**District Judge Brian M. Cogan** was appointed to the Eastern District of New York by President George W. Bush in 2006. Before his federal appointment, Judge Cogan spent his entire career at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, where he joined as an associate after clerking for Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz in the Southern District of Florida (1979–1980), became partner in 1988, and served as General Counsel from 2004 until his appointment. His practice focused on complex litigation, accountants' liability and securities fraud, insolvency, and cross-border litigation. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Mayor's Committee on the Appointment of City Marshals and as a member of the Appellate Division, First Department, Departmental Disciplinary Committee. **Education** - Cornell Law School, J.D., 1979 (Cornell Law Review Board of Editors) - University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, B.A., 1975 **Career** - U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of New York, 2006–present - General Counsel, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 2004–2006 - Partner, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 1988–2004 - Associate, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, 1980–1988 - Law clerk, Hon. Sidney M. Aronovitz, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 1979–1980
**Courthouse:** 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201 / 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722 **Phone:** (718) 613-2230 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: (718) 613-2235
The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Brian M. Cogan. No courtesy copies required for motions.
Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Discovery motions require joint pre-motion letter describing meet and confer efforts.
Judge Brian M. Cogan's rule states these limits: 8750 words; 3500 words. Excludes caption, index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, and certificates. Attorney briefs limited to 8,750 words (support/oppose) or 3,500 words (reply), with specific formatting.
Judge Brian M. Cogan's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 10 pages. Pro se briefs limited to 25 pages (support/oppose) or 10 pages (reply).
Judge Brian M. Cogan's formatting rule includes file format PDF and no hard copies to chambers. Letters must be filed electronically, no hard copies to chambers.
The rule requires caption. All requests for relief must be designated as motions on ECF.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Affidavits of Service prohibited except in pro se cases.
Parties may contact Judge Brian M. Cogan's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Do not copy court on correspondence between counsel.
Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance when this rule applies before Judge Brian M. Cogan. The request must include reason for request, original date, number of previous requests, previous requests granted or denied, adversary position, proposed new dates, and affects other dates. Adjournment/extension requests must be ECF letters (except pro se).
No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. Motion papers must be filed promptly; bundling is prohibited.
Yes. Judge Brian M. Cogan's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (under 5 years) may increase likelihood of oral argument.
Letters must be filed electronically, no hard copies to chambers.
ECF entry must include brief description of letter subject matter.
Do not copy court on correspondence between counsel.
Phone calls to chambers permitted 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM for scheduling/emergencies only.
Do not call chambers with procedural questions covered by local/federal rules.
Faxes to chambers permitted only for urgent matters with copies to all counsel.
Faxes longer than 10 pages require prior authorization.
Adjournment/extension requests must be ECF letters (except pro se).
Adverse party consent alone is not sufficient for extension/adjournment.
Discovery extensions require exhaustion of legal remedies for non-compliance.
All civil documents must be filed electronically.
All requests for relief must be designated as motions on ECF.
Pro se parties exempt from ECF filing; represented parties must file electronically even against pro se opponents.
Affidavits of Service prohibited except in pro se cases.
ECF filing constitutes service for all papers except summons and complaint.
State court records in habeas cases must be plainly labeled on ECF, not just as “Exhibit.”
Generic “Exhibit State Court Record” labeling will be rejected and require refiling.
Motions returnable any day court is open; counsel should not appear.
To request oral argument, note “Oral Argument Requested” in motion caption or opposing memorandum.
All filings must follow ECF Filing System rules.
No courtesy copies required for motions.
Amended complaints must include a redline PDF showing changes from previous complaint.
Discovery motions require joint pre-motion letter describing meet and confer efforts.
Pre-motion conference required for most motions except specified exceptions.
Pre-motion letter (max 3 pages) required, with 5-day response period.
Motion papers must be filed promptly; bundling is prohibited.
Attorney briefs limited to 8,750 words (support/oppose) or 3,500 words (reply), with specific formatting.
Pro se briefs limited to 25 pages (support/oppose) or 10 pages (reply).
Affidavits must be factual; attorney affidavits limited to personal knowledge or document authentication.
Exhibits must be tabbed, indexed, and described in specific format.