Christopher T. McGrath at a glance
- Current role
- Supreme Court Justice, IAS Part 22
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends 2028
Christopher T. McGrath
Supreme Court Justice, IAS Part 22 · Nassau County Supreme Court, Civil Term
Official judge-specific and circuitwide procedural guidance has been located for this profile.
Public docket analytics load when this section is opened.
Biography
Professional career
- Justice, Supreme Court, Elected, 2024 to Present
- Prior Career: Senior partner at Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo (previously Sullivan Papain), a Garden City, NY personal injury firm, since 1983
- Justice of the Nassau County Supreme Court in New York’s 10th Judicial District, elected in November 2023 and serving a term through 2028
- Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., Associate Attorney, 1983 to 1989 Partner/Shareholder, 1989 to 2023
Education
- University of Dayton School of Law — J.D. (1983)
- St. John's University — B.S. (1980)
Additional information
- Beyond his judicial role, McGrath has been active in legal ethics, community service, and professional organizations, including leadership roles in the Nassau County Bar Association and humanitarian work
Christopher T. McGrath Procedures & Courtroom Rules
Remote appearances
Judge Specific
Justice McGrath requires trial videos at least two weeks in advance and requires counsel to bring all laptops, cables, and other equipment because the court provides no electronic support.
If a party intends to use a video at trial, that party shall submit a copy of the video and transcript of same, if applicable, to the Court at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled trial date. The Court provides no electronic support.Justice Christopher T. McGrath IAS Part 22 Rules ↗
Statewide
For Commercial Division matters, New York rules encourage Virtual Evidence Courtrooms for managing and presenting trial evidence after authorization by request or court direction.
Virtual Evidence Courtrooms (VECs) may be used to facilitate real-time access to trial exhibits and other relevant documents.Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits ↗
Statewide
For New York criminal proceedings, virtual and hybrid appearances are governed by Part 200 consent, objection, public-access, and calendar-update requirements.
For all hybrid proceedings, all electronic appearances shall be projected in the physical courtroom in which the in-person portion of the proceeding is taking place in such a manner as to provide a reasonable opportunity for members of the public to view and hear the participants appearing electronically.Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction ↗
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
New York statewide rules require permission before photographing, filming, videotaping, audiotaping, broadcasting, or telecasting in court facilities, including courtrooms.
Taking photographs, films or videotapes, or audiotaping, broadcasting or telecasting, in a courthouse including any courtroom, office or hallway thereof, at any time or on any occasion, whether or not the court is in session, is forbidden, unless permission of the Chief Administrator of the Courts or a designee of the Chief Administrator is first obtainedPart 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗
Exhibits
Statewide
The official Guide to New York Evidence identifies court control over presentation of evidence as a statewide evidence topic; counsel should expect the assigned judge to control the mode and order of proof.
1.07. COURT CONTROL OVER PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCEGuide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗
Statewide
In New York Supreme Court and County Court civil cases, the court may require indexed trial exhibit binders, notebooks, or electronic equivalents for the court, counsel, and witnesses.
The court may direct that on the first day of trial or at such other time as the court may set, counsel shall submit an indexed binder or notebook, or the electronic equivalent, of trial exhibits for the court's use.Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗
Statewide
Civil trial counsel in New York Supreme Court and County Court must confer before trial and attempt to agree on exhibits to be offered without objection, unless the court directs otherwise.
Counsel for the parties shall consult prior to trial and shall in good faith attempt to agree upon the exhibits that will be offered into evidence without objection.Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗
Published courtroom rules
Judge and named-part rules
Published judge / part rules (51 excerpts)
See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding.
Official rules document ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27
Communications with chambers
A. Correspondence. All correspondence must include the title of the action and index number. Correspondence to the Court shall, without exception, be copied to all adversary counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s). Correspondence between counsel and/or pro se (self- represented) litigant(s) shall not be copied to the Court except in the limited circumstances provided within these Part Rules. All correspondence to this part should be filed via NYSCEF and copied via email to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
B. Telephone Calls. Telephone calls to Court staff are permitted only in urgent situations requiring immediate attention.
Source page 1Adjournments
C. Adjournment Requests. Adjournment requests that are left on Chamber’s voicemail shall be disregarded. All requests for adjournments shall be made in accordance with these rules.
Source page 1Filing and working copies
A. E-Filing Rules. Counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) shall familiarize themselves with the statewide E-Filing Rules (Sections 202.5-b and 202.5-bb of the Uniform Rules for the New York State Trial Courts, available at www.nycourts.gov/efile).
