Hon. Francois A. Rivera. Part 52.

Practitioner Intelligence

From attorneys who have appeared in Part 52. Last updated: April 2026.

What to Expect

Judge Rivera runs a formal, on-the-record courtroom. Unlike many Brooklyn parts where routine matters are handled informally or by clerks, everything in Part 52 goes on the record. The judge expects attorneys to be substantively prepared and will ask questions that require more than procedural knowledge of the case.

Key Warnings

• Cite your caselaw. Judge Rivera will ask you to support your positions with legal authority. Walking in without relevant case citations is not an option.
• A person with knowledge must appear. This is not a suggestion. It is a requirement. If you send someone who cannot answer substantive questions about the case, the judge will come down hard. This can mean denial of your application, striking your pleading, or worse.
• Everything is on the record. Be precise with your language. Informal sidebar conversations that might work in other parts do not happen here.
• Per diem policy note. While the Part 52 law clerk has confirmed that per diem attorneys are technically accepted for appearances, the practical reality is that this part demands a level of preparation and substantive knowledge that makes per diem coverage extremely difficult. If you must use local counsel, they need to be fully briefed on the procedural posture, substantive legal issues, discovery status, and relevant authorities.

Who Should Handle This Part

The handling attorney or a senior associate who has been deeply involved in the case. If you are an out-of-state firm with a case before Judge Rivera, invest the time to fly in or arrange a virtual appearance (if permitted) rather than delegating to local counsel who doesn’t know the file.