Support platform for attorneys facing difficult judges & court dynamics.
This post highlights a significant professional and emotional pain point for new (and likely experienced) attorneys: dealing with difficult, potentially abusive judges. This is a highly specific niche within the legal profession, where professionals often face unique pressures and challenges with limited safe avenues for support or advice. A SaaS solution could address this by providing a discreet, community-driven platform for legal professionals.
Product Form: A subscription-based platform designed for legal professionals. Key features could include:
- Anonymous Peer Support & Advice: Forums or private groups where attorneys can share experiences with difficult judges or court staff and receive guidance from peers without fear of professional repercussions.
- Resource Hub: Curated content, articles, and best practices on navigating challenging court environments, legal ethics, professional conduct, and mental wellness resources tailored for the legal field.
- Pattern Recognition (Anonymized Data): If enough anonymized data is collected, the platform could offer insights into general behavioral patterns of judges in specific jurisdictions, helping attorneys better prepare for proceedings.
- Mentorship/Networking: Connect new attorneys with more experienced ones who have successfully navigated similar challenges.
Expected Revenue: Low to moderate initially, but scalable. The legal industry often invests in specialized tools and resources. A tiered subscription model could target solo practitioners, small firms, or even offer enterprise solutions for larger firms to support their associates. Value increases with community engagement and the breadth of shared insights, making it a viable recurring revenue model.
Origin Reddit Post
r/lawyertalk
Unhinged Judges
Posted by u/milkofdaybreak•08/06/2025
I am a new attorney and my job requires me to be in court several days a week. Every week I see the same judge, and for some reason he's grown to obviously dislike me. He berates me in front
Top Comments
u/RexHavoc879
Real?
u/BeerNinjaEsq
Is it racial? Sexist? An anti-plaintiff or anti-defense position? I see those biases the most
u/old_namewasnt_best
Robe-itis.
u/paradepanda
You need more information from a professional, neutral source. You also need to loop in your higher ups; it is their job to help you navigate this successfully. This generally reflects on t
u/Truthundrclouds948
You mentioned you’re quiet. I have a theory about judges. Sometimes they snarl and lash out because they don’t hear so well, and that makes them frustrated and embarrassed. Courtroom acoustic
u/I_am_Danny_McBride
If it’s impacting his decisions on your cases, beat him on a couple of appeals. Even small things you wouldn’t ordinarily appeal if necessary. Get him to where if he mocks him you can stare a
u/lawfox32
Oof, I am sorry. I am a PD 3 years in and have finally encountered a judge who seems to personally hate me, and I have no idea why. Colleagues, appointed panel counsel, private attorneys, cle
u/Jamerson357
It is hard to ignore the judge…when they are the ones giving you orders…literally 😂
u/Major_Honey_4461
Could you have a "private moment" with him and find out what the issue is? He'll either tell you or deny it, but even if he denies it, I'm guessing his attitude towards you will change
u/LegalSocks
It feels pretty strange that a judge would be after a *new* attorney like this. Fortunately, a benefit of being new is that you have a bigger opening to try things like this.
u/Diamondfknhands
Push back. Call it out. Politely. Make him respect you if nothing else
u/KPenn314
This happened to me when I was a new attorney. I specifically remember saying to him once “this is unconstitutional. I will appeal this to a higher court” or something that I hadn’t completel
u/DIY14410
Most experienced litigators have experienced this. I can think of two judges who disrespected me, both of whom IMO were insecure about their own legal chops.
>He is condenseding
\*conde
u/gonzo_attorney
When I was a public defender, I had a communal book for us to write in: "dumb shit judges say." It became sort of a treasure trove of idiocy.
I have a judge who absolutely despises me, but i
u/logicbully
Blew my cover (I'm their OC).
u/Beginning_Brick7845
A lot of lawyers are assholes. A lot of them become judges. They don’t stop being assholes when they start being judges, but all restraints on their assholery are taken off.
u/Theoaktree5000
Keep calm and make a clear record, that’s all you can really do.
u/_learned_foot_
Remember, if you don’t get 150 minimum as a brand new attorney, excluding any other costs or incomes, you are underpaid and the firm is toxic!
That actually is a legit issue, if we don’t pay
u/kaze950
Yeah next time he overrules you, OP, just say, 'how bout we take this outside and I overrule your face!"
u/ClementXI
Kill him with proper decorum while not being a push over. You are there to advocate for your client. You can't accomplish that without occasionally clashing heads with the judge. Learn how to
u/kaze950
Yeah next time he overrules you, OP, just say, 'how bout we take this outside and I overrule your face!"
u/Dismal_Bee9088
Someone from my office who spent a chunk of time in a management role retired recently and went round the courthouse to say goodbye. All the judges told them how great our attorneys were and
u/GalloPavonis
Id be tempted to ask if he thought that demeanor was befitting of someone deserving of the robe in open court. I dont make typically make career friendly choices and say fuck it, give it back
u/legalbetch
We had a judge like this. It got to the point where every time I went in front of him with the parties present I would tell my client he was going to find something to yell at me about, but t
u/gonzo_attorney
When I was a public defender, I had a communal book for us to write in: "dumb shit judges say." It became sort of a treasure trove of idiocy.
I have a judge who absolutely despises me, but i
u/TheGreatOpoponax
I have one like this, OP.
I go in knowing it's going to be a shit show. I prepare so much more to try and cover every possible angle for hearings that are otherwise ho-hum. Then this judge
u/Diamondfknhands
Push back. Call it out. Politely. Make him respect you if nothing else
u/PedroLoco505
You need to develop a silent bond with him. Right now you’ve got a silent acrimony.
u/AaronFromAlabama
I'm going to ride on this comment. If you have the budget, you can bring a court reporter.
u/BeerNinjaEsq
Is it racial? Sexist? An anti-plaintiff or anti-defense position? I see those biases the most
u/AaronFromAlabama
I'm going to ride on this comment. If you have the budget, you can bring a court reporter.
u/Dismal_Bee9088
Someone from my office who spent a chunk of time in a management role retired recently and went round the courthouse to say goodbye. All the judges told them how great our attorneys were and
u/Local_gyal168
Truth.
u/jlately
I'd argue that the judiciary has an above average share of sociopaths compared to the legal profession as a whole (which has an above average share compared to the general population). Judges
u/Round-Ad3684
He’s preying on you because he sees you as weak and an easy mark. You have to stand up to him.
u/Realistic-Fix2211
I had a judge like that, I just basically ignored it and acted the same no matter what he did and eventually he stopped being a dick
u/OldeManKenobi
Agreed. If I don't laugh, I'll cry.
u/jlately
I'd argue that the judiciary has an above average share of sociopaths compared to the legal profession as a whole (which has an above average share compared to the general population). Judges
u/Cmpbeachbum1
Got a name for the attorney that appealed the decision?
u/RiskWorldly2916
You and your supervisor meet with him in chambers.
u/OldeManKenobi
Agreed. If I don't laugh, I'll cry.
u/Theoaktree5000
Keep calm and make a clear record, that’s all you can really do.
u/False-Firefighter301
Some judges are gonna be nightmares and you can’t change that. Unfortunately it’s part of the job.
u/yellowcoffee01
Schedule a meeting with him. Call the secretary and get on his calendar. Make sure you says it’s not about a case, you’d like to meet with him about expectations for his courtroom.
