Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP announced today the publication of its New York Commercial Division Practice Guide.  This new publication is part of Bloomberg Law's Litigation Practice Portfolio Series. The guide is organized into various chapters drafted by Patterson Belknap lawyers, containing useful information about litigating in the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court.

The New York Commercial Division was formed in 1993 to enhance the quality of judicial adjudication and to improve efficiency in the case management of commercial disputes that are litigated in New York State courts.  The Division now operates in commercial regions across the State.  In order to streamline the litigation process in the Division, and to harmonize practice across the State, the New York State Court system promulgated a set of uniform rules for the Division that have been updated from time to time.  The Division has become a leading venue for judicial resolution of high-stakes and run-of-the-mill commercial disputes. 

Patterson Belknap’s practice guide serves as a resource for both seasoned and junior practitioners who find themselves involved in a Commercial Division lawsuit.  It highlights the history, purpose, and evolution of the Commercial Division; the rules governing practice in the court; new and innovative programs instituted by the court; and key differences between practice in the Commercial Division and federal court.

Former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, who authored a foreword to the publication, commented: “The Commercial Division is the crown jewel of New York’s court system.  This new guide to the Commercial Division will be an invaluable aid to attorneys from all walks of legal practice in handling commercial cases in the Division.”