Pursuant to 22 NYCRR 202.27, upon a party's failure to appear at a scheduled conference, the court may note the default on the record, and, where the plaintiff appears but the defendant does not, enter an order granting judgment by default or order an inquest, or, where the defendant appears but the plaintiff does not, dismiss the action. In order to vacate a default in appearing at a conference, the defaulting party must demonstrate both a reasonable excuse for the default and a potentially meritorious cause of action or defense to the action. The determination of whether an excuse is reasonable lies within the sound discretion of the trial court.
126 Henry St., Inc. v. Cater, NY Slip Op 04629 (2d Dep't August 18 2021)
Tomorrow's issue: CPLR 3215(c).
