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THE ROBING ROOM
where judges are judged
Hon. John F. Walter
District judge
C.D.Cal.
9th Circuit
Average Rating:
3.7
-
36
rating(s)
rating submitted
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Ratings:
What others have rated
Hon. John F. Walter
evaluator
ID
date
Temp* Sch* Indu* Comp* Punct* Ev-Cv* Ev-Cr* Flex Bail Crim Settle Trial Sent Coop Average
Civil Litigation - Private
32987
12/29/22
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
10
0
Civil Litigation - Private
29031
1/1/18
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Civil Litigation - Private
25818
1/2/18
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Civil Litigation - Private
24457
1/2/17
1
1
10
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2.8
Criminal Defense Lawyer
24312
1/2/17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
24213
1/2/17
2
10
10
10
10
9
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
8.5
Civil Litigation - Private
23468
1/2/16
1
3
3
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Other
21515
1/2/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
21348
1/2/13
7
9
10
9
9
0
8
4
5
5
0
8
5
5
8.7
Criminal Defense Lawyer
18524
1/2/12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
18296
1/2/12
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Civil Litigation - Private
13844
1/2/12
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Civil Litigation - Private
13251
1/1/11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
11863
1/1/11
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Criminal Defense Lawyer
11659
1/1/10
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Criminal Defense Lawyer
11484
1/3/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
10014
1/2/10
10
10
9
10
10
0
10
8
9
10
0
10
10
10
9.8
Probation or Pretrial Officer
9942
1/2/10
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Civil Litigation - Private
8878
1/1/09
0
0
1
1
5
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Civil Litigation - Private
8736
1/1/09
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
category average
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating
Fam
Par
Qu-Arg
At-Arg
Sch
Cri
Civ
Lab
Imm
How familiar are you with the work of this judge? (1=Not at all familiar,10=Extremely familiar)
Participates in Oral Argument (1=Rarely,10=Always)
Quality of Questions During Oral Argument (1=Poor,10=Extremely insightful)
Attitude during oral argument (1=Consistently inappropriate,10=Consistently respectful)
Scholarship as reflected in Opinions (1=Poor,10=Outstanding)
General Inclination in Criminal Appeals (1=Strongly ProGovernment,10=Strongly ProDefense)
General Inclination in Civil Rights Appeals (1=Strongly Pro-Defendant,10=Strongly ProPlaintiff)
General Inclination in Labor Law Appeals (1=Strongly ProEmployee,10=Strongly ProEmployer)
General Inclination in Immigration Appeals (1=Strongly ProImmigrant,10=Strongly ProGov.)
evaluator
ID
date
Fam Par Qu-Arg At-Arg Sch Cri Civ Lab Imm
Civil Litigation - Private
32987
12/29/22
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
29031
1/1/18
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
25818
1/2/18
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
24457
1/2/17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
24312
1/2/17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
24213
1/2/17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
23468
1/2/16
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Other
21515
1/2/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
21348
1/2/13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
18524
1/2/12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
18296
1/2/12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
13844
1/2/12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
13251
1/1/11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
11863
1/1/11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
11659
1/1/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
11484
1/3/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
10014
1/2/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Probation or Pretrial Officer
9942
1/2/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
8878
1/1/09
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
8736
1/1/09
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
category average
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Non-lawyer Rating
(if applicable)
evaluator
ID
date
Rating
Litigant
29904
1/2/19
1
Litigant
24438
1/1/17
1
Other
24463
1/2/17
1
Other
21549
1/2/14
1
Litigant
18721
1/1/12
1
Other
11956
1/1/11
1
Other
10488
1/2/10
1
Litigant
9617
1/2/09
1
Litigant
9517
1/2/09
1
category average
-
Temp*
Sch*
Indu*
Comp*
Punct*
Ev-Cv*
Ev-Cr*
Flex
Bail
Crim
Settle
Trial
