You’ve filed your summons. You’ve served the defendant. You might even have a stack of legal papers sitting on your desk that looks like a small novel. But in the New York State Supreme Court system, none of that actually matters to a judge until you file a request for judicial intervention ny.
Think of the court system as a massive, sleeping engine. Filing your initial lawsuit is like putting the key in the ignition, but the Request for Judicial Intervention—everyone just calls it the RJI—is the spark that actually turns the motor over. Without it, your case is basically invisible. It sits in the county clerk’s office, gathering digital dust, because the court hasn't assigned a judge to look at it yet.
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Honestly, it’s one of those bureaucratic quirks that catches people off guard.
What Exactly is the RJI?
The RJI is a formal notice to the court that you need a judge to actually do something. New York uses what’s called the "Individual Assignment System" (IAS). This means that once a judge is assigned to your case, they stay with that case until it’s finished. They handle the motions, the conferences, and eventually the trial.
But here’s the kicker: the court doesn't automatically assign a judge just because you started a lawsuit. You have to ask. You have to pay. And you have to use the right form.
Specifically, Uniform Rule 202.6 is the law that dictates this process. It says that the court won't accept any motion, request for a conference, or note of issue unless it’s accompanied by an RJI.
When do you actually file it?
Most people file the request for judicial intervention ny when they hit their first roadblock or milestone. Maybe the other side refused to hand over documents, and you need a discovery conference. Or maybe you're ready to win the case right now via a Motion for Summary Judgment. That’s the "intervention" part. You’re literally asking the judiciary to intervene in your private dispute.
The Cost of Getting a Judge's Attention
It isn't free. As of 2026, the fee for filing an RJI in New York is $95.
If you've already paid for a motion fee, you might feel like you're being nickeled and dimed. You kind of are. But if you don't pay the $95, your motion won't be calendared. It just hangs out in legal limbo.
There are exceptions, though. You don't need to pay for an RJI if you're filing a petition for a name change, or if you're dealing with certain types of mental hygiene applications. Also, if you’re poor enough to qualify for Poor Person Status under CPLR 1101, you can get the fee waived. But for the average business dispute or personal injury case? You’re paying.
The Form Itself: A Checklist of Chaos
The form is officially known as UCS-840. It looks simple, but it’s easy to mess up. You have to categorize your case perfectly. Is it a "Contract" case? Or is it "Other Real Property"?
If you check the wrong box, you might end up with a judge who specializes in matrimonial law when you’re trying to sue a contractor for a bad roof. That’s a nightmare. It can take months to get a case reassigned to a different "part" or judge if the initial classification was wrong.
Why the "Nature of Action" Matters
The court uses your RJI to decide where you belong. If you mark it as a "Commercial" case and the stakes are high enough (in New York County, that’s usually $500,000 or more), you might get into the Commercial Division. These judges are experts in complex business law. They move fast. They don't have time for nonsense. If you're a small business owner, getting into the Commercial Division can be a godsend because the judges understand the "business" side of things better than a generalist might.
Common Mistakes People Make with the Request for Judicial Intervention NY
People forget the "Statement of Nature of Action."
They forget to list all the parties.
They forget to sign the thing.
But the biggest mistake? Filing it too late. If you wait six months to file an RJI, your case has effectively been dead for six months. The clock for "Standards and Goals"—the court's internal timeline for finishing cases—doesn't even start ticking until the RJI is filed.
Another weird quirk: Addendums. If you have more than two plaintiffs or two defendants, the standard RJI form doesn't have enough space. You have to use the RJI Addendum (UCS-840A). If you try to squeeze ten names into a box meant for two, the clerk will probably reject it. And clerks in Kings County or Queens are not known for their patience with messy paperwork.
What Happens After You File?
Once the RJI is processed and that $95 is sucked into the state's coffers, a computer algorithm assigns your case to a judge.
You’ll get a notice. It’ll have a name. Judge Smith. Judge Gomez. Whoever.
At this point, you are now officially in that judge's "Part." Every judge has their own "Part Rules." This is where it gets tricky. Judge A might want all motions to be preceded by a phone call. Judge B might want everything in writing, no exceptions. Once the request for judicial intervention ny is filed, your first job is to go to the court's website and download that specific judge's rules.
If you don't follow them, the judge will get annoyed. You do not want an annoyed judge on day one.
The Preliminary Conference
Usually, filing an RJI triggers a Preliminary Conference (PC). This is the "get-to-know-you" meeting for the case. The judge’s law clerk will sit everyone down and hammer out a schedule.
- When will depositions happen?
- When is the deadline for document exchange?
- When do we stop discovery?
Without that RJI, you never get this schedule. Your case just drifts.
The "No-RJI" Trap
Some lawyers try to save their clients money by delaying the RJI. They think they can settle the case without a judge.
Sometimes it works.
Usually, it doesn't.
Without a judge looming over the case, there’s no pressure on the defendant to move. They can ignore your emails. They can stall on discovery. Filing the request for judicial intervention ny is a signal that you are serious. It’s the "I’m telling mom" of the legal world. Suddenly, there’s a deadline. Suddenly, there are consequences for being slow.
Special Circumstances: Ex Parte Applications
What if it’s an emergency?
If you need a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) because someone is about to knock down a historic building or empty a bank account, you file the RJI with an "Order to Show Cause." In these cases, you’re basically cutting the line. You’re telling the court, "I need a judge right now."
In these scenarios, the RJI is your ticket into the judge's chambers. You’ll pay the fee, the clerk will walk the papers to a judge, and you might have an order signed within hours.
Actionable Steps for Filing Your RJI
If you're handling this yourself or just want to make sure your lawyer isn't sleeping at the wheel, follow these steps.
First, verify your index number. You can't file an RJI without one. If you haven't bought your index number yet, you're getting ahead of yourself.
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Second, choose your category wisely. Look at the back of the RJI form at the "General" and "Special" categories. If you are suing for a car accident, it’s "Motor Vehicle." If it’s a slip and fall on a sidewalk, it’s "Other Tort." Getting this right determines your judge.
Third, check for "Related Cases." There is a section on the RJI for related cases. If you have another lawsuit against the same person about the same thing, tell the court. They like to keep those cases together. It’s called "judicial economy."
Fourth, use the e-filing system (NYSCEF). Unless you’re in one of the few counties that hasn't fully embraced the 21st century, you’ll be filing this online. Make sure your credit card is ready for that $95 fee.
Fifth, watch for the assignment. Once filed, check the NYSCEF portal daily. As soon as a judge is assigned, look up their Part Rules. Print them. Memorize them.
The request for judicial intervention ny isn't just a form; it's the moment your lawsuit becomes a real "case" in the eyes of the state. Treat it with the respect (and the $95) it deserves. Without it, you’re just someone with a grievance and a pile of paper. With it, you have the power of the New York Judiciary behind you.