New York Supreme Court, New York County Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Civil cases

The court encourages attorneys who significantly contributed to a matter but do not ordinarily appear or speak in court to participate in proceedings.

The court encourages the participation in court proceedings of attorneys who have significantly contributed to the underlying matter but do not ordinarily appear or speak in court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Civil cases

The court encourages contributing attorneys who do not ordinarily appear or speak in court to participate in proceedings.

The court encourages the participation in court proceedings of attorneys who have significantly contributed to the underlying matter but do not ordinarily appear or speak in court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

A representation that oral argument will be presented by an attorney enhancing diversity in the bar or admitted to practice fewer than five years weighs in favor of holding oral argument.

A representation by letter that argument will be made by an attorney whose participation enhances diversity in the bar or an attorney admitted to practice fewer than five years will weigh in favor of the court deciding to hold oral argument.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Civil cases

The Court strongly encourages substantive courtroom participation by women, diverse lawyers, and attorneys with five years or less of practice experience.

The Court strongly encourages substantive participation in court proceedings by women and diverse lawyers, who historically have been underrepresented in the commercial bar, as well as by lawyers who have been practicing for five years or less.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026

Courtroom participation by attorneys who enhance diversity in the bar or have been admitted for fewer than five years is strongly encouraged through speaking and leading roles, including oral argument or lead participation in discovery or settlement conferences.

To create opportunities for attorneys whose court participation enhances diversity in the bar or who are admitted to practice fewer than five years, courtroom participation of such attorneys is strongly encouraged. This could be achieved by giving a less senior, knowledgeable colleague speaking and leading roles in the courtroom, such as the oral argument on a motion for which they prepared the papers, or taking the lead in a discovery or settlement conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Civil cases

A representation that the argument will be made by an attorney whose participation enhances diversity in the bar or an attorney admitted to practice fewer than five years will weigh in favor of the court deciding to hold oral argument.

Summary: The court is more inclined to hold oral argument when an attorney admitted for fewer than five years, or an attorney whose participation enhances bar diversity, will argue.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

To create opportunities for attorneys knowledgeable with the subject matter of the action, but who historically have been underrepresented in the Commercial Division, the court strongly encourages courtroom participation by such attorneys. Participation may be achieved by having a less experienced attorney who prepared the brief on the motion, argue the motion before Justice Reed.

Summary: The court strongly encourages courtroom participation by underrepresented attorneys and permits a less experienced attorney who prepared the brief to argue the motion.