Queens County Supreme Court:
Per Diem Coverage at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard.

88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens.

Queens County Supreme Court, Civil Branch sits at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica. The 11th Judicial District covers the most geographically diverse borough in New York City. Administrative Judge: Hon. Marguerite A. Grays.

For firms based in New York County, the commute via Van Wyck Expressway or Grand Central Parkway adds significant travel time to any appearance. This is one of the primary reasons firms retain per diem coverage for Queens matters rather than sending their own attorneys.

Know What to Expect Before Your First TSP Appearance.

The Trial Scheduling Part operates Monday through Friday with calendars at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. When your case reaches the TSP, here is what you need to know:

First-time cases generally do not receive a trial date. The TSP typically uses the initial appearance to assess settlement progress and readiness. If by some chance a trial date is set on the first appearance, expect it approximately three months out.

Settlement discussions are expected. The TSP will ask about the status of settlement negotiations. Come prepared with a clear summary of all offers, counteroffers, and the current impasse. If settlement is not possible, be prepared to request a trial date.

Referee assignments. Cases may be assigned to a referee who will manage the trial calendar. Once assigned, the referee sets the trial date and expects counsel to be available. Requests for adjournments close to the trial date will not be entertained. If the trial date does not work for you or your witness, contact the referee immediately upon assignment.

Pretrial conferences are held on the 2nd floor. Report to the assigned room on time. Trial readiness means discovery is complete, the Note of Issue is filed, and all parties are prepared.

Part-Specific Rules That Matter.

Queens judges maintain individual Part Rules that vary significantly. Some parts are fully virtual; others require hard copies and in-person appearances. Check the assigned judge’s Part Rules before every appearance.

Hon. Timothy J. Dufficy, Part 35. Requires hard copies of motion papers. If your motion is lengthy (more than 10 pages), arrange for a properly bound and tabbed working copy to be delivered or mailed in advance. Do not assume e-filing alone is sufficient for this part.

Hon. Leonard Livote, Part 33. All motions are currently on submission. There is no oral argument unless requested by the Court. If eCourts shows “Courtroom” as the appearance type, check the Part Rules before making a trip to the courthouse. Part 33 may not require your presence even if the system suggests otherwise.

Hon. Rory Lancman, Part 20. Motions are decided on submission. No appearance is required on the return date. However, if you want the court to consider any additional argument or authority, you must submit a letter to QSCPART20@NYCOURTS.GOV at least two business days before the return date. If you show up expecting to argue, you will have wasted a trip.

Fully virtual parts. Some Queens judges conduct all appearances virtually. If your case is assigned to a virtual part, the movant or party seeking an adjournment should contact the Part directly in advance of the return date to confirm procedures.

For individual Part Rules, see our Judge Intelligence Directory.

Compressed Deadlines and Strict Compliance.

Queens County operates a centralized compliance and discovery system. The procedures are familiar in broad strokes (CPLR, NYSCEF, Uniform Civil Rules), but the local customs and timeline expectations are distinct from New York County and Kings County.

Discovery deadlines can be extremely compressed. In certain case types, all discovery, including depositions, must be completed within approximately 60 days. If your case is placed on an accelerated track, EBTs will need to be scheduled immediately. We flag these compressed timelines in our post-appearance report so you can act the same day.

Compliance conference stipulations. “On or before” dates in Queens stipulations must be specific and enforceable. Vague language about discovery deadlines will not be accepted. If you negotiate a stipulation in this courthouse, every date and every obligation needs to be spelled out clearly.

Certification orders. Required to guide cases toward the Note of Issue. These orders outline remaining discovery obligations and set firm deadlines. Missing a certification deadline in Queens creates administrative dismissal risk.

Affirmation of Good Faith. Required for all discovery motions. You must demonstrate that a good-faith effort was made to resolve the discovery dispute before bringing it to the court. Filing a discovery motion without this affirmation will result in the motion being rejected.

Oral Arguments, Working Copies, and Submission Rules.

Queens has specific rules for motion submissions that differ from New York County and Kings County practice.

Working copies. Some judges require hard copies of motion papers even for e-filed cases. For large motions (100+ pages with exhibits), ensure working copies are properly bound and tabbed. If you cannot deliver a working copy before the return date, you may need to seek an adjournment rather than appear without one.

Oral argument. Do not assume motions are decided on papers. Some Queens judges require oral argument for substantive motions, including summary judgment and motions to compel. Other judges decide everything on submission. Check the individual Part Rules before your appearance.

Emergency applications (OSC). Available for immediate court intervention. Orders to Show Cause in Queens follow the standard CPLR procedure, but local requirements for notice and supporting papers should be confirmed with the Ex Parte clerk before filing.

EBT Coverage: In-Person and Remote.

We handle depositions at the Queens courthouse and at nearby offices. Virtual depositions via Zoom and Microsoft Teams are available for matters where in-person attendance is not required.

All depositions are conducted with active advocacy: detailed notes, objection monitoring under CPLR 3115 to protect the record, and breaks when the witness needs them. We do not sit passively while opposing counsel takes improper testimony.

Every Type of Appearance at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard.

Conferences. Preliminary conferences, compliance conferences, status conferences, certification conferences, and TSP appearances. We negotiate discovery schedules, handle disputed items, and ensure your deadlines are protected.

Motions. Summary judgment, motions to dismiss, motions to compel, discovery sanctions. We come prepared with hard copies when the judge requires them and argue substantively when oral argument is granted.

Depositions/EBTs. In-person and remote. Defend and take depositions with preparation, not just presence.

Emergency/OSC. Same-day coverage available for Orders to Show Cause and TRO applications.

Out-of-State? We’re Your Queens County Local Counsel.

If you are litigating in Queens on a pro hac vice admission, you need local counsel who understands compressed discovery deadlines (as short as 60 days for everything including EBTs), which judges require hard copies, and how the Trial Scheduling Part operates. We serve as local counsel for out-of-state firms in Queens County and handle PHV motions, court appearances, and local procedural compliance.

Learn about our pro hac vice local counsel services →

Flat Rates. No Surprises.

$250 per half-day session (morning or afternoon). If your appearance runs past 1:00 PM, an additional $250 applies for the afternoon session.

Service	Rate
Conference (PC, CC, Status, TSP)	$250
Motion argument	$250
Order to Show Cause	Starting at $250
EBT (up to 3 hours)	$550
EBT (full day)	$800
50-H Hearing	$550
Interpreter surcharge	+$100

Confirmation within 15 minutes. Report by end of business day.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The Law Office of Frederic R. Abramson, 160 Broadway, Suite 500, New York, NY 10038. 212-233-0666.