Practicing Before Magistrate Judges in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York (OnDemand)

Originally held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Register for the OnDemand

Program Chair:


Brad Pollina
Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC

  • This program will address the fundamentals of practicing before United States Magistrate Judges in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.  Topics will include: (a) an overview of the magistrate judge system; (b) an examination of the referral system in both districts; (c) a discussion of reports and recommendations, the various types of orders magistrate judges may issue, and the relevant standards of review; and (d) an examination of settlement practice before magistrate judges.

    Program Fee:
    $129 Member | $229 Nonmember

  • Magistrate Judge Hon. Valerie Figueredo
    United States District Court, Southern District of New York

    Magistrate Judge Hon. James R. Cho
    United States District Court, Eastern District of New York

  • 6:00 pm – 6:05 pm                  Introductions

    6:05 pm – 6:20 pm                  I. General Overview of USMJ System

          • What is a USMJ and how is a USMJ Appointed?
          • General Civil and Criminal Duties, Statutorily and in Each District

    6:20 pm – 6:40 pm                  II. Civil Referral System

          • How Does a Matter Come Before a USMJ?
          • Specific Motions, General Pretrial Supervision, Settlement, Report & Recommendation
          • Compare and Contrast the Referral Systems in the SDNY and EDNY

    6:40 pm – 7:00 pm                  III. Orders/Report & Recommendations

          • Differences Between “Order” and R&R
          • Gray Areas?
          • Standards of Review

    7:00 pm – 7:15 pm                  IV.   Settlement Referrals 

          • Overview of USMJ-Supervised Settlement Conferences
          • Differences from District Mediation Programs

    7:15 pm – 7:30 pm                  Q&A Session

  • New York: 1.5 Skills
    New Jersey: 1.7 General
    California: 1.0 General
    Pennsylvania: 1.0 General
    Connecticut: Available to Licensed Attorneys

  • Sponsoring Committee:
    Litigation, Seth D. Allen, Chair

    Co-Sponsoring Organization:
    Small Law Firm Center

    Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
    Yelena Balashchenko, Manager, Business Development & Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | ybalashchenko@nycbar.org

Register for the OnDemand

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