Source page 1Filing and working copies
General questions about e-filing should be addressed to the E-Filing Resource Center at
Source page 1Filing and working copies
documents subject to e-filing in which consent is being withheld, are to be filed through the New York State Courts E-Filing System (NYSCEF). All submissions to the Court must be electronically filed.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
A. General Rules. All conferences with the Court are conducted promptly at 9:15 a.m., in person, Monday through Friday, in the Nassau County Courthouse, unless otherwise directed. Counsel, including per diem covering counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s), must appear on time, be fully familiar with the action(s) on which they appear, be authorized and prepared to discuss all factual and legal issues presented by the litigation and settlement demands or offers, and be authorized to enter into any agreement on behalf of their client.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
If counsel or pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) are unable to appear on time due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., delays due to inclement weather or road closures), he/she should contact opposing counsel, and advise the Part Clerk or Chambers, by telephone, as soon as possible.
Source page 2Adjournments
B. Adjournment of Conferences. A request to adjourn a conference must be made in writing, by uploading to NYSCEF and copy to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the scheduled conference. All applications for adjournments must set forth: (1) the reason why an adjournment is necessary; (2) whether the opposing party(ies) consent(s) or object(s) to the application; and (3) the length of the adjournment sought or, if on consent, a date all parties are available. All such communications must be copied to all counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigants. A party objecting to an adjournment request may succinctly provide the reason for objecting via email to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov.
Source page 2Adjournments
Adjournments requested because of engagement of counsel must be accompanied by an Affirmation of Engagement in conformity with 22 NYCRR 125.1.
Source page 2Adjournments
The Court will advise counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) via email if the requested adjournment has been granted. Parties should not assume that any stipulated request for adjournment of a conference has been granted unless specifically advised by the Court.
Source page 2Adjournments
1. Requests to Adjourn Preliminary Conferences: Preliminary Conferences (hereinafter “PC”) shall be held in accordance with the rules set forth in 22 NYCRR 202.19 in the
Source page 2Discovery
At the Preliminary Conference, the parties will set specific dates for completion of various items of discovery, the date by which all disclosure must be completed, and dates for a Compliance Conference/Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) Conference. All counsel and pro se (self- represented) litigant(s) are expected to abide by, and comply with, the Court’s discovery schedule and deadlines. However, counsel and parties may stipulate to alternative dates, provided that all deadlines will be met by the next court conference date. No other modifications of the dates set by the Court are permitted, except by Court approval or pursuant to Court order.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Parties who have a discovery dispute are not to wait until the Compliance Conference to bring such dispute or complaint about non-disclosure to the Court’s attention. Rather, counsel or pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) who believes that discovery is not being conducted in accordance with the Preliminary Conference (or other Court) Order is to discuss, in good faith, as required by Court Rule Section 202.7, the claimed non-compliance with the opposing party who is allegedly not compliant with the Court Order. There must be actual, substantive communication between counsel and/or pro se (self-represented) litigant(s), either telephonically or in writing, regarding the claimed failure to engage in discovery, on the one hand, and the claimed compliance or reason for noncompliance, on the other. The Court is not to be copied on the correspondence between counsel and/or pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) unless requested by the Court.
Source page 3Discovery
Similarly, any scheduling issues for depositions, Defendant’s Medical Examinations, appraisals, etc. must be addressed by counsel and/or pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) and must not wait until the Compliance Conference.
Source page 3Motion practice
The parties are not to make any motion concerning discovery, including motions to vacate the Note of Issue, without having first attempted to resolve the issue. If counsel cannot resolve the discovery issue between themselves after a good faith effort, then the counsel who believes that discovery is not being conducted in accordance with the Court’s Order is to contact the Court by letter (see Rule I[A], supra), to advise of the nature of the dispute and the efforts that have been made to attempt to resolve it. The Court will either resolve the issue by letter or by scheduling a conference. After the Court conferences the matter and if the Court grants leave of court to file a discovery motion, any discovery motion must state that this procedure has been complied with. Failure to comply with this Part’s rules as set forth above may result in denial of the motion.
Source page 3Conferences and appearances
progressing, or has been completed, so the Court can direct a date on which a Note of Issue shall be filed and can schedule a future Settlement Conference. At the Compliance Conference ADR/settlement discussions will/may also take place. Counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) are not permitted to file a Note of Issue in any action unless permission to do so is granted by the Court.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
G. Certification Conferences. A certification conference will be held no later than 90 days prior to the deadline by which a Note of Issue must be filed.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
Counsel attending the ADR/Settlement Conference must be fully familiar with the action and be authorized to discuss all factual and legal issues presented by the litigation, settlement demands or offers, witness scheduling, and trial procedure (e.g., whether any party or witness will require a translator or trial accommodation).
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
Counsel also must be authorized to enter into binding settlements on terms agreeable to the parties and to the Court. The Court will explore limitation of issues for trial (e.g., in an appropriate case, whether liability may be conceded, or certain claims or defenses withdrawn).