Sent
Coop
Temperament (1=Awful 10=Excellent)
Scholarship (1=Awful 10=Excellent)
Industriousness (1=Not at all industrious 10=Highly industrious)
Ability to Handle Complex Litigation (1=Awful 10=Excellent)
Punctuality (1=Chronically Late 10=Always on Time)
Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation (1=Demonstrates Bias 10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation (1=Demonstrates Bias 10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Flexibility in Scheduling (1=Completely Inflexible 10=Very Flexible)
General Inclination Regarding Bail (1=Pro-Defense 10=Pro-Government)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pre-Trial (1=Pro-Defense 10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Civil Settlement Discussions (1=Least Involved 10=Most Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial (1=Pro-Defense 10=Pro-Government)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing (1=Pro-Defense 10=Pro-Government)
Typical Discount Off Guidelines for Cooperators (1=10% 10=100%)
comments1
Comments:
What others have said about
Hon. John F. Walter
comment #:
33025
rating:
8/7/24, 3:07 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
32987
rating:
The words "honorable judge," here is laughable. John Walter is out to serve himself, his republican buddies, and prosecutors whom I'm sure he circle jerks with on the weekends. John Walter was assigned to my fathers case almost 20 years ago and I'm astounded that he is still a serving judge, or that no one has had him defamed yet. He didn't listen to one piece of evidence, didn't extend any extensions that were properly filed by the defense, and made up his mind about the case long before trial even started. Walter continuously showed his biased toward big conglomerate companies that were suing my family. Probably getting millions in payouts. He left us destitute, without a family, living off welfare, and was the sole reason for years of trauma that still linger in our family to this day. He destroyed an honorable man. HONORABLE, something judge Walter knows nothing about. My family, my father and others will never be the same. I hope one day he sees the same fate he subjected many too. If anyone should go to jail for abuse of power, it's this PRICK.
12/29/22, 11:15 PM
Litigant
comment #:
29904
rating:
0
I was unfortunately assigned this man for my case. Was talked into accepting a crap settlement by my attorney due to the 'possibility' that this man may not even hear my case. Ridiculous that your fate can be left to a roll of the dice like that. He needs to go.
1/2/19, 9:53 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
29031
rating:
1
I am a civil defense lawyer. Practicing before Judge Walter is a nightmare. As anyone who has had a case with him knows all too well, he is obsessive about compliance with the Local Rules and his Scheduling/Standing Orders. If you violate any LR or anything in his 30-page orders, your motion will get denied, he will threaten you with several thousands of dollars in sanctions (he never follows through with that though), and may even dismiss your case. He does not care how trivial or inconsequential the violation may be. I have heard of him denying with prejudice complicated, dispositive motions because a party did not submit courtesy copies as he wants them (i.e., with oversized hole punches). He is that strict about his rules. If you draw him, try to consent to the magistrate. Your life will be far less stressful and your case will get decided on its merits instead of on some meaningless procedural technicality. If you are stuck with him, read his Scheduling and Standing Orders over and over and over. Make sure you comply with everything in them. Some pointers: He will deny your motion if you do not strictly comply with LR 7-2, so make sure you timely meet and confer before any motion and submit the M&C statement he requires. He will deny your motion if you do not submit a proposed statement of decision two days after the reply is due. He will deny your motion if you do not send compliant courtesy copies. He will strike any pre-trial filing that is not 100% perfect and exactly as he requires. He will deny your motion if you do not LODGE (email Word copy to chambers) a proposed order/decision. Do not plan on him granting any extensions, continuances, or modifications to the scheduling order. He will not do it, even if it's by stipulation. If he ever holds a hearing (he rarely does on motions), he will almost certainly berate you and grill you. As unpleasant as he makes it, he is very thorough (for the most part) and, if you comply with all of his rules, he will issue a well-reasoned order. He does his homework, reviews everything, and is clearly a very sharp guy. His decisions are generally even-handed and considered.
