Valerie Figueredo at a glance
- Current role
- U.S. Magistrate Judge
- Jurisdiction
- New York · Federal
- Judicial service
- Active
Valerie Figueredo
U.S. Magistrate Judge · U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Service record and verification
Judicial service and assignments
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York · U.S. Magistrate Judge · Active · Assignment source ↗
Appointment and verification
- Source authority
- Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Biography
Professional career
- United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of New York, assigned to Courtroom 17A at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan U.S. Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, New York, NY 10007
Education
Additional information
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Remote appearances
Courtwide
In federal district-court civil proceedings, testimony is ordinarily taken in open court; remote contemporaneous testimony requires good cause in compelling circumstances and appropriate safeguards.
For good cause in compelling circumstances and with appropriate safeguards, the court may permit testimony in open court by contemporaneous transmission from a different location.Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 43(a), Testimony in Open Court ↗
Recording and broadcasting
Courtwide
Federal district courts may not permit courtroom photography or broadcasting during criminal judicial proceedings unless a statute or another federal rule provides an exception.
Except as otherwise provided by a statute or these rules, the court must not permit the taking of photographs in the courtroom during judicial proceedings or the broadcasting of judicial proceedings from the courtroom.Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, Courtroom Photographing and Broadcasting Prohibited ↗
Published courtroom rules
Judge and named-part rules
Published judge / part rules (39 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. Letters. Communications with the Court should be by letter, via electronic case filing (“ECF”), without email or other copy to Chambers. Letters may not exceed 3 single-space pages in length (exclusive of exhibits). All letters filed on ECF must be in searchable PDF form. Any letter containing sensitive or confidential information that a party does not wish to appear on the docket should follow the procedures outlined in Section I.G. below.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
b. Emails & Faxes. Emails to Chambers are only permitted for urgent matters requiring immediate attention or when otherwise expressly permitted by the Court in advance. In any other circumstances, requests or questions to Chambers should be made by letter only. No faxed communications shall be permitted without prior permission from Chambers.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
d. Pro Se Parties. By Standing Order, a pro se party must mail all communications with the Court to the Pro Se Intake Unit located at 500 Pearl St., Room 230, New York, NY 10007. A pro se party may not call Chambers or send any document or filing directly to Chambers. Submissions requiring immediate attention should be hand-delivered to the Pro Se Intake Unit. Unless the Court orders otherwise, all communications with the Court will be docketed upon receipt; such docketing
Source page 1Communications with chambers
1 Requests for reasonable accommodations on account of disability or religion with respect to the Court’s rules or in connection with any proceeding before Judge Figueredo may be emailed to FigueredoNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov. Counsel and parties are also invited to inform the Court of their preferred pronouns.
Source page 1Communications with chambers
shall constitute service on any user of the ECF system. If any other party is not a user of the ECF system (e.g., if there is another pro se party in the case), a pro se party must send copies of any filing to the party and include proof of service affirming that he or she has done so. Copies of correspondence between a pro se party and opposing parties shall not be sent to the Court. Questions can be directed to the pro se unit at (212) 805-0175. Any nonincarcerated pro se party who wishes to participate in ECF must file a Motion for Permission for Electronic Case Filing, available in the Pro Se Intake unit or at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/node/844. Any nonincarcerated pro se party who wishes to receive documents in their case electronically (by email) instead of by regular mail may consent to electronic service by filing a Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent & Registration Form to Receive Documents Electronically, available in the Pro Se Intake Unit or at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/node/845.
Source page 2Adjournments
e. Requests for Adjournments or Extensions of Time. Requests to adjourn a court conference or court proceeding (including a telephonic court conference) or to extend a deadline must be made by Letter-Motion, after consultation with all affected parties, and must state: (1) the original date of the conference, proceeding or deadline; (2) the number of previous requests for an adjournment or extension;
Source page 2Adjournments
(3) the reason for the requested extension; and (4) whether all affected parties consent and, if not, the reasons given by the adversary for refusing to consent. Absent unforeseeable emergencies, all requests for an adjournment of a court conference or other court proceeding (including a telephonic conference) must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the proceeding to be adjourned and must include at least two (2) proposed dates, on which all counsel are available, for the adjourned proceeding.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
f. Hand Deliveries. Where permitted by these rules, hand-deliveries should be left with the Court Security Officers at the Worth Street entrance of 500 Pearl Street and may not be brought directly to Chambers.
