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THE ROBING ROOM
where judges are judged
Hon. Alvin K. Hellerstein
District judge
S.D.N.Y.
2nd Circuit
Average Rating:
6.3
-
21
rating(s)
rating submitted
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Ratings:
What others have rated
Hon. Alvin K. Hellerstein
evaluator
ID
date
Temp* Sch* Indu* Comp* Punct* Ev-Cv* Ev-Cr* Flex Bail Crim Settle Trial Sent Coop Average
Civil Litigation - Private
24352
1/1/17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
22168
1/2/14
9
8
0
10
10
10
0
6
0
0
6
0
0
0
9.4
Civil Litigation - Private
22052
1/1/14
1
3
2
2
5
1
2
4
0
0
2
0
0
0
2.3
Criminal Defense Lawyer
21963
1/2/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
21220
1/2/13
5
5
5
0
5
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
Criminal Defense Lawyer
18681
1/2/12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
13195
1/2/11
3
7
5
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
Civil Litigation - Private
11765
1/2/10
8
0
6
10
6
10
0
10
0
0
10
0
0
0
8
Criminal Defense Lawyer
9720
1/2/10
8
8
8
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
5
7
8.3
Criminal Defense Lawyer
9512
1/2/09
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
8732
1/3/09
2
3
4
3
4
1
0
3
0
0
1
0
0
0
2.8
Civil Litigation - Private
7557
1/1/08
5
4
0
1
7
4
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
4.2
Civil Litigation - Private
5186
1/1/07
2
4
4
2
8
1
0
6
0
0
1
0
0
0
3.5
Criminal Defense Lawyer
4471
1/1/07
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
3997
1/2/07
9
9
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
9.7
Civil Litigation - Private
3657
1/1/07
4
3
3
3
4
1
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
Criminal Defense Lawyer
3046
1/2/06
10
9
10
10
0
0
9
0
7
5
0
7
5
0
9.6
Criminal Defense Lawyer
2700
1/2/06
3
0
0
0
9
0
2
1
0
3
0
9
0
0
4.7
Civil Litigation - Private
1686
1/2/06
8
10
8
10
9
10
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
9.2
Criminal Defense Lawyer
1133
1/2/06
9
10
10
0
0
0
0
8
0
6
0
6
7
0
9.7
category average
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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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
24352
1/1/17
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
22168
1/2/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
22052
1/1/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
21963
1/2/14
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
21220
1/2/13
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
18681
1/2/12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
13195
1/2/11
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
11765
1/2/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
9720
1/2/10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
9512
1/2/09
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
8732
1/3/09
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
7557
1/1/08
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
5186
1/1/07
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
4471
1/1/07
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
3997
1/2/07
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
3657
1/1/07
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
3046
1/2/06
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
2700
1/2/06
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Civil Litigation - Private
1686
1/2/06
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Criminal Defense Lawyer
1133
1/2/06
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
category average
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Non-lawyer Rating
(if applicable)
evaluator
ID
date
Rating
Other
6498
1/2/08
10
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. Alvin K. Hellerstein
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
24352
rating:
0
Either vastly overrated or vastly past his prime. I found him superficial and uninterested. Hope he will call it quits sooner than later.
1/1/17, 4:29 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
22168
rating:
9.4
Judge Hellerstein is a savvy judge who understands business litigation and knows how to finesse a difficult case toward resolution. Woe to the litigant who comes to court unprepared, however. However, in fairness, Judge Hellerstein comes prepared, so he has a right to expect lawyers to do so as well. He's not to be taken lightly, but if you have a big case and need a judge who knows how to be a judge, Hellerstein is a good draw.
1/2/14, 12:52 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
22052
rating:
2.3
This is a judge with a dangerously grandiose, vindictive propensity. In our grossly attenuated experience before him, this judge exhibited a bias in favor of powerful, high-profile, 'connected' lawyers, and denigrated counsel and with lesser means, while disadvantaging their clients and delaying their cases. Efforts on our part to advance the interests of the disadvantaged clients resulted in highly inappropriate, personalized campaign of hostility and rebuke from this judge. This is a judge who exhibited savvy in in diverting fault over to counsel owing his own misjudgment, and credit to himself for results produced by counsel-- including in instances where the attorney's dedicated efforts were able to secure results for their clients, and despite overcoming the judge's failed management that obstructed the disposition of the litigation.
