Erik S. Pitchal at a glance
- Current role
- Supreme Court Justice
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends 2027
Erik S. Pitchal
Supreme Court Justice · Kings County Supreme Court
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Biography
Professional career
- Judge in the Family Court of the City of New York (Kings County), appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio for a term from 2017 to 2027.
- Judge, Family Court of the City of New York, Kings County, Appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio 2015 to 2017, Reappointed, 2017 to 2027
- Judge, Family Court of the City of New York, Bronx County, Designated by Chief Administrative Judge A. Gail Prudenti, 2013 to 2014
- Judge, Civil Court of the City of New York, New York County, Appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, 2013 to 2013
- Suffolk University Law School (Boston), Assistant Clinical Professor of Law and Founder and Director of the Suffolk University Child Advocacy Clinic, 2007 to 2011
- Fordham University, Director Fordham University Interdisciplinary Center for Family and Child Advocacy and Adjunct Associate Professor of Law, 2005 to 2007
- Law Clerk to Hon. Robert P. Patterson, Jr., US District Court for the Southern District of New York, 1998 to 1999
Education
- Yale Law School — J.D. (1998)
- Brown University — B.A. (1994)
Additional information
- Reappointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, 2014 to 2014
- Independent Child Welfare Consultant and Solo Practitioner, 2011 to 2013
- Children's Rights, Staff Attorney, 2002 to 2005
- Legal Aid Society, Staff Attorney, Juvenile Rights Division, 1999 to 2002
- He presides over Part 20 child protective cases and has served on the bench for 14 years
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
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 ↗
Remote appearances
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 ↗
Published courtroom rules
Judge and named-part rules
Published judge / part rules (34 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
2) All e-mails sent to the Part 20 address must include all counsel of record, unless a specific and permissible reason for ex parte communication is cited.
Source page 1Filing and working copies
3) EDDS is reserved for the filing of papers that are appropriate for inclusion in the UCMS case file. See below for specific instructions as to which papers should be filed through EDDS and which should not.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
4) Counsel must check UCMS for signed orders. Whether the order is generated after an appearance or is signed “off the record,” if you are expecting an order, please check UCMS. This applies to signed orders to show cause, stipulations, and other similar papers. The part will not be e-mailing signed orders to counsel. Counsel who submitted the paper must obtain the signed copy and serve others accordingly.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
All reports should be filed through EDDS and e-mailed to Part 20. Reports are due two court days prior to the appearance. Late reports may not be read before the scheduled appearance.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
Any document requiring the Judge’s signature should be e-mailed to Part 20. Do not file with EDDS. A “reply-all” e-mail will be sent back with the signed attachment. If the Judge declines to sign the paper, a “reply-all” e-mail will be sent back with this information. In general, parties can expect a response within two court days of submission.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
After all parties have come to an agreement to settle a pending matter, the party who drafted the proposal should e-mail Part 20, copying all counsel, and affirmatively represent that all parties are in agreement with the terms. The Court will endeavor to respond in advance of the scheduled appearance date to confirm whether it will accept the proposed terms.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
In the event the parties agree to most terms, but there are some disagreements that can be resolved without an evidentiary hearing, it is acceptable to e-mail the Part with that information as well. For example, the parties might agree to a 1051(a) on a neglect matter, as well as the child(ren)’s status (placement, release to respondent, release to non-respondent, etc.), but disagree about the services which the Court should require of the respondent, and/or visitation.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
If the disputed issues can be resolved with exhibits and argument and without testimony, then counsel can convey the details in an e-mail to Part 20. The Court will review these communications and provide guidance to the parties in advance as to what to expect, procedurally, on the appearance date.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
Please do not send e-mails to Part 20 which consist of back-and-forth discussion among counsel. Only send e-mails as directed herein.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
E-mails concerning settlements should be sent as far in advance as possible, but in any event no later than 5pm on the court day immediately preceding the scheduled appearance.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
Motions on notice can be made returnable for any date the part is scheduled to be open; please consult the Master Calendar. The return time should be 9am. Motions must be filed with EDDS and e-mailed to the Part 20 mailbox. No special permission is needed to file a motion on notice.
Source page 2Adjournments
Return dates should be far enough in advance to allow sufficient time for proper service under the CPLR. Counsel must file proof of service no later than 5pm on the court day immediately preceding the return date, via EDDS and via e-mail to the Part 20 mailbox. Failure to provide proof of service, or failure to serve in accordance with the CPLR, will result in the Court adjourning the motion to a later date. If proper service is not made, with proof filed, by the second return date, the motion will be denied without prejudice. All orders on motions will be posted to UCMS after they are signed.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
No motions on notice will be heard on the record on the return date. As per 22 N.Y.C.R.R. § 205.11(d), oral argument will be scheduled only if specifically requested. If no party requests oral argument, the Court will take the motion on submission and will issue a written order on the return date or soon thereafter. Any request for an appearance on the record must be made clear on the face of any party’s motion papers. The party requesting an appearance must contact counsel of record and e-mail the Part with a list of dates that are good for all. A “reply-all” e-mail will be sent confirming the date for the appearance. If a party
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
requesting an appearance does not submit a list of dates that are good for all counsel, then the Court may take the matter under submission and issue a written decision without an appearance.
Source page 3Motion practice
Motions in limine shall be made returnable for the fact-finding date. Parties should follow the briefing schedule set forth in the case management order. When the deadline for the last brief has passed, the Court will issue a written decision or else reserve decision and rule orally on the first day of fact-finding.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Response papers to motions on notice must be filed with EDDS and e-mailed to the Part 20 mailbox.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Whether or not they seek interim relief, motions brought by proposed order to show cause should be filed with EDDS and e-mailed to the Part 20 mailbox as soon as they are ready. No written permission is needed to file an order to show cause.
Source page 3Motion practice
The moving party must explain in the papers the reason the motion could not have been brought on notice (e.g., the relief requested needs to be in place sooner than a motion on notice can be heard; the statute requires an order to show cause) and what efforts were made to resolve the matter on consent.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Orders to show cause that do not seek interim relief will generally be signed with an endorsement providing a briefing schedule and a return date. The Court will also indicate whether an appearance will occur on the return date or if the matter will be handled on submission. Any request by counsel for an appearance on the record must be made clear on the face of any party’s papers. The party requesting an appearance must contact counsel of record and e-mail the Part with a list of dates that are good for all. A “reply-all” e-mail will be sent confirming the date for the appearance. If a party requesting an appearance does not submit a list of dates that are good for all counsel, then the Court may take the matter under submission and issue a written decision without an appearance.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Filing a proposed order to show cause does not guarantee that you will be heard the day it is filed even if interim relief is sought. In appropriate cases, interim relief may be granted or denied without a hearing. The explanation will generally be provided in writing. If any party wishes to be heard on the record regarding interim relief, you must e-mail the Part, copying all counsel of record with good times that day and the next court day. The Court will give the other attorneys a brief opportunity to provide their good times as well, and then a “reply-all” e-mail will be sent confirming the time for the appearance. Please note: the time listed in UCMS for an order to show cause filed that day does NOT reflect the time selected by the Court. Rather, EDDS clerks select “placeholder” times in UCMS when they add the case to the calendar. The true time the matter will be heard will be reflected in an e-mail sent from the Part 20 mailbox.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
Response papers to orders to show cause must be filed with EDDS and e-mailed to the Part 20 mailbox, in accordance with the briefing schedule set forth in the signed order.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
All exhibits, for any type of hearing, must be submitted in electronic format in advance of the scheduled appearance. Exhibits should be emailed to the Part 20 mailbox. DO NOT FILE
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
For fact-finding, dispositional, and permanency hearings, exhibits are due five days in advance. For emergency hearings, exhibits are due by 5pm on the court day immediately preceding the scheduled appearance.
