THE ROBING ROOM

We had a civil case before her. She made several improper comments, such as (not verbatim): 'you're only interested in obtaining attorneys fees'; and 'let me hear from the older attorneys'; and more. Fortunately, these comments were not in front of a jury (one was in front of my client). She also has this horrible tendency to be sarcastic, an absolutely improper trait for a judge in my opinion. Finally, coupled with her sarcasm, she makes these awkward facial expressions and varies her voice to give as much effect as possible to her comments. I called several attorneys after my first appearance before her. One sighed right away. Another told me to prepare for appeal whenever I appear in front of her. Finally, a review of summary judgment cases on Westlaw show that she grants summary judgment indiscriminately. Perhaps she is overwhelmed by the number of cases before her, perhaps she is pro-business (she attended a Federalist Society event recently). Whatever the case, I wish judges remembered how important their role is to appear impartial, patient, and fair. I do believe that is in the Code of Judicial Conduct.