1. (1) the reason counsel wishes to appear telephonically;
2. (2) the names of all other counsel who will attend such conference;
3. (3) that counsel has secured the consent of all other counsel that he be permitted to appear telephonically;
4. (4) that the official court reporter will or will not be required;
5. (5) that on the date and hour of the scheduled conference, said counsel will institute a telephone call to the court and remain available for the conference to commence; and

6. (6) where two or more counsel wish to appear telephonically at the same conference, in lieu of a separate request from each party, all counsel should designate one party to make the foregoing written request and, in addition to the required information, such request must inform the court that on the date and hour of scheduled conference, a designated party will institute a telephone conference call between the court and all counsel appearing telephonically.

   (b) Pre-trial motions.

   Simultaneous with the filing of any pre-trial motion, answering or reply papers, but at least five court days prior to the return date, counsel requesting leave of court to argue for or against said motion telephonically must include among the pleadings, his separate affirmation setting forth:

7. (1) the reason counsel wishes to appear telephonically;
8. (2) that he has obtained the consent of all other counsel that he be permitted to appear telephonically;
9. (3) that on the hour of the return date of said motion said counsel will institute a telephone call to the court and remain available for the argument of the motion; and

10. (4) where two or more counsel wish to argue for and against the same motion telephonically, it shall be the duty of that counsel first requesting leave to argue telephonically on the date and hour of the return date of such motion to institute a telephone conference call between the court and all counsel appearing telephonically.

    (c) Notification.

    After the court has reviewed the request of counsel to appear telephonically, written notification will be sent to counsel approving or denying such application, and it is further

    ORDERED, that the foregoing rule shall be effective immediately.

All counsel who have duly appeared in a proceeding in compliance with Surrogate's Court Procedure Act article 4, will be permitted, in the discretion of the court, to participate in pre-trial conferences and to argue pre-trial motions telephonically, where extended distance to the courthouse or other compelling circumstances render a personal appearance impractical upon the following procedure:

(a) Pre-trial conferences.

At least five court days prior to the scheduled conference date, counsel requesting a telephone appearance must notify the court in writing of: