--- title: "Naita A. Semaj | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/naita-a-semaj" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-08-02" --- # Naita A. Semaj Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term · Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County Civil Term, General IAS Part 27 ## Profile - Court: Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term - State: New York - Role: Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County Civil Term, General IAS Part 27 - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-28 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Democratic Party judge of the New York Supreme Court, 12th Judicial District (Bronx County), elected in November 2021 for a term running through December 31, 2035 - Judge, Civil Court of the City of New York, Bronx County, Elected, 2019 to 2029 - NYS Unified Court System, Principal Court Attorney, 2010 to 2018 ### Education - St. John's University School of Law — J.D. (2005) - Lehman College, City University of New York — B.A. (2000) ### Additional information - In July 2025, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct censured Semaj for unjustifiably ejecting three assistant district attorneys from her courtroom and for impatient, discourteous, and sarcastic conduct toward prosecutors over a 13‐month period. - She assumed office on January 1, 2022 after winning a competitive general election - Semaj previously served in the New York City Civil Court, Bronx County from 2019 to 2021. - Administration for Children's Services, Agency Attorney, 2005 to 2009 - She is the daughter of Dr. Leahcim Semaj, a Jamaican physician, and grew up in Jamaica before returning to New York for college and law school. - She also held the role of a Court Attorney, arbitrator in Small Claims Court, and community board member ## 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 ### powerpoint and innovative presentations Scope: courtwide In a Bronx County Summary Jury Trial, counsel may use innovative jury presentations, including medical records, reports, and PowerPoint. Evidence excerpt: Counsel are encouraged to use innovative methods of presentation to the jury, including medical records, reports, PowerPoint presentations [Bronx County Summary Jury Trial Rules](https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/filing-rules) Source checked: 2026-07-28 ### jury notebooks and exhibit exchange Scope: courtwide Evidence or trial notebooks intended for the jury in a Bronx County Summary Jury Trial must be exchanged 30 days before trial or the material may be precluded. Evidence excerpt: Any evidence or trial notebook intended for the jury must be exchanged thirty (30) days prior to trial or may be precluded [Bronx County Summary Jury Trial Rules](https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/filing-rules) Source checked: 2026-07-28 ### video testimony Scope: courtwide Live or prerecorded video testimony is permitted in a Bronx County Summary Jury Trial. Evidence excerpt: Video taped testimony, live or pre-recorded, is permitted [Bronx County Summary Jury Trial Rules](https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/filing-rules) Source checked: 2026-07-28 ### 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://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/part-rules) - [Official roster](https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/part-rules) - [Bronx County Supreme Court Civil Term Part Rules, General IAS Part 27](https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/part-rules) - [Bronx County Summary Jury Trial Rules](https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/filing-rules) - [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) - [Judicial Directory: Hon. Naita A. Semaj](https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/judicialdirectory/Bio?judge_id=8mkuVE8jzJmZmox5P4utbw%3D%3D) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/naita-a-semaj", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/naita-a-semaj", "name": "Naita A. Semaj | KnowJudges", "description": "Naita A. Semaj, Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term. 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/naita-a-semaj#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/naita-a-semaj#judge", "name": "Naita A. Semaj", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/naita-a-semaj", "jobTitle": "Supreme Court Justice, Bronx County Civil Term, General IAS Part 27", "worksFor": { "@type": "GovernmentOrganization", "name": "Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/12th-judicial-district/bronx-county-supreme-court-civil-term/part-rules" ], "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Lehman College, City University of New York" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "St. John's University School of Law" } ] }, { "@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": "Naita A. Semaj", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/naita-a-semaj" } ] } ] } ``` ## Published courtroom rules ### Judge and named-part rules #### Conferences and appearances The Foreclosure Settlement Conference Part (“FSCP”) and its implementing rules support active settlement negotiations. After the third settlement conference, the Referee shall update the Court as to progress of the case and next steps as agreed amongst the parties. The parties are encouraged to contribute to the Referee’s update to ensure that it is detailed and informative as possible. Upon receipt of the Referee’s update, the court shall decide whether the case will stay in the FSCP or be released for further proceedings. Regardless of the court’s decision, the parties may write to the court at any time, via email to bxforeclosureconferences@nycourts.gov, to request that the court reconsider its decision to release the case or for additional conferencing. Requests must include both sides and will be granted/denied based on a review of all information made available 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/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances Once the case is released, the parties are encouraged to continue negotiating potential settlement alternatives but must be prepared to litigate the action in accordance with the law. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Communications with chambers The Court actively encourages parties to settle foreclosure actions at all phases of proceedings, and with this in mind, status conferences can be requested at any stage after release from the FSCP. Any request for a status conference shall be made via email to Raina Taylor at Rataylor@nycourts.gov. The email must include two proposed dates for said conference. No ex-parte or telephone requests for conferences will be entertained. The See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 1 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Conferences and appearances All persons, attorneys, and pro se litigants who appear for a conference, be it status, pre-trial, or otherwise, must be fully familiar with the facts, the procedural history, and present status of the case. If a client does not attend the conference, the attorney must have a working phone number for their client and ensure their client has settlement authority and is available to answer any case-related questions that may arise during the conference. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice The parties are discouraged from filing dispositive motions while the case is in the FSCP, and any such motions will be held in abeyance until the case is released. Thereafter, such motions will be decided within 30 days. Any request to continue to hold a fully submitted motion in abeyance after release shall be promptly made in writing and upon notice via NYSCEF indicating the specific reasons for the request. Any request will only be granted for up to 90 days, after which, the motion will be decided absent a specific and updated written request to extend for an additional 90 days. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Motion practice All motions will be decided on submission unless oral arguments are requested. Any request for oral argument shall include both parties and be made via email to Raina Taylor at rataylor@nycourts.gov. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Adjournments All motions, to the extent possible, shall include a proposed order for the courts review. Any stipulation to adjourn a motion must be filed through NYSCEF in advance of the submission date and shall include the reason for the adjournment. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 #### Adjournments With respect to dispositions and discontinuances, parties shall promptly file a Notice or Stipulation of Discontinuance and Cancellation of Pendency with a courtesy copy to bxforeclosureconferences@nycourts.gov. See document heading and cited passage; do not apply outside the issuing part or proceeding. [Official rules document](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/courts/12jd/bronx/civil/pdfs/residential-foreclosures-partrules-semaj.pdf) · Source page 2 · Collected 2026-10-27 ### Shared court rules - [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.