members of legal teams are also invited to participate and speak in settlement conferences, but must be properly supervised and prepared. Sending a junior lawyer, alone, without sufficiently briefing the junior lawyer on the case and its history may be considered by the Court to be a failure to properly supervise the junior lawyer.

Summary: Junior lawyers may participate in settlement conferences but must be supervised and prepared.

Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang

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Civil cases

Junior members of legal teams are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. This court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys encouraged to argue motions they helped prepare

Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang

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Civil cases

For training purposes, firms are encouraged to permit junior members of legal teams representing clients to argue motions they have helped prepare. This Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Court encourages junior lawyers to argue motions they helped prepare

Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky

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Junior attorneys are invited to argue Letter-Motions they have helped prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys invited to argue Letter-Motions they helped prepare.

Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave

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Junior attorneys are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one attorney to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys invited to argue motions they helped prepare.

Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave

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Junior attorneys are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior attorneys invited to argue motions they helped prepare; multiple attorneys permitted to create junior lawyer opportunities.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

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Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. This Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Summary: Junior lawyers are encouraged to argue motions and question witnesses, with the Court permitting multiple attorneys to argue to create participation opportunities.

Visiting Alison J. Nathan

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Junior members of legal teams representing clients are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Firms are encouraged to provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. This Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate. The ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of the client is for the lawyer in charge of the case, not for the Court.

Summary: Junior attorneys are encouraged to argue motions and question witnesses they have helped prepare, with the Court amenable to multiple lawyers arguing for one party.

Visiting Alison J. Nathan

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Where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration, but are not experienced in arguing before a court, they should be encouraged to actively participate. The Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for a party, especially where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue.

Summary: Junior lawyers encouraged to participate in oral argument; multiple lawyers permitted.

Visiting Richard J. Sullivan
Common questions about Southern District of New York junior lawyer participation incentives

Does Southern District of New York encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge George B. Daniels's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers familiar with the matter but less experienced in motion argument are encouraged to participate actively in courtroom proceedings.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 6, section IV. MOTIONS

Yes. Judge Cathy Seibel's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. The Court encourages senior lawyers to give junior lawyers opportunities to argue in court.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 8, section 4. Argument

Yes. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. The Court encourages less experienced attorneys to participate, may grant oral argument to provide courtroom experience, and is amenable to allowing multiple attorneys to speak.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 4, section Participation by Junior Attorneys

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