Go, and
u/Local_gyal168
Truth.
u/lawfox32
Oof, I am sorry. I am a PD 3 years in and have finally encountered a judge who seems to personally hate me, and I have no idea why. Colleagues, appointed panel counsel, private attorneys, cle
u/Disastrous-Screen337
I've watched that robe turn friends into tyrants. Not all but some.
u/congeal
Sounds a little like the judge who carried a gun during certain types of trials and would tell the media that all of the defendants in those types of cases should be locked up forever.
He wa
u/Round-Ad3684
He’s preying on you because he sees you as weak and an easy mark. You have to stand up to him.
u/Strange_Chair7224
Yeah, we had one of these a few years ago. I would tell my clients, "He yells a lot, could be our turn today, could be someone elses."
I was just always respectful and didn't take it persona
u/Disastrous-Screen337
I've watched that robe turn friends into tyrants. Not all but some.
u/logicbully
Some people just don't like you no matter what you do. Ignore the haters. Keep doing you.
u/Cmpbeachbum1
Got a name for the attorney that appealed the decision?
u/wvtarheel
Most judges make less than a starting associate at a decent firm.
u/PizzaNoPants
Depending on the severity and consistency of this screaming, you can report this champion of justice to the head/assigning justice for the court or department by filing a formal complaint of
u/jmtucker88
Obviously not trying to justify the judge’s behavior but, in my experience, when judges act like this, it’s because an attorney is not following the sort of unspoken “rules” of the courtroom
u/TheGreatOpoponax
I have one like this, OP.
I go in knowing it's going to be a shit show. I prepare so much more to try and cover every possible angle for hearings that are otherwise ho-hum. Then this judge
u/bullzeye1983
If you want to mess with his head and have the budget, start ordering the record for every hearing with him. Ask for every small thing to be put on the record. Then order it.
u/Ornery-Addendum5031
Start documenting whatever you can and once you have enough submit a recusal motions every time you roll the guy.
u/deHack
Would they make more? They’d have to work much harder.
u/LinuxLinus
Judges are people, too. And some people are colossal assholes.
u/PizzaNoPants
Depending on the severity and consistency of this screaming, you can report this champion of justice to the head/assigning justice for the court or department by filing a formal complaint of
u/GameGear1
I had a judge lose it on me and threaten to put me in jail because I would not settle a case. He wanted me to violate the FDCPA by settling with a consumer directly when she was represented.
u/milkofdaybreak
Thank you 😊
u/Strangy1234
Assholery is my word of the day
u/LinuxLinus
Judges are people, too. And some people are colossal assholes.
u/ClementXI
Kill him with proper decorum while not being a push over. You are there to advocate for your client. You can't accomplish that without occasionally clashing heads with the judge. Learn how to
u/Round-Ad3684
He’s preying on you because he sees you as weak and an easy mark. You have to stand up to him.
u/jokingonyou
I’ve been through this. Once you get more experience it won’t bother you…or at least not as much
u/Cmpbeachbum1
Got a name for the attorney that appealed the decision?
u/Strangy1234
Assholery is my word of the day
u/Lesleylizasaurus
Might I suggest trying to develop an unspoken bond?
u/Truthundrclouds948
You mentioned you’re quiet. I have a theory about judges. Sometimes they snarl and lash out because they don’t hear so well, and that makes them frustrated and embarrassed. Courtroom acoustic
u/Truthundrclouds948
🤣🤣🤣
u/jlately
I'd argue that the judiciary has an above average share of sociopaths compared to the legal profession as a whole (which has an above average share compared to the general population). Judges
u/Realistic-Fix2211
I had a judge like that, I just basically ignored it and acted the same no matter what he did and eventually he stopped being a dick
u/yourmotherscootch
Request a transcript and file a complaint with your judicial disciplinary commission if the judge truly is bullying you.
u/jmtucker88
Obviously not trying to justify the judge’s behavior but, in my experience, when judges act like this, it’s because an attorney is not following the sort of unspoken “rules” of the courtroom
u/mmarkmc
[Here](https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-judge-admonished-20140514-story.html) is an old article. This is really just the tip of the iceberg. The article quotes the trial attorney I worked
u/yourmotherscootch
Request a transcript and file a complaint with your judicial disciplinary commission if the judge truly is bullying you.
u/mmarkmc
The attorney was the one mentioned in that old article in the link, saying that he and the judge had “kissed and made up.” I’m pretty sure he’s been retired for a while now.
u/southernermusings
Does he hate your firm? What kind of Judge... regular court or some federal ALJ? Those can be absolute whack jobs.
u/theglassishalf
We had a judge like that. Hated me, but really loved my associate. That was an easy problem to solve, just send the associate to deal with that judge. This is not always possible.
u/Beneficial_Case7596
How does he rule in your cases? Because depending on who your clients are he may be posturing for the plaintiffs and their attorneys. I used to have a judge do the same to me and then I’d sti
u/Break_Electronic
Document everything, keep a journal, file a fitness complaint.
It’s a waiting game to set a trap for them.
u/mmarkmc
The attorney was the one mentioned in that old article in the link, saying that he and the judge had “kissed and made up.” I’m pretty sure he’s been retired for a while now.
u/deHack
I can’t speak for every state but it’s a myth in Florida that judges take a vow of poverty. County Court judges make $186,034. Circuit Court judges $196,898. District Courts of Appeal $218,93
u/Truthundrclouds948
You mentioned you’re quiet. I have a theory about judges. Sometimes they snarl and lash out because they don’t hear so well, and that makes them frustrated and embarrassed. Courtroom acoustic
u/yellowcoffee01
Yes, this! She should use your opening. I did something similar too and it also worked. When I told the judge I was going into private practice, the judge actually referred me my first client
u/RexHavoc879
Real?
u/AdamHelpsPeople
Power tends to corrupt, sadly.
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Our jdx allows you to get rid of the judge, no questions asked, once per case as long as the judge has not made any rulings on the merits. Can you just bump him every time? I'm sure the othe
u/Environmental-End691
True, just keep preserving your record.
u/deHack
I can’t speak for every state but it’s a myth in Florida that judges take a vow of poverty. County Court judges make $186,034. Circuit Court judges $196,898. District Courts of Appeal $218,93
u/congeal
Sounds a little like the judge who carried a gun during certain types of trials and would tell the media that all of the defendants in those types of cases should be locked up forever.
