Acting administrative judge describes Supreme Court overhaul plan

Dozens of attorneys and judges crowded into the courtroom to participate in Thursday’s town hall. Eagle photo by Rachel Vick.

By Rachel Vick

Judges, court staff and dozens of attorneys gathered at the Supreme Court, Civil Term courthouse Thursday to learn about potential changes to the way the court system operates — a system overhaul initiated by Acting Administrative Judge George Silver.

Silver, the deputy chief administrative judge for New York City courts, organized the town hall forum to announce several changes he plans to implement, including the creation of a Compliance Part, a new calendar system and the introduction of mediators. Silver said the changes would streamline operations. 

“We’re not going to allow you to put the case on the calendar until all discovery is complete — until you certify that,” Silver said. “What does that do? It makes you better lawyers, to be honest.”

Silver told attorneys that he wanted their input and encouraged open discussion.

Attendees applauded his declaration that cases would no longer be put on the calendar with no discovery. Silver also said Judge Mogjan Lancman would take over the new Preliminary Conference and Compliance Parts, a step towards keeping cases and attorneys on schedule by checking in along the way.

Silver also said he plans to implement an afternoon calendar which, despite resistance, he said has helped move cases along in the Bronx and Brooklyn, where he previously worked. Together with the Part changes, this will open up room to handle old or stayed cases that are “in the abyss.”

Queens County Bar Association President Clifford Welden said he welcomed the transparency of the open forum.

“It was a welcomed and productive meeting that helps give a face to the [Office of Court Administration],” Welden said, “Opening up and listening to the concerns of the many daily attorneys who were here — it was long overdue.” 

Justice Darrell Gavrin also said the meeting was beneficial for court personnel, judges and attorneys. 

“I think it’s a welcome change and productive for judges and attorneys to discuss procedure and address the workload for judges,” Gavrin said. “Silver knows what he wants to do, how to do it, and is well informed. I’m excited for something new in ADR; I’ve been on the bench for many years.” 

Silver said that administration would take things one step at a time, adjusting as they progress. The changes, likely to start in February, are a work in progress, he said. He encouraged anyone with suggestions to reach out.

“I don’t look back on things, I look forward to how we can make this place run better and more efficiently,” he said.  “It will be better for the lawyers and better for the judges but more importantly better for the people we represent, and ultimately that’s what it’s all about.”