State Courts Speaker Series: Commercial Judges in Conversation - New York & Texas
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | Reception 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Program 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Format: In Person
Where: New York City Bar
42 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Program fee:
Free for Members | $20 for Nonmembers
Description:
Nearly thirty years ago, New York State Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye recognized the need for a specialized court dedicated to resolving complex, high-stakes business disputes in New York. Since then, many states have followed New York’s lead, including Texas, which established its Business Court two years ago.
This program brings together a Justice of New York’s Commercial Division and a Judge of the Texas Business Court (joining remotely from Texas) for a timely conversation about handling complex commercial cases, managing demanding caseloads, and promoting fairness, efficiency, and certainty in business litigation.
Discussion topics include:
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The role and effectiveness of specialized business and commercial courts
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Strategies for maintaining efficiency in complex litigation, including case management, discovery practices, and judicial resources
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What types of disputes belong in commercial courts and where jurisdictional boundaries should be drawn
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Balancing fairness, predictability, and commercial certainty in business disputes
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Competition and coordination between state and federal courts as forums for complex litigation
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Enhancing the credibility and attractiveness of state courts for litigants with a choice of forum
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The growing impact of artificial intelligence on courts, judges, and litigants
Speakers:
Hon. Stacy Rogers Sharp, Judge, Texas Business Court, Fourth Division
Hon. Joel M. Cohen, Justice, New York Commercial Division
Sponsoring Committee:
State Courts of Superior Jurisdiction, Joseph M. Sanderson, Chair