He wa
u/seaburno
I recently appeared before a magistrate who screamed at us for not being done with discovery for the entire case, and we were asking to extend the discovery deadlines for part of the case.
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Judges work 7 hours a day and get $200,000/year in my jurisdiction, while getting their butts kissed all day long. Few attorneys around me are making that amount without working 90 hours a w
u/Organization_Dapper
I understand. When I started out I had a judge that liked me and would mistreat the opposing parties. The problem was that I worked for the state and truly wanted an impartial judge to deal
u/Glittering_Light_696
I have im indiana and through Elkhart county and the judge has been this way as well towards my bf and I and our lawyer just flat out disrespectful
u/ClementXI
Also, wait until he makes a clear reversible error and hit him
with a “ill just let the appellate bench hit you with the I told you so once this ruling is overruled and remained in 9
months.”
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Our jdx allows you to get rid of the judge, no questions asked, once per case as long as the judge has not made any rulings on the merits. Can you just bump him every time? I'm sure the othe
u/milkofdaybreak
Thank you 😊
u/Diamondfknhands
Push back. Call it out. Politely. Make him respect you if nothing else
u/KPenn314
This happened to me when I was a new attorney. I specifically remember saying to him once “this is unconstitutional. I will appeal this to a higher court” or something that I hadn’t completel
u/wvtarheel
Most judges make less than a starting associate at a decent firm.
u/SillyGuste
There’s definitely something to this. I’ve had a judge yell at me for interrupting her because she didn’t realize that it was a fire drill over the PA.
u/GrammaIsAWhore
Hope you get him for judicial review?
u/RiskWorldly2916
You and your supervisor meet with him in chambers.
u/old_namewasnt_best
Robe-itis.
u/ward0630
I remember a few years ago reading an article about the judges in my jurisdiction complaining about "only" making $170k. Yes, they'd make more in private practice, but come on.
u/Gold-Path8916
This is great advice and the right perspective to adopt.
u/False-Firefighter301
Some judges are gonna be nightmares and you can’t change that. Unfortunately it’s part of the job.
u/RunningObjection
There are some people in this world that you have a moral obligation to piss off.
u/Beneficial_Case7596
How does he rule in your cases? Because depending on who your clients are he may be posturing for the plaintiffs and their attorneys. I used to have a judge do the same to me and then I’d sti
u/beatfungus
Yeah. It could be anything and not even your fault. Maybe he's hostile to you *because* you're quiet and he perceives you as an easy target. Maybe he harbors jealousy. Maybe he's just a racis
u/logicbully
Blew my cover (I'm their OC).
u/mmarkmc
Another judge in Orange County CA was disciplined for 1) making improper sexual comments about a sexual harassment plaintiff in front of the jury and also 2) trying to sell a book he had writ
u/LinuxLinus
Judges are people, too. And some people are colossal assholes.
u/congeal
Good ol' Black Robe Disease!
u/LegallyInsane1983
Speak with him in chambers and talk with him about your concerns. See if you can squash it. If you don't feel comfortable by yourself, see if anyone you know or work with knows him. If that d
u/Local_gyal168
Truth.
u/Craftybitch55
I had a judge on a motion conference Monday who told me he stayed up late on a Sunday night to read all or my papers. You could have knocked ke over with a feather.
u/Break_Electronic
Document everything, keep a journal, file a fitness complaint.
It’s a waiting game to set a trap for them.
u/deHack
Would they make more? They’d have to work much harder.
u/Strange_Chair7224
Yeah, we had one of these a few years ago. I would tell my clients, "He yells a lot, could be our turn today, could be someone elses."
I was just always respectful and didn't take it persona
u/GalloPavonis
Id be tempted to ask if he thought that demeanor was befitting of someone deserving of the robe in open court. I dont make typically make career friendly choices and say fuck it, give it back
u/mmarkmc
Another judge in Orange County CA was disciplined for 1) making improper sexual comments about a sexual harassment plaintiff in front of the jury and also 2) trying to sell a book he had writ
u/mmarkmc
When I worked in LA there was a notorious judge who loved belittling attorneys just for his own entertainment. If you got stuck with him on a case you’d dot every i and cross every t before a
u/TheGreatOpoponax
I have one like this, OP.
I go in knowing it's going to be a shit show. I prepare so much more to try and cover every possible angle for hearings that are otherwise ho-hum. Then this judge
u/Probonoh
This is where the K-JD kids really suffer.
After you work a few years in retail, dealing "geriatric asshole" becomes just another day.
Stand up straight, speak loudly and clearly, make
u/deHack
I can’t speak for every state but it’s a myth in Florida that judges take a vow of poverty. County Court judges make $186,034. Circuit Court judges $196,898. District Courts of Appeal $218,93
u/beatfungus
Yeah. It could be anything and not even your fault. Maybe he's hostile to you *because* you're quiet and he perceives you as an easy target. Maybe he harbors jealousy. Maybe he's just a racis
u/Truthundrclouds948
🤣🤣🤣
u/Ornery-Addendum5031
Start documenting whatever you can and once you have enough submit a recusal motions every time you roll the guy.
u/GameGear1
I had a judge lose it on me and threaten to put me in jail because I would not settle a case. He wanted me to violate the FDCPA by settling with a consumer directly when she was represented.
u/RexHavoc879
Real?
u/False-Firefighter301
Some judges are gonna be nightmares and you can’t change that. Unfortunately it’s part of the job.
u/AllyMcBeel
I am so sorry but I laughed out loud at this. Preserved for the record!!!!! Sorry you went through that.
u/Negotiations_LVSongs
Yes. I could absolutely be wrong but If something about your presence is coming off too gentle, it’s pissing him off and he wants you to fight more.
u/SillyGuste
There’s definitely something to this. I’ve had a judge yell at me for interrupting her because she didn’t realize that it was a fire drill over the PA.
u/southernermusings
Does he hate your firm? What kind of Judge... regular court or some federal ALJ? Those can be absolute whack jobs.
u/GalloPavonis
Id be tempted to ask if he thought that demeanor was befitting of someone deserving of the robe in open court. I dont make typically make career friendly choices and say fuck it, give it back
u/paradepanda
Did something like this and it worked. Went in, said I've noticed I'm not presenting myself as well as I would like in your courtroom, I would love any advice you can share. I did not advoc
u/Environmental-End691
True, just keep preserving your record.
u/_learned_foot_
Remember, if you don’t get 150 minimum as a brand new attorney, excluding any other costs or incomes, you are underpaid and the firm is toxic!
