--- title: "Deborah A. Chimes | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-02" --- # Deborah A. Chimes Erie County Supreme Court · Supreme Court Justice ## Profile - Court: Erie County Supreme Court - State: New York - Role: Supreme Court Justice - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Justice, New York Supreme Court, Erie County, NY, 2011-2025 - Justice, New York Justice Court, Orchard Park, NY, 2004-2011 - Prior roles: Town Justice, Orchard Park Town Court (2004–2011) — first woman in that role Attorney at Grosse, Chelus, Herdzik & Speyer (1990–1998) Walsh & Wilkins (1998–2008) Barth, Sullivan & Behr (2008–2009) Lippman & O’Connor (2009–2010) - Justice of the New York Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, serving in the Commercial Division of the Erie County court ### Education - JD — University at Buffalo — 1995 - cum laude — University at Buffalo — 1989 ### Additional information - Practitioner, NY, 1990-2011 ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### recording and photography Scope: statewide New York statewide rules require permission before photographing, filming, videotaping, audiotaping, broadcasting, or telecasting in court facilities, including courtrooms. Evidence excerpt: 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 obtained [Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-29-electronic-recording-and-audio-visual-coverage-court-facilities-and-court-proceedings?from_node=15921&topic=386&wrapped=true) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### evidence presentation control Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 1.07. COURT CONTROL OVER PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE [Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role](https://www.nycourts.gov/judges/evidence/1-GENERAL/1-generalprovisions.shtml) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### trial exhibit books Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-202-uniform-civil-rules-supreme-court-and-county-court) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### exhibit marking Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-202-uniform-civil-rules-supreme-court-and-county-court) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### virtual evidence courtroom Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-202-uniform-civil-rules-supreme-court-and-county-court) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### electronic appearances Scope: statewide For New York criminal proceedings, virtual and hybrid appearances are governed by Part 200 consent, objection, public-access, and calendar-update requirements. Evidence excerpt: 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](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-200-uniform-rules-courts-exercising-criminal-jurisdiction) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/judicialdirectory/Bio?judge_id=ftsH9_PLUS__PLUS_EjhzO1QUjl9lg/w%3D%3D) - [Official roster](https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/judicialdirectory/Bio?judge_id=ftsH9_PLUS__PLUS_EjhzO1QUjl9lg/w%3D%3D) - [New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster](https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/judicialdirectory/Bio?judge_id=ftsH9_PLUS__PLUS_EjhzO1QUjl9lg/w%3D%3D) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14636/deborah-a-chimes/) - [Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-29-electronic-recording-and-audio-visual-coverage-court-facilities-and-court-proceedings?from_node=15921&topic=386&wrapped=true) - [Guide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role](https://www.nycourts.gov/judges/evidence/1-GENERAL/1-generalprovisions.shtml) - [Part 202: Uniform Civil Rules for the Supreme Court and the County Court](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-202-uniform-civil-rules-supreme-court-and-county-court) - [Part 202.70 Commercial Division Rules: Virtual Evidence Courtrooms and Trial Exhibits](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-202-uniform-civil-rules-supreme-court-and-county-court) - [Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-200-uniform-rules-courts-exercising-criminal-jurisdiction) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14636/deborah-a-chimes/) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes", "name": "Deborah A. Chimes | KnowJudges", "description": "Deborah A. Chimes, Erie County Supreme Court. Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.", "dateModified": "2026-08-02", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes#judge", "name": "Deborah A. Chimes", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes", "jobTitle": "Supreme Court Justice", "worksFor": { "@type": "GovernmentOrganization", "name": "Erie County Supreme Court" }, "sameAs": [ "https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/judicialdirectory/Bio?judge_id=ftsH9_PLUS__PLUS_EjhzO1QUjl9lg/w%3D%3D", "https://www.courtlistener.com/person/14636/deborah-a-chimes/" ], "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University at Buffalo" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University at Buffalo" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "KnowJudges", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "New York", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/state/new-york" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Deborah A. Chimes", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/deborah-a-chimes" } ] } ] } ``` ## Published courtroom rules ### Judge and named-part rules #### Communications with chambers The Court does not accept, does not receive notice of and does not review correspondence filed on NYSCEF. Correspondence directed to the Court is to be sent to the Court’s Secretary either attached to an email or mailed hard copy. