Robert A. McDonald at a glance
- Current role
- Supreme Court Justice
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- Active
- Term and retention
- Current term ends 2030
Robert A. McDonald
Supreme Court Justice · Nassau County Supreme Court
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Biography
Professional career
- Justice, New York Supreme Court, Nassau County, NY, 2016-2029
- Justice of the New York Supreme Court, 10th Judicial District (Nassau County), elected in 2015 and serving until the end of his term in 2029
- Co-Founder & Partner, Collins McDonald and Gann, Mineola, NY, 1990-2015
- Founding Partner, Collins, McDonald & Gann (1990–2015)
- Current role: Justice, Nassau County Supreme Court, 10th Judicial District
- His background as both a prosecutor and defense attorney informs his approach to complex litigation
Education
- Saint Johns University — J.D. (1983)
- New York University — B.A. (1977)
Additional information
- handling criminal defense matters
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 (24 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
Email: Parties may communicate with the law secretary by email. A party emailing the law secretary must include all the other parties to the case on the email.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
Telephone Calls. Except as provided below, telephone calls to chambers are permitted only in emergency situations requiring immediate attention. In such situations only, call chambers at the number listed above.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
Faxes. Faxes to chambers are not permitted unless prior authorization is obtained or as set forth below.
Source page 1Conferences and appearances
Appearances. All appearances shall be made by attorneys with knowledge of the facts and vested with authority to enter into stipulations and/or dispositions which bind their respective clients. The failure to comply with this rule or the failure to appear in timely fashion may subject counsel to one or more of the sanctions authorized by 22 NYCRR § 202.27 and or 22 NYCRR Part 130-2. Attorneys shall comport themselves in accordance with the rules established in 22 NYCRR § 700.4, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and the NYS Standards of Civility.
Source page 1Adjournments
Compliance Conference. The compliance conference date will be set down in the preliminary conference order and must be held no later than 60 days before the date scheduled for the completion of discovery (22 NYCRR § 202.19[b][3]). The conference will be held either virtually or in the courtroom. Attorneys appearing at the compliance conference must have telephone access to their respective clients and shall be prepared to enter into good faith settlement discussions. Adjournments will be granted only for compelling reasons. In no event shall the compliance conference be held later than the compliance requirement date as set forth in the DCM timetable accompanying the preliminary conference order.
Source page 2Adjournments
Certification Conference. Pursuant to the rules of the Administrative Judge, a certification conference will be held prior to the filing of a note of issue. The certification conference will be held no later than 90 days before the date fixed for the filing of the note of issue. The conference will be held virtually or in the courtroom. Attorneys appearing at the certification conference must have telephone access to their respective clients and shall be prepared to enter into good faith settlement discussions. There shall be no adjournments of certification conferences without the permission of the court.
Source page 2Adjournments
A. Return date and adjournments. All motions are made returnable to the Hon. Robert A. McDonald, Part 15. Parties should contact chambers with any questions regarding return dates and adjournments. If an adjournment of a motion is being requested, but the adversary does not consent, a conference with the law secretary, either by phone, virtually or in person, can be requested. The court does not accept adjournments left by message on the chamber’s or courtroom clerk’s voice mail. There shall be no appearance required on motion return dates. If oral argument is requested, the court will consider the request, after reviewing the papers, and will then inform the parties of the date of the oral argument if the request is granted.
Source page 2Filing and working copies
On non-e-filed cases, or cases where there is only “partial participation” in e-filing, each set of moving papers, opposition papers and reply papers must contain an active email address for the author of the papers and the adversary/adversaries.
Source page 2Adjournments
B. Writs and Contempts: All applications shall be calendared on the date returnable. Appearance by all parties is mandatory. No adjournments will be granted unless a stipulation consenting to the adjournment, signed by all parties and any alleged contemptor who is not a party, is received in Chambers no later than 1:00 p.m. of the day prior to the return date.
Source page 3Motion practice
C. Submission of papers. All motion papers are to be addressed to and submitted through the Hon. Robert A. McDonald, Part 15. The court will not accept sur-reply papers unless prior authorization has been given by the court. Sur-reply papers submitted in violation of this rule will be disregarded.
Source page 3Motion practice
D. Temporary restraining orders. No temporary restraining order contained in an order to show cause will be extended beyond the initial return date of the motion except upon written stipulation “so ordered” by the court or as otherwise directed by the court. If the parties or counsel cannot agree to the continuation or termination of a temporary restraining order, all counsel and any pro se litigant must appear on the return date of the motion. The failure to appear will be deemed a waiver of the defaulting party’s position with respect to the continuation or termination of the TRO.