Source page 2Motion practice
g. Electronic Filing Under Seal. These procedures only apply to motions and applications before Judge Figueredo. Filing under seal requires permission of the Court. Unless otherwise ordered, any party wishing to file a document or portion thereof under seal must comply with the following procedures on or before the date on which the relevant filing is due.
Source page 2Filing and working copies
1. Sealing/Redactions Not Requiring Court Approval. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2 describes sensitive information that must be redacted from public court filings without seeking prior Court permission. Parties should also consult the S.D.N.Y. Electronic Case Filing Rules & Instructions, Rules 21.3 and 21.4, available at https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/rules/ecf-related-instructions.
Source page 2Filing and working copies
miscellaneous cases and the subject documents, including the proposed sealed document(s) must be filed electronically through the Court’s ECF system in conformity with the Court’s Standing Order, 19-mc-583, and ECF Rules & Instructions, Section 6, available at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/rules/ecf-related-instructions.
Source page 3Communications with chambers
i. Citations. All moving papers, letter-motions, and letters filed on ECF or emailed to Chambers must be in searchable PDF form. When citing unreported cases, citations shall be to Westlaw. If an unreported case is not available on Westlaw, the party must attach the case(s) to their papers as an exhibit. Citations to all documents filed on ECF must include the ECF docket number and ECF page number. For example, citations to an exhibit accompanying a declaration would appear as “ECF No. 123-4 at 10,” rather than as “Smith Decl. Ex. 4 at 10.”
Source page 3Discovery
a. Initial Case Management Conference. Except for Pro Se Cases, parties must meet and confer on a discovery plan before the Initial Case Management Conference. One week before the Initial Case Management Conference, the parties must file on ECF a Report on Rule 26(f) Conference and Proposed Case Management Plan. A template form for the Report of Rule 26(f) Conference and Proposed Case Management Plan is available at https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/hon-valerie-figueredo
Source page 3Conferences and appearances
1. Pro Se Cases. Each party must submit a Case Report and Proposed Case Management Plan for Pro Se Cases one week before the scheduled conference in conformance with the procedures in Section I above. The parties shall use the form Proposed Case Management Plan template for Pro Se Cases found at https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/hon-valerie- figueredo
Source page 3Discovery
1. Requirement to Meet and Confer. The Court will not hear any discovery dispute unless the moving party (including a non-party seeking relief) has first conferred in good faith with any adverse party to resolve the dispute. An exchange of letters or emails alone does not satisfy this requirement. Counsel must respond promptly and in good faith to any request from another party to confer in accordance with this paragraph.
Source page 4Communications with chambers
2. Letter-Motion for Discovery Conference. If the meet-and-confer process does not resolve the discovery dispute, the moving party must request a discovery conference with the Court, by Letter-Motion, as required by Local Civil Rule 37.2. Counsel should select the “Letter- Motion” option when filing on ECF. Letter-Motions may not exceed three (3) pages in length, exclusive of attachments, which should be kept to a minimum. The Letter-Motion must clearly set forth the issues in dispute and the relief sought. Additionally, in the Letter-Motion, the moving party must certify that the required in-person or telephonic conference took place between counsel for the relevant parties and, in particular must state: (1) the date and time of such conference; (2) the approximate duration of the conference; (3) the names of the attorneys who participated in the conference; (4) the adversary’s position as to each issue being raised (as stated by the adversary during the in-person or telephone conference); and (5) that the moving party informed the adversary during the conference that the moving party believed the parties to be at an impasse and that the moving party would be requesting a conference with the Court. Simply attaching copies of correspondence between counsel does not satisfy these requirements.
Source page 4Motion practice
3. Briefing Schedule. Any responsive letter should be submitted within three (3) business days after submission of the Letter-Motion.
Source page 4Communications with chambers
4. Courtesy Copies. Courtesy copies of Letter-Motions are not required unless the attached exhibits exceed 50 pages, in which case one (1) courtesy copy, marked as such on the cover page, should be submitted to Chambers promptly after filing. Courtesy copies should bear the ECF header generated at the time of electronic filing and include protruding tabs for any exhibits.
Source page 4Motion practice
5. Discovery Conference/Oral Argument on Letter-Motions. The Court’s preference is to hold a conference with the parties to address discovery disputes raised by a Letter-Motion. The Court will endeavor to resolve the issue during a conference without the need for formal briefing. However, if formal briefing is required, the Court will set a schedule for such briefing at the conference.