1/1/18, 10:25 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
25818
rating:
1
I’d love to rate him across categories but I never met the man, he having denied my case before it even got underway. He denied stipulations between counsel, made an unbelievably quick trial schedule and then granted an MTD that makes brand new law (even against sound precedent) by simply signing the defendant’s proposed statement of decision. Now, we take him in appeal, not because every one of our claims was great but because some of them should have survived the MTD, especially given the actual law on the subject.
1/2/18, 6:54 PM
Litigant
comment #:
24438
rating:
0
He makes an order in violation of the law not a friend to Pro Per bad judge. Now in 9th circuit on an appeal.
1/1/17, 11:29 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
24457
rating:
2.8
Would it be too much to assert that he is the worst judge I have ever been in front of after decades of practice? It would not be. If you look at the reviews, there are only two types: Judge Walter is the absolute worst or he is fantastic. In comparing notes with civil and criminal colleagues, I was told that if you draw Judge Walter as a civil plaintiff or a criminal defendant, then you should dismiss your case or make an effort to be in front of another judge. There are many defendants who were forced to take a plea not because of the merits but because of his bias. On the other hand if you are a prosecutor or defending a civil case, then break out the champagne corks. To be fair, there are many federal judges that bring a bias to either side so any claims of bias are typically nothing new and should be taken with a grain of salt. This court, however brings an extreme application of bias. Judge Walter is a bully. He is mean-spirited. In addition to his well-known obsessive adherence to his own arcane rules (rules that are likely on the edge or do in fact violate due process) this reviewer asserts that this Court's obsession with his local rules present a disturbing likelihood that this man is no longer fit to be a judge. If one were to read all of his opinions, there is a clear pattern of abusing attorneys and litigants through 'gotcha' procedures, imposing wholly unreasonable schedules on both sides of the bar. As a matter of fairness and equity, this Court reflects conduct that under the APA 's standards reflect true narcissistic if not borderline psychopathic behavior. The worst thing is that the Court appears to fashion itself as an intellectual giant. To the contrary, and as the Ninth Circuit has made so clear in reversal after reversal of the most petty attempts to punish a party or litigant, his opinions are the result not of an intellectual effort or even the most fundamental from of justice. AS a whole his opinions are often a ham fisted effort to punish one side and its counsel (It is almost always a civil plaintiff or criminal defendant). If someone had the time to force him the bench, the entire bar in our Central District would be relieved of the constant injustice which eminates from his courtroom. If I had one positive thing to say, I would point out that he does not like delay, especially the kind of delay that gives the law a bad name in the public eye
1/2/17, 2:30 AM
Other
comment #:
24463
rating:
0
In the hearing at sentencing he would not engage or listen to the defendants counsel, he interrupted him, would not listen to the counsel, and had made up his mind on the case prior to any statements from the attorney. The DOJ attorneys were in agreement with the defendants attorney. But the Judge would not listen. The defendant had an 80 year old mother who just had open heart surgery and the judge stated - she will live. This Judge is ruthless, over bearing, does not consider statements of any kind. Will not listen and just not judge fairly. He should not be serving on the bench.
1/2/17, 5:33 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
24312
rating:
0
He is unfit for a judge and he does not take any evidence and the previous ruling from the federal court. he should be disqualified. how to complaint a judge in the judicial system? He is not knowledgeable.
1/2/17, 11:35 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
24213
rating:
8.5
Judge Walters is generally a very hard working jurist who drafts detailed rulings, and is fairly even-handed in his litigation. With that being said, he is VERY particular about following his standing orders issued in the case to a 'T,' including requirements that parties meet and confer in person prior to filing any motions in the case. His temperament also is not the best for a federal judge. While I think he generally gets his rulings correct, practicing in his court is certainly not an enjoyable experience.
1/2/17, 9:28 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
23468
rating:
2
Judge Walter is unfit to be a judge. He is biased and will not let the facts or the law get in the way of his (predeterminated) decision. If you are unlucky to be in his courtroom, the best thing you can say is that at least he is not Manny Real.
1/2/16, 4:48 AM
Other
comment #:
21549
rating:
0
This judge is prejudiced and ignorant. He refuses to admit bona fide evidence, and prejudges without listening to all of the evidence. He should not be a judge.