Source page 3Adjournments
E. Cross-Motions. Submission of a cross-motion with a stated return date that is beyond the return date of the original motion will not serve to adjourn the original motion.
Source page 3Motion practice
F. Summary Judgment. Motions for summary judgment shall be returnable no later than 90 days after the filing of a note of issue.
Source page 3Motion practice
G. Discovery Motions. All discovery motions must contain an affirmation of good faith that strictly complies with 22 NYCRR § 202.7(c). Failure to comply will result in denial of the motion.
Source page 3Motion practice
Jury Trials. A trial conference with the Court shall be held immediately prior to the commencement of all jury trials. At the trial conference, counsel shall supply the Court with marked pleadings, amendments thereto and all bills of particulars served. Counsel shall further provide the Court with a list of proposed jury charges and the contentions of each party and proposed jury verdict sheets. A list of all pre-marked exhibits shall also be provided to the Court and to the stenographer. Counsel shall notify the Court and opposing counsel in the conference of any motions in limine and any supporting statutory or case law. Counsel shall notify the Court of their inability to stipulate to the admission of any exhibits to be offered at trial. Counsel shall further advise the Court of the witnesses to be called, and if any are to be called as expert witnesses, shall further provide the information required by CPLR 3101 (d)(1)(I). The filing of a note of issue is a condition precedent to the commencement of any trial.
Source page 3Trial exhibits and witnesses
Malpractice “Departures”. In cases involving claims of professional negligence, on the next trial session after a party rests, or such other time as the Court may direct, each party [plaintiff] shall furnish the Court and counsel for all parties with a list of the departures from the standards of good and accepted practice which that party asserts were testified to by its expert witness or witnesses. Where the testimony has been transcribed, page references will be required.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
Non-Jury Trials. A conference with the Court shall proceed the commencement of all non-jury trials at which counsel shall provide the following: 1) A copy of marked pleadings, amendment thereto, bills of particulars; 2) A list of pre-marked exhibits; and identification of those on which counsel could not agree as to their introduction at trial; 3) A list of witnesses and if any be experts, the information required by CPLR 3101(d)(1)(I); and 4) pre-trial memoranda of law.
Source page 4Filing and working copies
The parties shall be required to provide a transcript of the trial. The filing of a note of issue is a condition precedent to the commencement of any trial.
Source page 4Adjournments
A. Ex parte and miscellaneous communications. The court will not accept any ex parte communications by telephone or letter from counsel or a self-represented litigant. The court will not accept any correspondence between counsel except as may be necessary to confirm a consent adjournment.
Source page 4Adjournments
B. Settlements and other stipulations. If an action is settled or discontinued or the parties otherwise stipulate to the resolution of an issue in dispute, counsel should advise the court forthwith by sending the court a copy of the stipulation. The original of any stipulation of settlement or discontinuance must be filed with the County Clerk, as the clerk of the court.
Source page 4Filing and working copies
D. Compromise Applications: All applications for court approval of a proposed compromise of an infant or other disabled party’s claim must be submitted through the Special Term, with proof of service on all remaining parties. Compliance with the provisions of CPLR 1207, 1208 and 22 NYCRR 202.67 and a proposed distribution of net amounts to be recovered by the disabled plaintiff that is consistent with the provisions of CPLR 1206 is required. The Court will not accept medical reports/affidavits executed more than six months prior to the submission date.
Source page 4Conferences and appearances
The report must indicate whether the injured plaintiff has fully recovered, and if not, the nature and extent of the injuries and the costs of future treatment. Since the Court may direct that notice of the application be given to all persons who possess claims against the proceeds recoverable under the compromise, including those with statutory liens, the names and addresses of all such persons and the amount of their prospective claims must be set forth in the petition. If no person has asserted such a claim, the petition must so state. Once the submissions are complete, an appearance date shall be scheduled by the Court.
Source page 4Filing and working copies
E. Hearings/Inquests: All hearings and/or inquests emanating from cases in the inventory of IAS Part 15 shall be scheduled by the Court. The filing of a note of issue is a condition precedent to the commencement of any hearing or inquest.
Source page 5Adjournments
F. Sanctions: The Court will not consider a sanctions application unless the moving party first seeks withdrawal or discontinuance of the offending act or action or demands required or necessary action which is refused. Proof of such request must be made a part of the sanctions application.
Source page 5Shared 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 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 ↗CourtListener judicial biographical directory
Identity source · HTML · Source checked August 2, 2026
View CourtListener judicial biographical directory ↗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 ↗