Source page 5Motion practice
a. Briefing Schedule. Unless the Court has ordered or approved otherwise, opposition and reply papers with respect to formal motions will be due in accordance with Local Civil Rule 6.1. The parties are strongly encouraged to agree on a reasonable briefing schedule before the moving papers are filed. If the parties have agreed to such a schedule, the parties must request the Court’s approval of their alternate schedule, either in the moving party’s notice of motion or by Letter-Motion as soon as agreement is reached. Should the parties thereafter agree to modify their briefing schedule, they must promptly request the Court’s approval of the new schedule by Letter-Motion. The Court must approve the alternate or new briefing schedule; otherwise, the parties must adhere to the schedule as enumerated in Local Civil Rule 6.1.
Source page 5Motion practice
A premotion conference is not required before a party may file a motion (other than a discovery motion). A party, however, may request a premotion conference by Letter-Motion where counsel believes that an informal conference with the Court may obviate the need for the motion or reduce the issues in dispute.
Source page 5Motion practice
Counsel should select the “Letter-Motion” option on ECF for filing such a request for a conference.
Source page 5Motion practice
b. Memoranda of Law. A memorandum of law must accompany all motions and oppositions thereto. See Local Civil Rule 7.1. The memorandum of law must set forth all pertinent facts, which may not be accomplished by incorporating by reference other documents, such as affidavits or statements under Local Civil Rule 56.1. Instead, the memorandum must contain a fact section that sets forth all facts relevant to the motion and, for each factual statement, provides one or more citations (with specific page or paragraph numbers) to pleadings, declarations, affidavits, or other documents that have been separately filed. The typeface, margins, and spacing of motion papers must conform to Local Civil Rule 11.1.
Source page 5Motion practice
Unless prior permission has been granted, memoranda of law in support of and in opposition to motions are limited to 25 pages, and reply memoranda are limited to ten (10) pages. Memoranda of ten (10) pages or more shall contain a table of contents and a table of authorities. Sur-reply memoranda will not be accepted without prior permission of the Court.
Source page 5Filing and working copies
c. Courtesy Copies. Unless otherwise requested by the Court, courtesy copies should not be submitted. If requested, courtesy copies should bear the ECF header
Source page 5Motion practice
d. Oral Argument on Motions. Parties may request oral argument by Letter- Motion. Counsel should select the “Letter-Motion” option on ECF for filing such a request. The Court will determine whether argument will be heard and, if so, will advise counsel of the argument date and time.
Source page 6Motion practice
e. Motions in Pro Se Cases. As required by Local Civil Rule 7.2, counsel must provide a pro se litigant with printed copies of decisions cited in any submission that are unreported or reported exclusively on computerized databases. Where a party seeks summary judgment against a pro se litigant, the party must also comply with the notice requirements for Local Civil Rule 56.2. Where a party moves to dismiss or for judgment on the pleadings against a pro se litigant and refers to matters outside the pleadings, counsel must serve and file the notice set forth in Local Civil Rule 12.1. In such situations, counsel is strongly encouraged to move in the alternative for summary judgment so that the pro se litigant understands, based on the Local Civil Rule 56.1 submission, which facts are relevant to the motion.
Source page 6Trial exhibits and witnesses
a. Applicability. The procedures set out below apply only to cases in which the parties have consented pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) to have all proceedings, including trial, occur before Judge Figueredo.
Source page 6Motion practice
c. Joint Pretrial Order. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the parties shall submit to the Court for its approval a Joint Pretrial Order within 30 days after the date for the completion of discovery, or, if a summary judgment motion has been filed, within 30 days after the decision on the motion. The proposed Joint Pretrial
Source page 6Discovery
7. A statement by each party as to the witnesses whose testimony is to be offered in its case in chief, indicating whether such witnesses will testify in person or by deposition. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a party may not call as a witness in its case in chief any person not listed in the Joint Pretrial Order.
Source page 7Discovery
8. A designation by each party of deposition testimony to be offered in that party’s case in chief, referencing page and line numbers, with any cross‐ designations and objections by any other party. If there is no objection or cross‐designation, the Court will deem the opposing party to have waived any such objection or cross‐designation. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a party may not offer in its case in chief deposition testimony that is not listed in the Joint Pretrial Order.
Source page 7Trial exhibits and witnesses
9. A list by each party of exhibits to be offered in its case in chief. Each exhibit shall be pre‐marked (plaintiff to use numbers, defendant to use letters). For each exhibit as to which there is an objection, the party objecting must briefly specify, next to the listing for that exhibit, the nature of the party’s objection (e.g., “authenticity,” “hearsay,” “Rule 403”). Any objection not listed shall be deemed waived. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a party may not offer in its case in chief any exhibit not listed in the Joint Pretrial Order.
