What is a joint status letter?
Answer
Joint status letter is a term most often used in federal court practice rules and orders. The term is not defined in any federal or New York statute or court rule. It is not defined in Black’s Law Dictionary. The term is often used when counsel for both sides are required to submit a report of resolved issues regarding pleading and discovery (22 NYCRR 202.11) or to report on the status of arbitration or mediation meetings.
Legal practice materials do not contain any guidance as to how to draft a joint status letter. Judge Fields of the Tenth Judicial District in her Part 81 rules, VI General, (A) Joint Letters or Other Joint Item describes her requirements in helpful language.