Shawn Schatzle Pens Law360 Expert Analysis On New York’s AVOID Act

New York, N.Y. (January 13, 2026) - New York Partner Shawn Schatzle recently authored an expert analysis article for Law360 titled, “What To Know About NY's Drastic 3rd-Party Practice Changes.” The article discusses the Avoiding Vexatious Overuse of Impleading to Delay (AVOID) Act, which New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law on December 19, 2025 and which amends New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 1007, "the primary statute regulating third-party practice.”

In describing the substance of the AVOID Act, Mr. Schatzle explains that the new law will require defendants to act more quickly in identifying third parties they may hold liable for contribution or indemnification. Specifically, he notes that "the time to commence a third-party cause of action for contractual indemnification will begin to run from the date the defendant serves an answer and will end 60 days later, whereas the clock for contribution or common-law indemnification causes of action will end 60 days after the defendant learns of the proposed third-party defendant's potential liability.” 

Mr. Schatzle, who previously published a legal alert on the AVOID Act, further observes that the new temporal limits will be particularly relevant in insurance defense cases involving construction accidents or premises liability claims, "where third-party practice is very common.” In addition to discussing other relevant aspects of the AVOID Act, which will take effect on April 18, 2026, Mr. Schatzle offers practical guidance to defense attorneys. He advises that they should “investigate potential third-party defendants as soon as possible and stress the statutory time limits — as well as the risks of failing to comply — to their clients.” In addition, he suggests that insurers and risk management professionals familiarize themselves with the new time limits not only for litigation purposes but also for the purpose of pursuing and responding to tender requests.

Mr. Schatzle is a member of Lewis Brisbois’ Appellate and General Liability practices. A seasoned litigator with experience in a variety of practice areas, he focuses on appellate litigation and complex trial-level motion practice.

Read the full Law360 article here (subscription required) and the Lewis Brisbois legal alert here.