Source page 7Discovery
d. Pro Se Cases. No Joint Pretrial Order is required in pro se cases. Instead, within 30 days after the completion of discovery each party shall file its own Pretrial Statement. The pro se party’s Pretrial Statement must be concise and contain the following: (1) a statement of the facts the party hopes to prove at trial; (2) a list of all documents or other physical objects that the party plans to put into evidence at trial; and (3) a list of the names and addresses of all witnesses the party intends to have testify at trial. The Pretrial Statement must be sworn by the party to be true and accurate based on the facts known by the party. The party must file an original Statement with the Court’s Pro Se Office and serve a copy on all other parties or their counsel if represented. The original Pretrial Statement must indicate the date a copy was mailed to another party or that party’s attorney.
Source page 8Filing and working copies
e. Filings Before Trial. Unless otherwise ordered, the following must be filed at the
Source page 8Communications with chambers
1. Jury Cases. In jury cases, the parties must jointly file (a) proposed jury instructions, (b) proposed voir dire questions, and (c) where applicable, a proposed verdict form. To the extent a party objects to another party’s requested jury charge, voir dire questions, or verdict form, the joint submission should include the objecting party’s (1) grounds for objection (or refer to the joint pretrial memorandum for a full discussion of the objection), and (2) proposed alternative. All requests to charge, objections, and alternatives must include citations to controlling authority. In addition to filing on ECF the voir dire questions, requests to charge, and/or verdict sheets, electronic copies of this joint submission must also be sent to Chambers. The electronic copies should be sent as
Source page 8Filing and working copies
2. Nonjury Cases. In nonjury cases, parties must file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. In addition, each party must file a trial memorandum of law identifying the issues, summarizing the facts and applicable law, and addressing any evidentiary issues. In addition to filing on ECF, these materials must also be submitted to the Court as
Source page 8Motion practice
3. In all cases, motions in limine addressing any evidentiary or other issues must be filed at the same time as the Joint Pretrial Order.
Source page 8Trial exhibits and witnesses
f. Marking Exhibits for Trial. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, no later than two (2) business days before trial begins, each party must provide each other
Source page 8Trial exhibits and witnesses
Any request to have a witness testify out of order and/or on a particular day must be included in the joint pretrial order. Untimely applications will be denied.
Source page 9Published judge / part rules (17 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
1. Settlement conferences form no part of the record. All communications made as part of the settlement conference process are strictly confidential and may not be used for any purpose either in this litigation or elsewhere.
Source page 1Conferences and appearances
2. Magistrate Judge Figueredo will function as a mediator, attempting to help the parties reach agreement on terms of settlement. This process requires that counsel and their clients be both prepared for the conference and candid with the Court. The Court expects to hold only one settlement conference.
Source page 1Conferences and appearances
3. Each party must attend the settlement conference in person, accompanied by that party’s lead trial attorney. Counsel must be fully knowledgeable concerning the facts of the case, relevant law, and the progress of the case to date, including settlement discussions. If a party does not reside in the jurisdiction, they may request an exemption from this requirement to attend in person.
Source page 1Filing and working copies
4. Plaintiff is required to have made a recent demand, and Defendant is required to have responded ahead of the submission required in Paragraph 5. The demand and response is information required to be included in the submission required in Paragraph 5.