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
I. Pre-Trial Conferences. Once a case is assigned to this Part for trial, a Pre-Trial Conference with all counsel and pro se (self-represented) parties will be conducted at a date and time provided by the Court.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
On or before the Pre-Trial Conference, Plaintiff’s counsel, Defendant’s counsel (or pro se (self-represented) parties) must file via NYSCEF and provide the Court with a working copy of
Source page 4Motion practice
There will be no oral argument required on any motion unless directed by the Court. Parties seeking oral argument of a motion may request that oral argument be heard by stating “Oral Argument Requested” above the Index Number on the first page of the papers submitted. If the Court grants the request for oral argument, the Court staff will inform the requesting party’s attorney of the date and time for argument. It is the responsibility of that person to inform all other attorneys of the date and time set, and failure to do so may result in sanctions.
Source page 5Adjournments
All voluntary discontinuances not agreed upon by all parties to the action shall not be so-ordered without a motion.
Source page 5Motion practice
All Orders to Show Cause will require an in-person appearance with oral argument unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Source page 5Motion practice
1. All motion papers and Orders to Show Cause must be typewritten (minimum 12-point type), double-spaced, securely bound and entirely legible. Except for good cause shown, no affirmation or affidavit shall exceed 20 pages. All exhibits must be legible and labeled with external tab markings. Plaintiffs shall designate exhibits by number;
Source page 5Filing and working copies
Defendants shall designate exhibits by letter. Exhibit lettering or numbering should not begin anew for subsequent papers submitted by the same party. Any submission over 1/2-inch thick must be acco-fastened, not stapled.
Source page 5Artificial intelligence
2. Counsel must upload a certification that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has not been used. If counsel did use AI in preparation of the motion papers, counsel must then submit an affirmation that all case law and other references provided by AI were thoroughly checked for accuracy and validity.
Source page 5Trial exhibits and witnesses
3. Reference to exhibits longer than ten (10) pages shall indicate the page number on which the information cited is contained. Should the exhibit not contain page numbers, the exhibit shall be bates-stamped.
Source page 6Motion practice
4. In addition to being part of the motion papers, the affidavit of service of the motion must be separately uploaded to NYSCEF prior to submission of the motion.
Source page 6Motion practice
5. Counsel must advise the Court, in writing, and as soon as practicable, if any submitted or unsubmitted motion, or portion thereof, has been resolved, withdrawn, or rendered moot because the case is settled, or an issue is otherwise resolved.
Source page 6Motion practice
6. Unless there are extremely unusual circumstances in which significant prejudice (set forth in detail in a supporting affidavit/affirmation) will result, opposing counsel or parties are to be advised at least 24 hours in advance of the date and time that any Order to Show Cause which includes a request for a Temporary Restraining Order or other emergency relief is being presented to the Court in accordance with 22 NYCRR 202.7(f) and is to be advised that he/she has the right to be heard on the application. In a true emergency, the Court, in its discretion may dispense with the 24-hour notice requirement.
Source page 6Motion practice
If the opposing party requests oral argument concerning the request for a Temporary Restraining Order or other emergency relief, said request shall be made immediately upon receipt of notice required by 22 NYCRR 202.7(f) via letter uploaded to NYSCEF and email copy to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov on notice to all counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s).
Source page 6Motion practice
7. No working copies of motions are required unless otherwise requested by the Court.
Source page 6Adjournments
B. Adjournments of Motions. A request to adjourn a motion must be made in writing and transmitted to Chambers by letter uploaded to NYSCEF, and email a copy to JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov, prior to the return date of the motion, and copied to all counsel and pro se (self-represented) litigant(s). Adjournment requests may only be granted by the Court, not by stipulation of counsel.
Source page 6Adjournments
All applications for adjournments must set forth: (1) the current return date; (2) the reason why an adjournment is necessary; (3) whether the opposing party(ies) consent(s) or object(s) to the application; (4) the length of the adjournment sought; and (5) the number of prior requests for adjournment and the dates previously set. The letter request and the response, if any, are not to be used to advocate a position on the substantive dispute and shall address only the reason that consent for the requested adjournment is being declined. The Court will advise the parties whether the adjournment is granted, and if so, the return date for the motion.
Source page 7Communications with chambers
C. Submission of Motions. Counsel are not required to appear on the submission date unless directed by the Court. Motions are to be served and filed in conformity with CPLR 2214. In addition, the various branches of the motions as delineated in the Notice of Motion or Order to Show Cause are to be preceded by a number or letter which corresponds to a number or letter in the supporting affirmations and affidavits containing the numbered paragraphs dealing with the particular relief sought.
Source page 7Motion practice
D. Discovery Motions. There shall be no submitted discovery motions in the absence of a Conference (see Rule III(E) above).
