This article is part two in a series explaining the fundamentals of Commercial Division practice. The article addresses the first steps taken when litigating in the Commercial Division, including preparation and filing of pleadings, appearances and corporate disclosure statements. Part one in the series can be found here.

Preliminary Matters

There is a specific New York state court style manual, which is quite different from those used in federal courts and other states (see New York Law Reports Style Manual [2022]). For example, case citations appear at the end of each sentence in line with the text (see, e.g., People v Wilkins, 37 NY3d 371 [2021]).

PRACTICE TIP: While following this style manual is technically required and Commercial Division courts use it in their decisions, your brief is not likely to be rejected for filing if you follow traditional “Bluebook” citation form.