Source page 1Conferences and appearances
5. No later than seven days before the conference, each party must send to the Court a letter of no longer than five (5) pages marked “Confidential Materials for Use Only At Settlement Conference,” setting forth concisely the following: (1) a discussion of the relevant facts and applicable law, with an emphasis on the issues more pertinent to settlement, including a discussion of liability and damages in the event liability were established; (2) if non- monetary relief is sought in addition to or instead of money damages, each party must set forth its position as to the provision of such relief; (3) any case law authority relevant to settlement discussions; (4) the history of settlement discussions, if any, including any prior offers or demands; (5) the settlement value of the case and rationale for it; and (6) that party’s most recent demand or response to the most recent demand. Parties may attach exhibits to their letters to the extent they believe the exhibits would aid settlement discussions. This letter must be received by the Court no later than midnight seven days before the settlement conference. This letter, along with the Acknowledgment Form that appears
Source page 1Adjournments
FigueredoNYSDchambers@nysd.uscourts.gov. A courtesy copy of the letter and any exhibits shall be submitted to the Court if the exhibits to the letter exceed 10 pages. Any application for adjournment or other modification of the conference must be submitted via Letter-Motion on
Source page 1Conferences and appearances
7. The presence in person of each party (the client), in addition to counsel, is essential to the settlement process. Also, if an insurance company has any role in approving a settlement, the decision-making representative of the insurer must attend in addition to the insured party.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
Because it is important that the decisionmakers on settlement hear their adversaries’ presentations and be available to answer questions from the Court, the person who attends the conference must be the person with ultimate responsibility for determining the amount of any settlement. Corporations, and any other party that is not a natural person, and insurers must send to the conference the person ultimately responsible within the organization for giving settlement authority, not someone who has received authority from someone else. If a party believes that the individuals scheduled to attend the conference on behalf of the opposing party do not comply with this requirement, that party shall immediately confer with the opposing party and inform the Court by letter promptly if no resolution is reached.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
a. In cases where the City Comptroller has authority over settlement, the Assistant Corporation Counsel shall arrange in advance of the conference for a representative of the Comptroller either to attend the conference or to be available by telephone.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
b. A client or insurer’s attendance by telephone may be permitted if the party lives and works more than 100 miles from the Courthouse and it would be a great hardship for the party to attend the conference on any date. In these circumstances, if more than one individual will be appearing by telephone, the parties must immediately arrange for a toll-free conference call number that the individuals and the Court may dial into for the conference.
Source page 2Communications with chambers
c. If a party does not speak fluent English, the party must bring an experienced simultaneous interpreter. Counsel may not serve as the interpreter. Counsel should call Chambers if there is any difficulty securing an interpreter.
Source page 2Adjournments
8. If counsel becomes aware of the need or potential need for an adjournment of the date of the conference, counsel must make an application for the adjournment as soon as counsel is aware of the need. If the application is made more than fourteen (14) days in advance of the conference, no cause need be provided. Otherwise, counsel must provide reasons for seeking the adjournment.
Source page 2Adjournments
a. The parties are required to seek an adjournment if (1) an adjournment would permit discovery or exchange of information that would make the conference more fruitful, or (2) a client or insurer who would otherwise participate by telephone would be available to attend in person if the conference were held on another date.
Source page 2Adjournments
To seek a new date within 45 days of the originally-scheduled conference, contact Chambers at (212) 805-0298 to obtain an alternative date and time. Counsel must then immediately consult with all other counsel as to their, their clients’, and their insurer’s availability on the new date. The party must then file a Letter-Motion via ECF in accordance with Magistrate Judge Figueredo’s Individual Practices requesting the new date and time and indicating that it is agreed by all parties. If the party wishes to postpone by more than 45 days, an adjournment should be sought by Letter-Motion, should provide the position of each party as to the request, and should specify an approximate time period when the conference should be held.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
The Court notes that the scheduled conference date is not changed unless and until the Court grants the written application to change the date.
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
9. If a defendant intends to claim that its financial situation is relevant to any potential or actual settlement offer (either based on the amount offered or a proposal to pay any portion in more than 30 days), the defendant shall inform plaintiff of this fact no later than fourteen (14) days before the conference. The parties should then discuss whether plaintiff seek proof of defendant’s claim and whether the defendant is willing to provide such proof, which must be
Source page 2Conferences and appearances
provided at least three (3) days before the conference. A summary of any discussions on this topic shall be included in the letters required under paragraph 5 of this Standing Order.
Source page 3Shared court rules
SDNY and EDNY — Joint Local Civil and Criminal Rules
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Federal district-court proceedings only. Civil and criminal sections have distinct scope and district-specific exceptions. Not Bankruptcy Court rules.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, December 1, 2025
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Civil actions in United States District Courts; Rule 81 exceptions apply. Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, December 1, 2025
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Criminal proceedings in United States District Courts; this conservative mapping does not distribute appellate-specific provisions to appellate judges. Section-specific exceptions, waivers, later amendments and case orders remain applicable. This is a source excerpt, not an exhaustive statement of the rule.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-10-27Sources
Identity source checked July 29, 2026.
Biography sources checked July 29, 2026.
U.S. Courts judicial profile or roster
Identity source · HTML · Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts · Source checked July 29, 2026
View U.S. Courts judicial profile or roster ↗Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 43(a), Testimony in Open Court
Courtwide source · HTML · Supreme Court of the United States and Judicial Conference of the United States · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 43(a), Testimony in Open Court ↗Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, Courtroom Photographing and Broadcasting Prohibited
Courtwide source · HTML · Supreme Court of the United States and Judicial Conference of the United States · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 53, Courtroom Photographing and Broadcasting Prohibited ↗