That actually is a legit issue, if we don’t pay
u/Strange_Chair7224
So agree with this.
u/Strangy1234
Assholery is my word of the day
u/FinTecGeek
I know a troubling number of narcissists from my years around this profession. The greatest number of them are judges. I have made the joke to family when asked about becoming a judge that I
u/Disastrous-Screen337
I've watched that robe turn friends into tyrants. Not all but some.
u/congeal
Gotta get that State Judge license plate.
u/JID74
I recall a professor of mine attempting to have a judge committed. That reduced the number of times he had to appear in front of that guy to zero. Now there's certainly risk associated with
u/LegalSocks
It feels pretty strange that a judge would be after a *new* attorney like this. Fortunately, a benefit of being new is that you have a bigger opening to try things like this.
u/Organization_Dapper
I understand. When I started out I had a judge that liked me and would mistreat the opposing parties. The problem was that I worked for the state and truly wanted an impartial judge to deal
u/SchoolNo6461
Possibly sit in the gallery and see how he is when you are not on a case. He may be a jerk to everyone or it may be just you. In any case it will give you some operspective. Information is
u/jokingonyou
I’ve been through this. Once you get more experience it won’t bother you…or at least not as much
u/Strangy1234
Assholery is my word of the day
u/kaze950
Yeah next time he overrules you, OP, just say, 'how bout we take this outside and I overrule your face!"
u/No_Upstairs_4655
Putting on a black robe doesn't automatically make you a good person. Judge is a job like anything else. And like all other professions, it has its share of sociopaths.
u/paradepanda
You need more information from a professional, neutral source. You also need to loop in your higher ups; it is their job to help you navigate this successfully. This generally reflects on t
u/Truthundrclouds948
You mentioned you’re quiet. I have a theory about judges. Sometimes they snarl and lash out because they don’t hear so well, and that makes them frustrated and embarrassed. Courtroom acoustic
u/deHack
Would they make more? They’d have to work much harder.
u/I_am_Danny_McBride
If it’s impacting his decisions on your cases, beat him on a couple of appeals. Even small things you wouldn’t ordinarily appeal if necessary. Get him to where if he mocks him you can stare a
u/CALexpatinGA
First time?
u/Environmental-End691
True, just keep preserving your record.
u/RiskWorldly2916
You and your supervisor meet with him in chambers.
u/_learned_foot_
Common sentiment online, but when researched, you’ll note the average judge makes almost 50k more (or 66% more) than the average first year attorney. That is pure salary, does not account for
u/torontoandboston
You need to start placing things on the record like if he is eye rolling at you
u/No_Upstairs_4655
Putting on a black robe doesn't automatically make you a good person. Judge is a job like anything else. And like all other professions, it has its share of sociopaths.
u/Jamerson357
It is hard to ignore the judge…when they are the ones giving you orders…literally 😂
u/JID74
I recall a professor of mine attempting to have a judge committed. That reduced the number of times he had to appear in front of that guy to zero. Now there's certainly risk associated with
u/mmarkmc
Absolutely. He was a miserable guy and sanctioned the best and most experienced trial attorney at the firm over something absolutely ludicrous. He was so pissed he took it up to the court of
u/mmarkmc
Another judge in Orange County CA was disciplined for 1) making improper sexual comments about a sexual harassment plaintiff in front of the jury and also 2) trying to sell a book he had writ
u/jsesq
Comes with the turf. Don’t worry about it. Any attorney worth their weight has been lit up a few times by cranky judges.
u/Lesleylizasaurus
Might I suggest trying to develop an unspoken bond?
u/kitcarson222
He is a bully trying to push your buttons. Stand up to him, and he will respect you.
u/hesathomes
Some judges are just assholes. Some judges buffalo new attorneys in a mistakes attempt to help them learn. You won’t know which one you have for a couple months. Bullies will often back down
u/jsesq
Comes with the turf. Don’t worry about it. Any attorney worth their weight has been lit up a few times by cranky judges.
u/jokingonyou
I’ve been through this. Once you get more experience it won’t bother you…or at least not as much
u/ward0630
I remember a few years ago reading an article about the judges in my jurisdiction complaining about "only" making $170k. Yes, they'd make more in private practice, but come on.
u/jsesq
Comes with the turf. Don’t worry about it. Any attorney worth their weight has been lit up a few times by cranky judges.
u/Strange_Chair7224
So agree with this.
u/RunningObjection
There are some people in this world that you have a moral obligation to piss off.
u/mmarkmc
Absolutely. He was a miserable guy and sanctioned the best and most experienced trial attorney at the firm over something absolutely ludicrous. He was so pissed he took it up to the court of
u/Environmental-End691
True, just keep preserving your record.
u/ks13219
I feel like about 12% of my average workday is listening to my colleagues talk about some dumbass thing a judge said or did that day. Judges aren’t saints or even good lawyers half the time.
u/lawfox32
Oof, I am sorry. I am a PD 3 years in and have finally encountered a judge who seems to personally hate me, and I have no idea why. Colleagues, appointed panel counsel, private attorneys, cle
u/DIY14410
Most experienced litigators have experienced this. I can think of two judges who disrespected me, both of whom IMO were insecure about their own legal chops.
>He is condenseding
\*conde
u/jsesq
Comes with the turf. Don’t worry about it. Any attorney worth their weight has been lit up a few times by cranky judges.
u/Glittering_Light_696
I have im indiana and through Elkhart county and the judge has been this way as well towards my bf and I and our lawyer just flat out disrespectful
u/mmarkmc
[Here](https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-judge-admonished-20140514-story.html) is an old article. This is really just the tip of the iceberg. The article quotes the trial attorney I worked
u/RexHavoc879
Oh sorry, I was referring to former Judge Real of C. D. Cal. He was also known for his … less than pleasant demeanor.
ETA: but this guy sounds like a real piece of work too . Glad I never ha
u/kaze950
Yeah next time he overrules you, OP, just say, 'how bout we take this outside and I overrule your face!"
u/DPetrilloZbornak
I’ve practiced in front of probably 60 judges. Maybe more. 55 of them were unhinged.
u/BeerNinjaEsq
Is it racial? Sexist? An anti-plaintiff or anti-defense position? I see those biases the most
u/wvtarheel
Most judges make less than a starting associate at a decent firm.
u/seaburno
I recently appeared before a magistrate who screamed at us for not being done with discovery for the entire case, and we were asking to extend the discovery deadlines for part of the case.
u/ClementXI
Kill him with proper decorum while not being a push over. You are there to advocate for your client. You can't accomplish that without occasionally clashing heads with the judge. Learn how to
u/paradepanda
You need more information from a professional, neutral source. You also need to loop in your higher ups; it is their job to help you navigate this successfully. This generally reflects on t
u/RexHavoc879
Real?
u/KPenn314
This happened to me when I was a new attorney. I specifically remember saying to him once “this is unconstitutional. I will appeal this to a higher court” or something that I hadn’t completel
u/Jamerson357
It is hard to ignore the judge…when they are the ones giving you orders…literally 😂
u/I_am_Danny_McBride
If it’s impacting his decisions on your cases, beat him on a couple of appeals. Even small things you wouldn’t ordinarily appeal if necessary. Get him to where if he mocks him you can stare a
u/legalbetch
We had a judge like this. It got to the point where every time I went in front of him with the parties present I would tell my client he was going to find something to yell at me about, but t
u/yourmotherscootch
Request a transcript and file a complaint with your judicial disciplinary commission if the judge truly is bullying you.
u/logicbully
Blew my cover (I'm their OC).
u/_learned_foot_
Common sentiment online, but when researched, you’ll note the average judge makes almost 50k more (or 66% more) than the average first year attorney. That is pure salary, does not account for
u/gonzo_attorney
When I was a public defender, I had a communal book for us to write in: "dumb shit judges say." It became sort of a treasure trove of idiocy.
