Key Takeaway
Court ruling on attorney participation rights in nonparty witness depositions, clarifying counsel's limited role during EBT proceedings in NY malpractice cases.
This article is part of our ongoing discovery coverage, with 102 published articles analyzing discovery issues across New York State. Attorney Jason Tenenbaum brings 24+ years of hands-on experience to this analysis, drawing from his work on more than 1,000 appeals, over 100,000 no-fault cases, and recovery of over $100 million for clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. For personalized legal advice about how these principles apply to your specific situation, contact our Long Island office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation.
Sciara v Surgical Assoc. of W. N.Y., P.C., 2013 NY Slip Op 01741 (4th Dept. 2013)
It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from is modified on the law by denying the cross motion of respondent Usha Chopra, M.D. in its entirety and as modified the order is affirmed without costs in accordance with the following Memorandum: Plaintiffs appeal and Usha Chopra, M.D. (respondent), a nonparty, cross-appealsfrom an order related to the deposition testimony of respondent. Plaintiffs commenced this medical malpractice action alleging, inter alia, that defendant George Blessios, M.D. was negligent with respect to surgery he performed on Renee Sciara (plaintiff). Respondent, a pathologist, examined tissue removed from plaintiff during the surgery**.** The deposition of respondent was discontinued following a contentious verbal exchange between plaintiffs’ counsel and respondent’s counsel that arose when respondent’s counsel interrupted the deposition to clarify a question asked by plaintiffs’ counsel. Plaintiffs moved, inter alia, for an order precluding respondent’s counsel from participating in any respect in the continued deposition of respondent. Respondent cross-moved, inter alia, for an order permitting her counsel to participate in her deposition. Supreme Court granted the motion in part by directing, inter alia, that respondent was required to complete her [*2]deposition. The court also granted the cross motion in part by permitting respondent’s counsel to participate in the deposition as provided for in 22 NYCRR 221.2 and 221.3. The court erred in granting the cross motion to that extent (see Thompson v Mather, 70 AD3d 1436, 1438), and we therefore modify the order accordingly.
As we stated in Thompson, “counsel for a nonparty witness does not have a right to object during or otherwise to participate in a pretrial deposition. CPLR 3113 (c) provides that the examination and cross-examination of deposition witnesses shall proceed as permitted in the trial of actions in open court’ ” (id. ), and it is axiomatic that counsel for a nonparty witness is not permitted to object or otherwise participate in a trial (see e.g. id.). We recognize that 22 NYCRR 221.2 and 221.3 may be viewed as being in conflict with CPLR 3113 (c) inasmuch as sections 221.2 and 221.3 provide that an “attorney” may not interrupt a deposition except in specified circumstances. Nevertheless, it is well established that, in the event of a conflict between a statute and a regulation, the statute controls (see Matter of Hellner v Board of Educ. of Wilson Cent. School Dist., 78 AD3d 1649, 1651).
We also recognize the practical difficulties that may arise in connection with a nonparty deposition, which also have been the subject of legal commentaries (see e.g. 232 Siegel’s Practice Review, Objections by Nonparty Witness? at 4 ; Patrick M. Connors, Supp Practice Commentaries, McKinney’s Cons Laws of NY, Book 7B, CPLR 3313:7, 2013 Pocket Part at 31-33). However, we decline to depart from our conclusion in Thompson (70 AD3d at 1438) that the express language of CPLR 3113 (c) prohibits the participation of the attorney for a nonparty witness during the deposition of his or her client. We further note, however, that the nonparty has the right to seek a protective order (see CPLR 3103 ), if necessary.
We have reviewed the remaining contentions of plaintiffs and respondent and conclude that they are without merit. We note that documents included in the appendix to plaintiffs’ brief are outside the record on appeal and therefore have not been considered (see Sanders v Tim Hortons, 57 AD3d 1419, 1420).”
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Legal Update (February 2026): The CPLR provisions governing deposition conduct and attorney participation cited in this 2013 case may have been subject to amendments or judicial interpretation updates since publication. Additionally, court practices regarding virtual depositions and attorney conduct during examinations have evolved significantly, particularly following pandemic-era procedural modifications. Practitioners should verify current CPLR 3113, 3313, and 3103 provisions and consult recent case law regarding deposition management and counsel participation rights.