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Adjournments Adjournments of conferences are granted only with the consent of all parties, subject to the Court’s approval by contacting the Court’s Secretary. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Discovery 1. The party seeking to limit disclosure shall provide hard copies of the records subject of the in camera review to the Court; See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Discovery 2. Simultaneously, the party seeking to limit disclosure shall submit a privilege log consistent with CPLR 3122(b) on notice to opposing counsel; and See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Discovery 3. The party seeking disclosure shall have 14 days from receipt of the privilege log to submit argument to the Court that the records referenced in the privilege log are subject to disclosure. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Adjournments Submissions: All motion, opposition and reply submissions are to be e-filed on New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF). All submissions, including replies, must be e-filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the return date. At the Court's discretion, late submissions may result in an adjournment of the motion or rejection of the untimely submission. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Communications with chambers No fax or e-mail submissions are permitted. Hard copies of motion papers are not required unless the Court requests otherwise. Hyper-links to citations and exhibits are preferred. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice Sealing: Litigants cannot stipulate to seal documents or redact information by way of a Confidentiality Agreement or otherwise. Sealing or redaction (other than the mandatory redaction required by 22 NYCRR 202.5(e)) requires a motion and Court Order that makes a finding of good cause. See, 22 NYCRR § 216.1. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice Orders to Show Cause: Prior to filing an Order to Show Cause, counsel is to contact the Court's Confidential Law Clerk. Pursuant to 22 NYCRR 202.8-d, Orders to Show Cause will only be granted when there is a genuine urgency, a stay is required or an Order to Show Cause is required by statute. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Adjournments Adjournments: Motions will be adjourned by contacting the Court Clerk on consent of all parties, subject to the Court’s approval. Motions will not be generally adjourned. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Filing and working copies Orders: Only Orders approved by all counsel, with notice of such approval to the Court, should be submitted for signature by uploading the Order to NYSCEF. A copy of the Court’s Decision is to be incorporated and attached to the Order where applicable. If counsel cannot agree to the language of an Order, each is to submit a hard copy of the Order they propose and a position letter to the Court. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice Motion return dates are the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Oral argument is in person unless otherwise directed by the Court. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Discovery Jury Trials: Hard copies of requests to charge, proposed verdict sheets, expert disclosure, pre- marked exhibits and pleadings are to be submitted to the Court two weeks prior to jury selection unless otherwise directed by the Court. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 3 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Discovery Bench Trials: Hard copies of pre-trial briefs, marked exhibits, expert disclosure and pleadings are to be submitted to the Court one week prior to the start of trial unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Post-trial briefs are to be submitted thirty days following the close of proof unless otherwise directed by the Court. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/8jd/pdfs/IAS_Rules/JudgeChimes2025.pdf) · Source page 3 · Collected 2026-10-27 ### Shared court rules - [22 NYCRR Part 200 — Uniform Rules Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/ny-shared-set-5e0f997e8c334d15fbc4) — State criminal proceedings only; section-specific court and case exceptions remain applicable. [Official source](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-200-uniform-rules-courts-exercising-criminal-jurisdiction). Collected 2026-10-27. - [22 NYCRR Part 202 — Uniform Civil Rules Supreme Court And County Court](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/ny-shared-set-bf1c7eb9020e52eed65d) — Civil actions and proceedings only; section-specific and specialized-part restrictions remain applicable. [Official source](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-202-uniform-civil-rules-supreme-court-and-county-court). Collected 2026-10-27. - [Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-99a7824bb8e009643f842c03) — 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](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-29-electronic-recording-and-audio-visual-coverage-court-facilities-and-court-proceedings?from_node=15921&topic=386&wrapped=true). Collected 2026-07-26. - [Part 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-34fe480ab82f22fa3c31d257) — 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](https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-29-electronic-recording-and-audio-visual-coverage-court-facilities-and-court-proceedings?from_node=15921&topic=386&wrapped=true). Collected 2026-07-26.