I have a judge who absolutely despises me, but i
u/No_Upstairs_4655
Putting on a black robe doesn't automatically make you a good person. Judge is a job like anything else. And like all other professions, it has its share of sociopaths.
u/kitcarson222
He is a bully trying to push your buttons. Stand up to him, and he will respect you.
u/mmarkmc
The attorney was the one mentioned in that old article in the link, saying that he and the judge had “kissed and made up.” I’m pretty sure he’s been retired for a while now.
u/mmarkmc
Sounds very similar. Was on a simple status conference with a plaintiff’s attorney on the other side who was admittedly a bit of a mess but nothing completely out of the ordinary. Like a lot
u/Lesleylizasaurus
Might I suggest trying to develop an unspoken bond?
u/PizzaNoPants
Depending on the severity and consistency of this screaming, you can report this champion of justice to the head/assigning justice for the court or department by filing a formal complaint of
u/Environmental-End691
True, just keep preserving your record.
u/mmarkmc
When I worked in LA there was a notorious judge who loved belittling attorneys just for his own entertainment. If you got stuck with him on a case you’d dot every i and cross every t before a
u/paradepanda
Did something like this and it worked. Went in, said I've noticed I'm not presenting myself as well as I would like in your courtroom, I would love any advice you can share. I did not advoc
u/_learned_foot_
Common sentiment online, but when researched, you’ll note the average judge makes almost 50k more (or 66% more) than the average first year attorney. That is pure salary, does not account for
u/ks13219
I feel like about 12% of my average workday is listening to my colleagues talk about some dumbass thing a judge said or did that day. Judges aren’t saints or even good lawyers half the time.
u/mmarkmc
When I worked in LA there was a notorious judge who loved belittling attorneys just for his own entertainment. If you got stuck with him on a case you’d dot every i and cross every t before a
u/gonzo_attorney
When I was a public defender, I had a communal book for us to write in: "dumb shit judges say." It became sort of a treasure trove of idiocy.
I have a judge who absolutely despises me, but i
u/JID74
I recall a professor of mine attempting to have a judge committed. That reduced the number of times he had to appear in front of that guy to zero. Now there's certainly risk associated with
u/Strange_Chair7224
Yeah, we had one of these a few years ago. I would tell my clients, "He yells a lot, could be our turn today, could be someone elses."
I was just always respectful and didn't take it persona
u/GrammaIsAWhore
Hope you get him for judicial review?
u/Strange_Chair7224
So agree with this.
u/wvtarheel
Most judges make less than a starting associate at a decent firm.
u/DPetrilloZbornak
I’ve practiced in front of probably 60 judges. Maybe more. 55 of them were unhinged.
u/GalloPavonis
Id be tempted to ask if he thought that demeanor was befitting of someone deserving of the robe in open court. I dont make typically make career friendly choices and say fuck it, give it back
u/paradepanda
Did something like this and it worked. Went in, said I've noticed I'm not presenting myself as well as I would like in your courtroom, I would love any advice you can share. I did not advoc
u/Wide-Tourist9480
And this is how you end up in jail on contempt charges.
u/Local_gyal168
Truth.
u/yellowcoffee01
Yes, this! She should use your opening. I did something similar too and it also worked. When I told the judge I was going into private practice, the judge actually referred me my first client
u/hansolopoly
Does your jurisdiction allow reassignment as a matter of right? Get any new case transferred away from that judge immediately.
u/congeal
Sounds a little like the judge who carried a gun during certain types of trials and would tell the media that all of the defendants in those types of cases should be locked up forever.
He wa
u/OldeManKenobi
Agreed. If I don't laugh, I'll cry.
u/EV9110
When I first started out in San Francisco many years ago, one judge heard all discovery motions in all civil cases. He was notoriously sour and God help you if you weren’t completely prepared
u/Diamondfknhands
Push back. Call it out. Politely. Make him respect you if nothing else
u/Probonoh
This is where the K-JD kids really suffer.
After you work a few years in retail, dealing "geriatric asshole" becomes just another day.
Stand up straight, speak loudly and clearly, make
u/Gold-Path8916
This is great advice and the right perspective to adopt.
u/Jamerson357
It is hard to ignore the judge…when they are the ones giving you orders…literally 😂
u/logicbully
Some people just don't like you no matter what you do. Ignore the haters. Keep doing you.
u/old_namewasnt_best
Robe-itis.
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Our jdx allows you to get rid of the judge, no questions asked, once per case as long as the judge has not made any rulings on the merits. Can you just bump him every time? I'm sure the othe
u/torontoandboston
You need to start placing things on the record like if he is eye rolling at you
u/Break_Electronic
Document everything, keep a journal, file a fitness complaint.
It’s a waiting game to set a trap for them.
u/Local_gyal168
Truth.
u/hansolopoly
Does your jurisdiction allow reassignment as a matter of right? Get any new case transferred away from that judge immediately.
u/Beginning_Brick7845
A lot of lawyers are assholes. A lot of them become judges. They don’t stop being assholes when they start being judges, but all restraints on their assholery are removed.
u/GameGear1
I had a judge lose it on me and threaten to put me in jail because I would not settle a case. He wanted me to violate the FDCPA by settling with a consumer directly when she was represented.
u/Probonoh
This is where the K-JD kids really suffer.
After you work a few years in retail, dealing "geriatric asshole" becomes just another day.