Legal Context
Why This Matters for Your Case
New York law is among the most complex and nuanced in the country, with distinct procedural rules, substantive doctrines, and court systems that differ significantly from other jurisdictions. The Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) governs every stage of civil litigation, from service of process through trial and appeal. The Appellate Division, Appellate Term, and Court of Appeals create a rich and ever-evolving body of case law that practitioners must follow.
Attorney Jason Tenenbaum has practiced across these areas for over 24 years, writing more than 1,000 appellate briefs and publishing over 2,353 legal articles that attorneys and clients rely on for guidance. The analysis in this article reflects real courtroom experience — from motion practice in Civil Court and Supreme Court to oral arguments before the Appellate Division — and a deep understanding of how New York courts actually apply the law in practice.
About This Topic
Discovery Practice in New York Courts
Discovery is the pre-trial process through which parties exchange information relevant to the dispute. In New York, discovery practice is governed by CPLR Article 31 and involves depositions, interrogatories, document demands, and physical examinations. Disputes over the scope of discovery, compliance with demands, and sanctions for noncompliance are frequent in both no-fault and personal injury cases. These articles analyze discovery rules, court decisions on discovery disputes, and strategies for effective discovery practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is discovery in New York civil litigation?
Discovery is the pre-trial phase where parties exchange relevant information and evidence. Under CPLR Article 31, discovery methods include depositions (oral questioning under oath), interrogatories (written questions), document demands, requests for admission, and physical or mental examinations. Discovery in New York is governed by the principle of full disclosure of all relevant, non-privileged information — but courts can issue protective orders to limit discovery that is overly broad or burdensome.
What happens if a party fails to comply with discovery requests?
Under CPLR 3126, a court can impose penalties for failure to comply with discovery, including preclusion of evidence, striking of pleadings, or even dismissal of the action or entry of a default judgment. Before seeking sanctions, the requesting party typically must demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute and may need to file a motion to compel disclosure under CPLR 3124.
What are interrogatories and how are they used in New York litigation?
Interrogatories are written questions served on the opposing party that must be answered under oath within a specified timeframe. Under CPLR 3130, interrogatories in New York are limited — a party may serve a maximum of 25 interrogatories, including subparts, without court permission. Interrogatories are useful for obtaining basic factual information such as witness names, insurance details, and factual contentions. Objections must be specific and timely or they may be waived.
What is a bill of particulars in New York personal injury cases?
A bill of particulars under CPLR 3043 and 3044 provides the defendant with the specific details of the plaintiff's claims — including the injuries sustained, the theory of liability, and the damages sought. In personal injury cases, it must specify each injury, the body parts affected, and the nature of the damages claimed. An amended or supplemental bill may be served to include new injuries or updated information discovered during the course of litigation.
What is an Examination Before Trial (EBT)?
An EBT, commonly called a deposition, is a pre-trial discovery tool under CPLR 3107 where a witness answers questions under oath. In personal injury and no-fault cases, EBTs are used to lock in testimony, assess witness credibility, and uncover facts relevant to the case. Both plaintiffs and defendants can be deposed, along with medical experts, claims adjusters, and other witnesses. EBT testimony can be used at trial for impeachment or as evidence if the witness is unavailable.
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About the Author
Jason Tenenbaum, Esq.
Jason Tenenbaum is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., headquartered at 326 Walt Whitman Road, Suite C, Huntington Station, New York 11746. With over 24 years of experience since founding the firm in 2002, Jason has written more than 1,000 appeals, handled over 100,000 no-fault insurance cases, and recovered over $100 million for clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. He is one of the few attorneys in the state who both writes his own appellate briefs and tries his own cases.
Jason is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan state courts, as well as multiple federal courts. His 2,353+ published legal articles analyzing New York case law, procedural developments, and litigation strategy make him one of the most prolific legal commentators in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Disclaimer: This article is published by the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. The legal principles discussed may not apply to your specific situation, and the law may have changed since this article was last updated.
New York law varies by jurisdiction — court decisions in one Appellate Division department may not be followed in another, and local court rules in Nassau County Supreme Court differ from those in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Kings County Civil Court, or Queens County Supreme Court. The Appellate Division, Second Department (which covers Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island) and the Appellate Term (which hears appeals from lower courts) each have distinct procedural requirements and precedents that affect litigation strategy.
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