1/2/14, 9:29 AM
Other
comment #:
21515
rating:
0
He is a horrible judge. His sentencing is harsh, he refuses to listen to all sides, he refuses to allow the testimony of licensed psychiatrists, and his sentencing is very disproportionate to the charges. He is very influenced by prestige and wealth. He is inflexible, intolerant and ignorant regarding underlying psychiatric illnesses. His sentences are harsher than those recommended by the prosecutors. He goes out of his way to be more punitive than he is required to be by law, to the point of prisoner abuse.
1/2/14, 10:31 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
21348
rating:
8.7
This judge is getting an excessively bad rap. In our case, he was extremely well-read and had obviously given a great deal of thought to the sentence. We didn't get quite what we were hoping for, but he was fair, and he explained his reasoning in a way that showed his grasp of the case and the issues. No one could reasonably call his sentence unfair in our case.
1/2/13, 3:31 PM
Litigant
comment #:
18721
rating:
0
Judge Anderson and Judge Walter are half-brothers? I agree. First Judge Walter hijacked our criminal case from another judge, and refused to recuse himself as biased. He was, since he'd ruled against us on the Civil part of the same case. I appeared before both of them in this case. Mainly, after Judge Walter could not appear for a bail hearing, he assigned Judge Percy Anderson. It was clear why during that brief encounter, where Anderson sat with his back turned to us for the entire time?
1/1/12, 10:54 PM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
18524
rating:
0
Nasty, arbitrary, right-wing, former proseuctor, who should not be a judge.
1/2/12, 1:44 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
18296
rating:
1
One of the worst Judges I ever appeared before. Totally gutted the Plaintiff's case based on a complete ignorance of the law, notwithstanding that it was described in great detail to him in the Plaintiff's briefs. He would not even give the Defendant the stanbdard 30 day extension for responding to the complain claiming that there was no good cause. If you appear before him be warned, even if the law is on your side that will likely have nothing to do with how this judge rules.
1/2/12, 9:34 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
13844
rating:
1
Judge Walter allowed a govt atty to violate all the rules, let her seek continuances when she wanted to, let her violate the requirements of a Rule 37 motion to compel over and over again, and get this: HE LET HER HAVE 159 DAYS WORTH OF CONTINUANCES TO FILE HER MSJ. She stated under oath she was being paid $270.00/hr OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO DEFEND THE CASE IN THIS FASHION. The motion to dismiss was denied. Based on the identical facts in the complaint and law on which the motion to dismiss was denied, he granted summary judgment (all the facts necessary to defeat S.J. were actually proven by Defense Counsel in her MSJ Stmt of Facts)!! In four years of litigation, he never held a hearing. So, a judge my client and I have never met, never seen, and never heard threw his case out. In another case, for a defendant who ran a pimping operation, I sued him under RICO. J. Walter ordered a RICO stmt. Then when I was late with the RICO stmt, because I miscalendared he threw out the entire RICO claim with prejudice. --And I have not even served the defendants. The four year old case also involved a RICO claim, but he did not order a RICO stmt. His local local rules completely vitiate the purpose of efiling which is to level the playing field for attorneys representing plaintiffs. His technical requirements violate the General Order on efiling which is a denial of due process to plaintiffs and their attorneys running their cases on a shoe string. Funny thing is that I never met the judge because he never allowed a hearing.
1/2/12, 1:21 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
13251
rating:
0
This man knows nothing of justice. Arrogant, self righteous jerk. Stay as far away from him as you can.
1/1/11, 2:37 AM
Other
comment #:
11956
rating:
0
Walter gave me a 13 month probation violation for using a cell phone in the halfway house. While it was against halfway house rules, I had 2 weeks left on federal supervision, and he put me in there to stay in school in the first place to finish my bachelor's degree. Instead of being able to do that, he warehoused me in federal prison for 13 months, pulling the rug out from under me and leaving me in a horrible situation now a year later.
1/1/11, 10:16 AM
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