THE ROBING ROOM

Judge Valdez is reasponable and understands her role as a magistrate judge -- control discovery and settle cases. Though I don't always agree with her positions on discovery, her rulings are grounded in the law and she makes an effort to be fair and reasonable to all of the parties. She actually reads the briefs and does her own independent research, sometimes even citing footnotes to 7th Circuit cases just to see if you are on your toes. I would consent to her over several district court judges who either don't know or don't care; in that respect, Valdez is a fresh of breath air.