THE ROBING ROOM

I can think no few federal judge who rivals the integrity and intelligence of Heartfield--on any bench, anywhere. Since he was in solo practice before taking the bench, he both gives and commands respects from the lawyers in his court. Additionally, he does not shy from complex litigation. Were it not for Heartfield's tackling of Texas Instruments v. Hyundai's semiconductor patent litigation ten years ago in a little-known town called Marshall, Texas, there would be no patent docket at all in this district (of course, Ward took the baton), with hungry defense lawyers roaming the streets panhandling after tort reforming themselves out of a job. As for the post on this string about Heartfield being 'intellectually dishonest,' I couldn't disagree more. Having handled many cases in his court, I find his opinions well-written, well-researched, and intellectually compelling--and I've had him issue summary judgments against me, too. Just because I lost doesn't mean it's because Heartfield was intellectually dishonest. Maybe my case just sucked (it did). Ask any criminal lawyer who knows this district: 'Before which judge would you most like your criminal defendant to appear for sentencing?' The answer will unaminously be Heartfield who does sincerely feel for those before him--parties and lawyers alike. I wish we had more like him--and we do, right here in Beaumont.