THE ROBING ROOM

I appeared, along with my defense team, before the Honorable Katherine Polk Failla in a civil matter. The defense team and I have over 50 years’ worth of experience combined in the federal court system. We have tried over fifty federal cases; therefore, we believe that our comments about this judge are accurate and worthy of note. Throughout our civil trial, Judge Failla conducted her courtroom with extreme professionalism and expertise, as if she had been on the bench for decades. It was obvious that Judge Failla intently reviewed each party’s motions, as evident from her thoughtful, legally analytic, and factually precise decisions. While we did not prevail on every motion, she provided valid reasoning for her decisions and always abided by the true letter of the law. Judge Failla knows the Federal Rules of Evidence by heart, and applied them fairly to both sides. This judge is prepared and has an amazing ability to comprehend the facts and apply them to the law; hence, preparation before this court is a must. It is also important to know the details of the facts and law surrounding your case. She is a very stern, but fair, judge. I would advise counsel appearing before Judge Failla to be professional and follow the court’s local and individual rules. If you are not prepared, this judge will know immediately. Therefore, my advice to all lawyers appearing before this court is to diligently prepare, because this court will appreciate your preparation. If you are not prepared, then you will be doing a disservice to yourself and your client, and you will be exposed for your lack of knowledge of your case and/or of the law. Overall, it was a pleasure to have a case before Judge Failla.