Source page 7Conferences and appearances
4. The infant’s compromise paperwork submitted to the ICC must include, inter alia, (i) a medical report/affidavit indicating whether the injured infant plaintiff has fully recovered, and if not, the nature and extent of the injuries and anticipated future treatment, if any, and related medical records where applicable; (ii) proof of settlement of the infant’s claim from defense counsel, in writing; and (iii) defense counsel’s waiver of appearance at the Infant’s Compromise Hearing, in writing. Such paperwork
Source page 7Conferences and appearances
Orders, judgments, counter-orders and/or counter-judgments submitted for signature on notice will be returned unsigned unless an Affidavit of Service and Notice of Settlement for a date designated in accordance with 22 NYCRR 202.48 has been included.
Source page 8Filing and working copies
Counsel seeking to have a subpoena so-ordered must upload the subpoena via NYSCEF with a request to so-order. Requests to so-order subpoenas will not be accepted via email.
Source page 8Trial exhibits and witnesses
C. Trial Exhibits. All trial exhibits, whether the parties stipulate to admit them into evidence or not, shall be pre-marked with the Court reporter.
Source page 8Conferences and appearances
D. Requests to Charge. Once a matter is assigned to this Part for trial, a complete list of requested jury charges, drawn from the Pattern Jury Instructions (PJI) of the then-current year, including departures if the trial involves claims of professional negligence, must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format to the remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov), as directed by the Court and no later than the first Pre-Trial Conference before this Part. Where the
Source page 8Conferences and appearances
E. Proposed Verdict Sheet. A Proposed Verdict Sheet, jointly prepared by all counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format to the Court’s remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov), as directed but the Court and no later than the first Pre-Trial Conference before this Part. If counsel/pro se (self-represented) litigant(s) cannot agree to the questions to be posed to the jury prior to the Pre-Trial Conference, each side shall submit a Proposed Verdict Sheet by email in Microsoft Word format to the Court’s remote email (JudgeMcGrathRemote@nycourts.gov).
Source page 9Motion practice
F. Motions in limine. Motions in limine must be made returnable at least twenty days prior to jury selection, if possible. To the extent possible, the Court will decide such motions prior to commencement of jury selection and/or the commencement of a bench trial, as applicable.
Source page 9Conferences and appearances
G. Interpreters. In the event a translator or interpreter is required for a proceeding, counsel shall notify the Part Clerk no later than the seven (7) days prior to the scheduled appearance so that timely and appropriate arrangements can be made.
Source page 9Trial exhibits and witnesses
I. Use of Videos. If a party intends to use a video at trial, that party shall submit a copy of the video and transcript of same, if applicable, to the Court at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled trial date to allow the Court to rule on the admissibility of video, conduct a hearing if applicable, and any objections made to the video.
Source page 9Trial exhibits and witnesses
J. Displays and Monitors. The Court provides no electronic support. Specifically, counsel must bring all equipment it plans to utilize during trial (i.e., laptops, cables, etc.).
Source page 9Trial exhibits and witnesses
K. Responsibility of Trial Counsel. Trial counsel are responsible for taking back all exhibits, pleadings, transcripts, etc., 30 (thirty) days after the end of trial, unless, in the case of non-jury trials the Court reserves its decisions. In all cases, exhibits, pleadings, transcripts, etc., not retrieved within 60 (sixty) days from the conclusion of the jury trial or within 60 (sixty) days after the Court renders a decision in a non-jury trial, shall be disposed of.
Source page 9Trial exhibits and witnesses
L. Malpractice “Departures.” In jury trials involving claims of professional negligence, no later than the next trial session after the party “rests,” or such other time as the Court may direct, each party-plaintiff shall furnish the Court and all counsel with the final list of proposed departures from the standards of applicable care which that party asserts were testified to by its expert(s) or other witnesses. Page references to the trial transcript are required.
Source page 9Motion practice
Except in cases where an attorney is replaced by another attorney on consent, any change or withdrawal of counsel must be approved by the Court on a motion, brought by Order to Show Cause pursuant to CPLR Section 321.
Source page 10Shared court rules
22 NYCRR Part 200 — Uniform Rules Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction
Nassau County Supreme Court
State criminal proceedings only; section-specific court and case exceptions remain applicable.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-2722 NYCRR Part 202 — Uniform Civil Rules Supreme Court And County Court
Nassau County Supreme Court
Civil actions and proceedings only; section-specific and specialized-part restrictions remain applicable.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Nassau County Supreme Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Nassau County Supreme Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 28, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 2, 2026.
New York State Unified Court System official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 28, 2026
View New York State Unified Court System official judicial roster ↗Nassau County Supreme Court current roster, IAS Part 22
Courtroom Specific source · HTML · Source checked July 28, 2026
View Nassau County Supreme Court current roster, IAS Part 22 ↗Justice Christopher T. McGrath IAS Part 22 Rules
Judge Specific source · PDF · Source checked July 28, 2026
View Justice Christopher T. McGrath IAS Part 22 Rules ↗Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court ↗Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits ↗Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction ↗