As the number of new COVID-19 cases reached record levels, the First and Second Departments announced that beginning January 2022, and until further notice, oral arguments will be conducted virtually. The return to remote proceedings marks the latest challenge practitioners and parties have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings in both courts will continue to be livestreamed over the internet. In a joint statement, the Presiding Justices of the First and Second Departments, Rolando Acosta and Hector LaSalle, expressed hope that both courts “will be able to safely recommence in-person proceedings in February.”[1] Until then, the Justices committed to “closely monitor the trends regarding the virus and stand ready to swiftly adapt as needed to protect the public.”[2]
[1] https://nycourts.gov/courts/ad1/PDFs/Final%20-%20Press%20Release%20-%20AD1%20and%20AD2%
20virtual%20arguments%20Jan%202022%20(002).pdf