Alison J. Nathan
How Judge Nathan rules, drawn from 43 signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
About Judge Nathan
Alison Julie Nathan is a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Appointed by President Joseph R. Biden, Judge Nathan received a commission on March 30, 2022. Judge Nathan previously served on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, commissioned there on October 17, 2011.
Judge Nathan's practices and standing orders
Rules for cases before Judge Nathan, as published on the court's website (checked October 11, 2026). Judges revise these often, so confirm the current version on the court's site before you file.
- Individual Rules and Practices in Civil Cases ↗
- Individual Practices in Criminal Cases ↗
- Special Rules of Practice in Civil Pro Se Cases ↗
- Civil Case Management Plan and Scheduling Order (Fillable) ↗
Key rules
Filing
In Judge Nathan’s SDNY district pro se civil matters, serve a pro se party with paper copies of electronically filed documents and file a separate affidavit of service.
“Parties in pro se cases shall serve a pro se party with a paper copy of any document that is filed electronically and file with the Court a separate Affidavit of Service.”
Motions
For SDNY district civil matters before Judge Nathan, pre-motion conferences are generally unnecessary except for discovery disputes and early summary judgment motions.
“Pre-motion conferences are not required, except for disputes concerning discovery, which are governed by Rule 2.C, and summary judgment motions made before the close of discovery”
Discovery
For SDNY district civil discovery disputes, confer in person or by phone before bringing the dispute to Judge Nathan.
“first confer in good faith with the opposing party, in person or by telephone”
Discovery
If a district civil discovery dispute remains after conferring, request an informal conference by letter-motion.
“the party may file a letter-motion, explaining the nature of the dispute and requesting an informal conference.”
Conferences
For SDNY district civil matters, request adjournments or extensions at least 48 hours before the deadline or appearance.
“All requests for adjournment or extension of time must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled deadline or appearance.”
Conferences
For SDNY district criminal matters, request sentencing adjournments at least 72 hours before the proceeding absent an emergency.
“any request for adjournment of sentencing shall be made at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled proceeding.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“Accordingly, we AFFIRM in part, REVERSE in part, VACATE in part, and REMAND for further proceedings.”
“Accordingly, the judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is AFFIRMED.”
“The judgment of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut is AFFIRMED.”
“The judgment of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York is AFFIRMED.”
“The judgment of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York is AFFIRMED.”
“Accordingly, we VACATE the dismissal of Sikorsky's claims for a constitutional taking against the City of Newburgh and Jeremy Kaufman and otherwise AFFIRM the judgment of the District Court. This case is REMANDED to the District Court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
“Accordingly, we AFFIRM in part the district court's denial of Lee's motion to unredact, as to Greenwood's sentencing memorandum. We VACATE in part as to the district court's denial of Lee's motion to unseal the exhibits to the sentencing memorandum and REMAND for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”
“The judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is AFFIRMED.”
“The judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is AFFIRMED.”
“We AFFIRM the judgment of the district court on the alternative ground that the 2016 Plan does not violate the deed restrictions as interpreted under New York law.”
“Thus, we DENY Verizon's petition.”
“The judgment of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York is REVERSED and REMANDED for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion.”
Draft for Judge Nathan with the record in hand
Ezel grounds your drafting and research in this profile: what has persuaded Judge Nathan, and what has not, cited to the signed orders.
Opens in Ezel Pro.
- Grounded in Judge Nathan's own signed orders
- Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
- Chat, drafting and research in one workspace