Stand up straight, speak loudly and clearly, make
u/mmarkmc
Absolutely. He was a miserable guy and sanctioned the best and most experienced trial attorney at the firm over something absolutely ludicrous. He was so pissed he took it up to the court of
u/GalloPavonis
Id be tempted to ask if he thought that demeanor was befitting of someone deserving of the robe in open court. I dont make typically make career friendly choices and say fuck it, give it back
u/logicbully
Blew my cover (I'm their OC).
u/Ornery-Addendum5031
Start documenting whatever you can and once you have enough submit a recusal motions every time you roll the guy.
u/No_Upstairs_4655
Putting on a black robe doesn't automatically make you a good person. Judge is a job like anything else. And like all other professions, it has its share of sociopaths.
u/mmarkmc
[Here](https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-judge-admonished-20140514-story.html) is an old article. This is really just the tip of the iceberg. The article quotes the trial attorney I worked
u/SillyGuste
There’s definitely something to this. I’ve had a judge yell at me for interrupting her because she didn’t realize that it was a fire drill over the PA.
u/theangrypunkin
I once had a judge clarify that she was rolling her eyes at me so that it was preserved on the record. It was a scheduling appearance, and I (very respectfully because I am familiar with how
u/Truthundrclouds948
🤣🤣🤣
u/mmarkmc
The attorney was the one mentioned in that old article in the link, saying that he and the judge had “kissed and made up.” I’m pretty sure he’s been retired for a while now.
u/LegallyInsane1983
Speak with him in chambers and talk with him about your concerns. See if you can squash it. If you don't feel comfortable by yourself, see if anyone you know or work with knows him. If that d
u/Kitsilano9
Solidarity brother.
u/jokingonyou
I’ve been through this. Once you get more experience it won’t bother you…or at least not as much
u/DIY14410
Most experienced litigators have experienced this. I can think of two judges who disrespected me, both of whom IMO were insecure about their own legal chops.
>He is condenseding
\*conde
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Our jdx allows you to get rid of the judge, no questions asked, once per case as long as the judge has not made any rulings on the merits. Can you just bump him every time? I'm sure the othe
u/mmarkmc
Oh that’s funny. I do remember hearing about Manny Real but never had much in federal court down there. But I did a downtown LA bankruptcy court hearing once. While waiting for the judge to t
u/yellowcoffee01
Schedule a meeting with him. Call the secretary and get on his calendar. Make sure you says it’s not about a case, you’d like to meet with him about expectations for his courtroom.
Go, and
u/mmarkmc
Absolutely. He was a miserable guy and sanctioned the best and most experienced trial attorney at the firm over something absolutely ludicrous. He was so pissed he took it up to the court of
u/AdamHelpsPeople
Power tends to corrupt, sadly.
u/Strange_Chair7224
Yeah, we had one of these a few years ago. I would tell my clients, "He yells a lot, could be our turn today, could be someone elses."
I was just always respectful and didn't take it persona
u/congeal
Good ol' Black Robe Disease!
u/GrammaIsAWhore
Hope you get him for judicial review?
u/IllustriousChoice917
That’s wild. Im new too. For now, judges are nice to me and tolerate my wildly stupid questions.
u/Beneficial_Case7596
How does he rule in your cases? Because depending on who your clients are he may be posturing for the plaintiffs and their attorneys. I used to have a judge do the same to me and then I’d sti
u/seaburno
I recently appeared before a magistrate who screamed at us for not being done with discovery for the entire case, and we were asking to extend the discovery deadlines for part of the case.
u/Strange_Chair7224
So agree with this.
u/hesathomes
Some judges are just assholes. Some judges buffalo new attorneys in a mistakes attempt to help them learn. You won’t know which one you have for a couple months. Bullies will often back down
u/yellowcoffee01
Schedule a meeting with him. Call the secretary and get on his calendar. Make sure you says it’s not about a case, you’d like to meet with him about expectations for his courtroom.
Go, and
u/Negotiations_LVSongs
Yes. I could absolutely be wrong but If something about your presence is coming off too gentle, it’s pissing him off and he wants you to fight more.
u/IllustriousChoice917
That’s wild. Im new too. For now, judges are nice to me and tolerate my wildly stupid questions.
u/RexHavoc879
Oh sorry, I was referring to former Judge Real of C. D. Cal. He was also known for his … less than pleasant demeanor.
ETA: but this guy sounds like a real piece of work too. Glad I never had
u/Negotiations_LVSongs
Yes. I could absolutely be wrong but If something about your presence is coming off too gentle, it’s pissing him off and he wants you to fight more.
u/Kitsilano9
Solidarity brother.
u/congeal
Good ol' Black Robe Disease!
u/bullzeye1983
If you want to mess with his head and have the budget, start ordering the record for every hearing with him. Ask for every small thing to be put on the record. Then order it.
u/fauxpublica
Some of them are mental. Usually nothing can be done. It’s like some divine comedy.
u/congeal
Good ol' Black Robe Disease!
u/ward0630
I remember a few years ago reading an article about the judges in my jurisdiction complaining about "only" making $170k. Yes, they'd make more in private practice, but come on.
u/DPetrilloZbornak
I’ve practiced in front of probably 60 judges. Maybe more. 55 of them were unhinged.
u/LegalSocks
It feels pretty strange that a judge would be after a *new* attorney like this. Fortunately, a benefit of being new is that you have a bigger opening to try things like this.
u/mmarkmc
When I worked in LA there was a notorious judge who loved belittling attorneys just for his own entertainment. If you got stuck with him on a case you’d dot every i and cross every t before a
u/congeal
Gotta get that State Judge license plate.
u/mmarkmc
Sounds very similar. Was on a simple status conference with a plaintiff’s attorney on the other side who was admittedly a bit of a mess but nothing completely out of the ordinary. Like a lot
u/logicbully
Some people just don't like you no matter what you do. Ignore the haters. Keep doing you.
u/DIY14410
Most experienced litigators have experienced this. I can think of two judges who disrespected me, both of whom IMO were insecure about their own legal chops.
>He is condenseding
\*conde
u/LinuxLinus
Judges are people, too. And some people are colossal assholes.
u/Craftybitch55
I had a judge on a motion conference Monday who told me he stayed up late on a Sunday night to read all or my papers. You could have knocked ke over with a feather.
u/congeal
Sounds a little like the judge who carried a gun during certain types of trials and would tell the media that all of the defendants in those types of cases should be locked up forever.
He wa
u/ks13219
I feel like about 12% of my average workday is listening to my colleagues talk about some dumbass thing a judge said or did that day. Judges aren’t saints or even good lawyers half the time.
u/PedroLoco505
You need to develop a silent bond with him. Right now you’ve got a silent acrimony.
u/bullzeye1983
If you want to mess with his head and have the budget, start ordering the record for every hearing with him. Ask for every small thing to be put on the record. Then order it.
u/yourmotherscootch
Request a transcript and file a complaint with your judicial disciplinary commission if the judge truly is bullying you.
u/paradepanda
Did something like this and it worked. Went in, said I've noticed I'm not presenting myself as well as I would like in your courtroom, I would love any advice you can share. I did not advoc
u/seaburno
I recently appeared before a magistrate who screamed at us for not being done with discovery for the entire case, and we were asking to extend the discovery deadlines for part of the case.
u/Cmpbeachbum1
Got a name for the attorney that appealed the decision?
u/kaze950
Yeah next time he overrules you, OP, just say, 'how bout we take this outside and I overrule your face!"
u/ClementXI
Kill him with proper decorum while not being a push over. You are there to advocate for your client. You can't accomplish that without occasionally clashing heads with the judge. Learn how to
u/CALexpatinGA
First time?
u/TheGreatOpoponax
I have one like this, OP.