Source page 4Communications with chambers
Documents and photos should be in PDF format; JPEGs cannot be accommodated. Videos should be in a format playable on a Windows PC. Any exhibit that cannot be e-mailed should be saved on a USB drive and filed with the clerk’s office, who will pass the device on to the Court for a security scan before it is opened.
Source page 4Trial exhibits and witnesses
Exhibits should be labeled in a standard format including the identity of the offering party; the number (petitioner), letter (respondent), or Roman numeral (AFC); and the specific hearing in which it will be offered. For example: Petitioner’s Ex 1 (FF); RM Ex. A (1028); AFC Ex. I (PH). The Court will save all proposed exhibits in a dedicated virtual evidence folder in a secure location until they are actually admitted into evidence, at which time the Court will take care of ensuring the properly labeled exhibit is in UCMS.
Source page 4Adjournments
If counsel becomes aware of the need for an adjournment more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appearance, counsel should first notify the other attorneys and seek their consent. Once a response has been received from all parties, or after a reasonable period of time has gone by without a response, counsel may e-mail the Part 20 mailbox with the request.
Source page 4Adjournments
Any request for an adjournment should contain proposed alternative dates that work for all counsel. The Court will either so-order or deny your request in a “reply-all” e-mail. Even if all counsel consent to an adjournment, the Court may not necessarily grant the request.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
Counsel must wait for confirmation from the Court before vacating the date in their calendars.
Source page 4Adjournments
If the need for the adjournment was not known to counsel more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled date (for example, a personal emergency or an unexpected priority appearance in another part), the attorney should still send an e-mail to Part 20, and include good dates. The attorney should make all efforts to secure coverage for the case. The Court will expect the other parties to still appear to select the adjourn date unless you are notified otherwise.
Source page 4Communications with chambers
If counsel needs more time to comply with a deadline, a request for enlargement of time may be e-mailed to the Part 20 mailbox in advance of the deadline.
Source page 5Communications with chambers
Unless extenuating circumstances exist, the Court expects that the requesting party will first seek the consent of opposing counsel and then inform the Court whether or not consent was given. This information should be included in the e-mail.
Source page 5Communications with chambers
The Court will send a “reply-all” e-mail indicating whether the request is granted or not. In general, the Court will approve any request that has the consent of all relevant counsel. The major exception is a motion in limine if granting the enlargement means that an upcoming trial date must be vacated.
Source page 5Communications with chambers
Part 20 will follow the policy, announced in Judge Jolly’s recent memorandum, requiring all newly scheduled hearing and trial dates to be in person. Judge Pitchal will consider and promptly rule on all requests by counsel, parties, or witnesses to appear virtually for what will otherwise be an in-person appearance. As per the new policy, all such requests must cite a compelling reason or an ADA accommodation. These requests should be e-mailed to Part 20 as far in advance of the appearance as possible. Attorneys must submit a separate request for each appearance, as the part is not able to track which lawyers have received accommodations in the past.
Source page 5Conferences and appearances
Judge Pitchal is aware of how complicated it will be for lawyers who have busy calendars to appear virtually for one case and then in-person for another case scheduled back-to-back, or vice versa. If any attorney expects to be present in the courthouse for an in-person matter but has a virtual appearance scheduled soon thereafter in Part 20 (or vice versa), you may appear in-person in the courtroom while the other participants appear virtually. However, the Part must know two days in advance in order to arrange for the hybrid technology (a/k/a “the cart”) to be brought to the courtroom and set up. There are not enough carts for every courtroom to have one every day, so please ask for assistance ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Source page 5Shared court rules
22 NYCRR Part 200 — Uniform Rules Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction
Kings 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
Kings 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
Kings 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
Kings 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 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 2, 2026.
New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster ↗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 ↗