1/1/14, 7:23 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
21963
rating:
0
This Judge knew he was given falsified grossly misleading information in an illegally timed ( 3 biz hours before my sentencing my useless innefective counsel who was representing me be ause his partner left put up no defences which I had with me to make out to be what Prosecutor John T Zach is a complete liar and he will see his day. The judge knew it was all lies afterward and let it be. He sentenced based on J Zacks BS sent memo - even quoted it in my sentencing transcript. The us Govt called FRAUDSTERS 'victims' and advocated for OM Global Gig Movalia who was hiding money from cease and sexist In my HF was in estivated /013 1+ year before my sentencing and now I am appealing. I know the judge has done alot of good works however not in my case:(
1/2/14, 7:30 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
21220
rating:
5
While taking a plea in a criminal case, he embarked on an extensive, unfair cross-examination of the defendant that was dripping with mistrust and which called for information that went well beyond the elements of the offense. Be forewarned.
1/2/13, 5:42 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
18681
rating:
0
On 8/15/2006,I submitted comment No. 1686. Having since litigated before this Judge over the past six years, I am most disappointed to say that I have seen all too many instances of bias and quite a detrimental level of ego-centricity from this Judge. Regrettably, I must withdraw the comment.
1/2/12, 7:32 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
13195
rating:
5
Judge Hellerstein is a strange bird who seems to know what he's doing, yet relishes in abusing the power his position affords him for his own amusement. A microcosmic example of megalomania in the micro-universe of his own courtroom. He might be nicer when he hits the boys room to perform as the mere mortals must do.
1/2/11, 6:22 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
11765
rating:
8
Very fair judge. Was very thorough in consideration of summary judgment motion; read the papers and came to a ery reasoned judgment. This judge is very involved in settlement negotiations and tries to promote settlement in small dollar matters. Observed court conferences in several small civil matters where the judge virtually dictated the settlement terms to the parties' attorneys.
1/2/10, 7:34 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
9720
rating:
8.3
Meted out a just sentence in a prosecution of murder in aid of racketeering that involved defendant's cooperation. Gave just weight to the seriousness of the underlying offenses and imposed a modest sentence that both the government and defendant accepted as fair, given the length and extent of cooperation.
1/2/10, 2:34 PM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
9512
rating:
0
Biased against plaintiffs in police misconduct cases. He asks both sides for their versions of the facts at the initial conference and then, as if he were the fact-finder, attempts to discourage the plaintiff's attorney by saying that it sounds like the police acted properly.
1/2/09, 5:07 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
8732
rating:
2.8
1/3/09, 2:32 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
7557
rating:
4.2
As decent as he appears, his handling of the WTC cases has been an unmitigated disaster and shown a staggering lack of competence.
1/1/08, 11:07 PM
Other
comment #:
6498
rating:
0
I've been in front of this judge as a defendant, and I have to say that he is a very fair judge with perfect wisdom in making fair judgements. I appreciate the fact that he understood my circumstances, and based on that he gave me a fair sentence. I thank him and praise him for being a humble and a fair judge.
1/2/08, 7:44 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
5186
rating:
3.5
Having been in front of Judge Hellerstein in a civil matter, I found that he is more inclined to clear his docket than to spend the time necessary to listen to the facts and rule based on the merits of the case. He showed up with his mind made up and nothing could change his decision even when all the facts pointed to his having misruled and not understood the underlying case.
1/1/07, 9:57 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
4471
rating:
0
Was present at a recent sentencing before Judge Hellerstein where he sentenced a defendant with serious medical issues to a period of home confinement equal to the low end of the guidelines imprisonment range. Though outraged by the offense (various false statements to a bank to maintain a substantial line of credit) he recognized that the BOP would not likely deal effectively and speedily with likely medical emergencies (the client had several previous heart attacks). Usually courts reflexively conclude the BOP can deal with any medical condition -- which is total b.s.
1/1/07, 6:19 PM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
3997
rating:
9.7
A very decent man. Perfect selection to handle the 9-11 mess. Very smart and knowledgable. Soft spoken with victims and lawyers for all sides. Dignified and a little professorial but seems to really understand the plight of the people and the needs of the nation.
1/2/07, 12:31 PM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
3657
rating:
3
Unfortunately, he reaches a result, and then backs into the result through his decision, without appreciating the facts/law for the case. After doing so, makes flip comments such as 'these cases are really tough'. I do appreciate the informal nature of his conferences.
1/1/07, 8:20 PM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
3046
rating:
9.6
Intellectually smart, street smart, experienced and thoughtful. Most importantly, a very decent and honorable human being.
1/2/06, 5:07 AM
Criminal Defense Lawyer
comment #:
2700
rating:
4.7
1/2/06, 12:10 AM
Civil Litigation - Private
comment #:
1686
rating:
9.2
A Jurist of distinction and dynamic balance. Judge Hellerstein rules his Court room with stern dignity, tempered by a natural humility. He displays insight, focus, knowledge, inherent wisdom and unwaivering concern for the interests of humanity.
1/2/06, 10:09 AM
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