I go in knowing it's going to be a shit show. I prepare so much more to try and cover every possible angle for hearings that are otherwise ho-hum. Then this judge
u/Truthundrclouds948
🤣🤣🤣
u/Gold-Path8916
This is great advice and the right perspective to adopt.
u/Beneficial_Case7596
How does he rule in your cases? Because depending on who your clients are he may be posturing for the plaintiffs and their attorneys. I used to have a judge do the same to me and then I’d sti
u/yellowcoffee01
Yes, this! She should use your opening. I did something similar too and it also worked. When I told the judge I was going into private practice, the judge actually referred me my first client
u/EV9110
When I first started out in San Francisco many years ago, one judge heard all discovery motions in all civil cases. He was notoriously sour and God help you if you weren’t completely prepared
u/CALexpatinGA
First time?
u/BeerNinjaEsq
Is it racial? Sexist? An anti-plaintiff or anti-defense position? I see those biases the most
u/Jolly_Ad9677
This has happened to me before. I can’t say that it’s unusual. Don’t take it personally.
u/logicbully
Some people just don't like you no matter what you do. Ignore the haters. Keep doing you.
u/BeerNinjaEsq
Is it racial? Sexist? An anti-plaintiff or anti-defense position? I see those biases the most
u/Strange_Chair7224
Yeah, we had one of these a few years ago. I would tell my clients, "He yells a lot, could be our turn today, could be someone elses."
I was just always respectful and didn't take it persona
u/Gold-Path8916
This is great advice and the right perspective to adopt.
u/PedroLoco505
You need to develop a silent bond with him. Right now you’ve got a silent acrimony.
u/seaburno
I recently appeared before a magistrate who screamed at us for not being done with discovery for the entire case, and we were asking to extend the discovery deadlines for part of the case.
u/logicbully
Some people just don't like you no matter what you do. Ignore the haters. Keep doing you.
u/RunningObjection
There are some people in this world that you have a moral obligation to piss off.
u/southernermusings
Does he hate your firm? What kind of Judge... regular court or some federal ALJ? Those can be absolute whack jobs.
u/Craftybitch55
I had a judge on a motion conference Monday who told me he stayed up late on a Sunday night to read all or my papers. You could have knocked ke over with a feather.
u/mmarkmc
Oh that’s funny. I do remember hearing about Manny Real but never had much in federal court down there. But I did a downtown LA bankruptcy court hearing once. While waiting for the judge to t
u/theangrypunkin
I once had a judge clarify that she was rolling her eyes at me so that it was preserved on the record. It was a scheduling appearance, and I (very respectfully because I am familiar with how
u/CALexpatinGA
First time?
u/Lesleylizasaurus
Might I suggest trying to develop an unspoken bond?
u/CALexpatinGA
First time?
u/fauxpublica
Some of them are mental. Usually nothing can be done. It’s like some divine comedy.
u/Major_Honey_4461
Could you have a "private moment" with him and find out what the issue is? He'll either tell you or deny it, but even if he denies it, I'm guessing his attitude towards you will change
u/No_Upstairs_4655
Putting on a black robe doesn't automatically make you a good person. Judge is a job like anything else. And like all other professions, it has its share of sociopaths.
u/Gold-Path8916
This is great advice and the right perspective to adopt.
u/ks13219
I feel like about 12% of my average workday is listening to my colleagues talk about some dumbass thing a judge said or did that day. Judges aren’t saints or even good lawyers half the time.
u/paradepanda
You need more information from a professional, neutral source. You also need to loop in your higher ups; it is their job to help you navigate this successfully. This generally reflects on t
u/Craftybitch55
I had a judge on a motion conference Monday who told me he stayed up late on a Sunday night to read all or my papers. You could have knocked ke over with a feather.
u/bullzeye1983
If you want to mess with his head and have the budget, start ordering the record for every hearing with him. Ask for every small thing to be put on the record. Then order it.
u/beatfungus
Yeah. It could be anything and not even your fault. Maybe he's hostile to you *because* you're quiet and he perceives you as an easy target. Maybe he harbors jealousy. Maybe he's just a racis
u/Theoaktree5000
Keep calm and make a clear record, that’s all you can really do.
u/SillyGuste
There’s definitely something to this. I’ve had a judge yell at me for interrupting her because she didn’t realize that it was a fire drill over the PA.
u/congeal
Gotta get that State Judge license plate.
u/OldeManKenobi
Agreed. If I don't laugh, I'll cry.
u/GameGear1
I had a judge lose it on me and threaten to put me in jail because I would not settle a case. He wanted me to violate the FDCPA by settling with a consumer directly when she was represented.
u/mmarkmc
Sounds very similar. Was on a simple status conference with a plaintiff’s attorney on the other side who was admittedly a bit of a mess but nothing completely out of the ordinary. Like a lot
u/Beginning_Brick7845
A lot of lawyers are assholes. A lot of them become judges. They don’t stop being assholes when they start being judges, but all restraints on their assholery are removed.
u/Major_Honey_4461
Could you have a "private moment" with him and find out what the issue is? He'll either tell you or deny it, but even if he denies it, I'm guessing his attitude towards you will change
u/jokingonyou
I’ve been through this. Once you get more experience it won’t bother you…or at least not as much
u/Probonoh
This is where the K-JD kids really suffer.
After you work a few years in retail, dealing "geriatric asshole" becomes just another day.
Stand up straight, speak loudly and clearly, make
u/RiskWorldly2916
You and your supervisor meet with him in chambers.
u/Kitsilano9
Solidarity brother.
u/AllyMcBeel
I am so sorry but I laughed out loud at this. Preserved for the record!!!!! Sorry you went through that.
u/Glittering_Light_696
I have im indiana and through Elkhart county and the judge has been this way as well towards my bf and I and our lawyer just flat out disrespectful
u/KPenn314
This happened to me when I was a new attorney. I specifically remember saying to him once “this is unconstitutional. I will appeal this to a higher court” or something that I hadn’t completel
u/Round-Ad3684
He’s preying on you because he sees you as weak and an easy mark. You have to stand up to him.
u/AllyMcBeel
I am so sorry but I laughed out loud at this. Preserved for the record!!!!! Sorry you went through that.
u/theangrypunkin
I once had a judge clarify that she was rolling her eyes at me so that it was preserved on the record. It was a scheduling appearance, and I (very respectfully because I am familiar with how
u/deHack
Would they make more? They’d have to work much harder.
