THE ROBING ROOM

I am an out-of-state lawyer who tried a lengthy, complicated jury trial in his court. He is a very active judge at trial, and does not hesitate to ask probing questions of any witness. His cross-examination of some of the witnesses was in many cases better than mine or opposing counsel's. He is smart and studies the law carefully. He treats the jury wonderfully and they love him for it. He keeps an unusual trial schedule, Monday thru Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with no breaks for lunch. I loved the trial schedule, as it made it possible to prepare each day without having to reach exhaustion. He will talk a lot with break during motion argument, but does not mind if you interrupt him if you have something to say, as he appears to love the back and forth. He has a strong 'tell' during arguments, motions, and objections: Whenever he talks, he looks at the lawyer who is going to win the argument.