The way cases have been traditionally and historically litigated in New York State is changing substantially moving forward. Administrative Order 270/20, which went into effect with little fanfare on February 1, 2021, makes significant changes to affect, among other things, how Court appearances and conferences are conducted, the scope and level of discovery permissible to be demanded from the other party, how Court filings are conducted and how parties are entitled to depositions.

These rules are now in effect for all New York State Supreme and County Courts, the Courts of original jurisdiction for the vast majority of disputes. The Administrative Order, a copy of which is available here, includes changes such as interrogatories in a case being limited to 25 in number without Court approval, changes with respect to what must be submitted to a motion for summary judgment by a movant and what opposition must include, more difficulty in obtaining adjournments of conferences, encouraging parties and attorneys to communicate and appear at conferences by electronic means and telephone, a time limit on depositions of parties, as well as staggered Court appearances to encourage more efficient time in Court.

This Administrative Order will cause significant changes moving forward for attorneys who are used to practicing in the State of New York. It is vital for any attorney who continues to practice in virtually any litigated matter in New York State to be familiar with these rules.

If you have a litigated matter or are contemplating one, please do not hesitate to contact Flink Maswick Law PLLC for assistance if you require counsel. Having attorneys who are familiar with these new rules and making plans for implementation and how they will conduct their cases for their clients is vitally important to your success in litigation.