THE ROBING ROOM

Judge Conlon is extremely inflexible -- a model of form over substance in her intractable adherence to her schedule and arbitrary rules. If she can get out of making a decision, she will do so by any means possible. For instance, in a complex matter, both sides had agreed on every jury instruction except for 2, which were case determinative. When we approached Judge Conlon to make a decision as to the appropriate instruction to be given to the jury, she told us that if we did not agree, she would refuse to instruct the jury and would declare a mistrial. We forced an agreement on the instruction. I know of anothere case where the sides could not agree, and Judge Conlon declared a mistrial after 2 weeks of evidence and closing arguments because she refused to decide which instruction should be given. She is known as the most reversed judge in the Northern District. Additionally, she is stern and humorless and often treats people in her courtroom with disdain. One of the worst judges I've been before.