u/beatfungus
Yeah. It could be anything and not even your fault. Maybe he's hostile to you *because* you're quiet and he perceives you as an easy target. Maybe he harbors jealousy. Maybe he's just a racis
u/jsesq
Comes with the turf. Don’t worry about it. Any attorney worth their weight has been lit up a few times by cranky judges.
u/logicbully
Blew my cover (I'm their OC).
u/_learned_foot_
Common sentiment online, but when researched, you’ll note the average judge makes almost 50k more (or 66% more) than the average first year attorney. That is pure salary, does not account for
u/Negotiations_LVSongs
Yes. I could absolutely be wrong but If something about your presence is coming off too gentle, it’s pissing him off and he wants you to fight more.
u/Realistic-Fix2211
I had a judge like that, I just basically ignored it and acted the same no matter what he did and eventually he stopped being a dick
u/mmarkmc
[Here](https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-judge-admonished-20140514-story.html) is an old article. This is really just the tip of the iceberg. The article quotes the trial attorney I worked
u/ClementXI
Kill him with proper decorum while not being a push over. You are there to advocate for your client. You can't accomplish that without occasionally clashing heads with the judge. Learn how to
u/Truthundrclouds948
😂
u/wvtarheel
Most judges make less than a starting associate at a decent firm.
u/Organization_Dapper
I understand. When I started out I had a judge that liked me and would mistreat the opposing parties. The problem was that I worked for the state and truly wanted an impartial judge to deal
u/TacomaGuy89
Easier said then done, but I think the only way to treat a bully is to stand up for yourself. Can you find the gravitas to say something in court like, "I need to remind the court to maintain
u/LegalSocks
It feels pretty strange that a judge would be after a *new* attorney like this. Fortunately, a benefit of being new is that you have a bigger opening to try things like this.
u/hesathomes
Some judges are just assholes. Some judges buffalo new attorneys in a mistakes attempt to help them learn. You won’t know which one you have for a couple months. Bullies will often back down
u/deHack
I can’t speak for every state but it’s a myth in Florida that judges take a vow of poverty. County Court judges make $186,034. Circuit Court judges $196,898. District Courts of Appeal $218,93
u/False-Firefighter301
Some judges are gonna be nightmares and you can’t change that. Unfortunately it’s part of the job.
u/mmarkmc
Oh that’s funny. I do remember hearing about Manny Real but never had much in federal court down there. But I did a downtown LA bankruptcy court hearing once. While waiting for the judge to t
u/Theoaktree5000
Keep calm and make a clear record, that’s all you can really do.
u/_learned_foot_
Remember, if you don’t get 150 minimum as a brand new attorney, excluding any other costs or incomes, you are underpaid and the firm is toxic!
That actually is a legit issue, if we don’t pay
u/_learned_foot_
Remember, if you don’t get 150 minimum as a brand new attorney, excluding any other costs or incomes, you are underpaid and the firm is toxic!
That actually is a legit issue, if we don’t pay
u/RiskWorldly2916
You and your supervisor meet with him in chambers.
u/Major_Honey_4461
Could you have a "private moment" with him and find out what the issue is? He'll either tell you or deny it, but even if he denies it, I'm guessing his attitude towards you will change
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Judges work 7 hours a day and get $200,000/year in my jurisdiction, while getting their butts kissed all day long. Few attorneys around me are making that amount without working 90 hours a w
u/Beneficial_Case7596
How does he rule in your cases? Because depending on who your clients are he may be posturing for the plaintiffs and their attorneys. I used to have a judge do the same to me and then I’d sti
u/IllustriousChoice917
That’s wild. Im new too. For now, judges are nice to me and tolerate my wildly stupid questions.
u/GrammaIsAWhore
Hope you get him for judicial review?
u/fauxpublica
Some of them are mental. Usually nothing can be done. It’s like some divine comedy.
u/mmarkmc
Oh that’s funny. I do remember hearing about Manny Real but never had much in federal court down there. But I did a downtown LA bankruptcy court hearing once. While waiting for the judge to t
u/Dismal_Bee9088
Someone from my office who spent a chunk of time in a management role retired recently and went round the courthouse to say goodbye. All the judges told them how great our attorneys were and
u/Dismal_Bee9088
Someone from my office who spent a chunk of time in a management role retired recently and went round the courthouse to say goodbye. All the judges told them how great our attorneys were and
u/jlately
I'd argue that the judiciary has an above average share of sociopaths compared to the legal profession as a whole (which has an above average share compared to the general population). Judges
u/hesathomes
Some judges are just assholes. Some judges buffalo new attorneys in a mistakes attempt to help them learn. You won’t know which one you have for a couple months. Bullies will often back down
u/yellowcoffee01
Yes, this! She should use your opening. I did something similar too and it also worked. When I told the judge I was going into private practice, the judge actually referred me my first client
u/Ornery-Addendum5031
Start documenting whatever you can and once you have enough submit a recusal motions every time you roll the guy.
u/kitcarson222
He is a bully trying to push your buttons. Stand up to him, and he will respect you.
u/torontoandboston
You need to start placing things on the record like if he is eye rolling at you
u/Truthundrclouds948
😂
u/mmarkmc
Sounds very similar. Was was on a simple status conference with a plaintiff’s attorney on the other side who was admittedly a bit of a mess but nothing completely out of the ordinary. Like a
u/RexHavoc879
Oh sorry, I was referring to former Judge Real of C. D. Cal. He was also known for his … less than pleasant demeanor.
ETA: but this guy sounds like a real piece of work too. Glad I never had
u/legalbetch
We had a judge like this. It got to the point where every time I went in front of him with the parties present I would tell my client he was going to find something to yell at me about, but t
u/JID74
I recall a professor of mine attempting to have a judge committed. That reduced the number of times he had to appear in front of that guy to zero. Now there's certainly risk associated with
u/theglassishalf
We had a judge like that. Hated me, but really loved my associate. That was an easy problem to solve, just send the associate to deal with that judge. This is not always possible.
u/Negotiations_LVSongs
Yes. I could absolutely be wrong but If something about your presence is coming off too gentle, it’s pissing him off and he wants you to fight more.
u/kitcarson222
He is a bully trying to push your buttons. Stand up to him, and he will respect you.
u/AaronFromAlabama
I'm going to ride on this comment. If you have the budget, you can bring a court reporter.
u/bullzeye1983
If you want to mess with his head and have the budget, start ordering the record for every hearing with him. Ask for every small thing to be put on the record. Then order it.
u/Lesleylizasaurus
Might I suggest trying to develop an unspoken bond?
u/hesathomes
Some judges are just assholes. Some judges buffalo new attorneys in a mistakes attempt to help them learn. You won’t know which one you have for a couple months. Bullies will often back down
u/fauxpublica
Some of them are mental. Usually nothing can be done. It’s like some divine comedy.
u/jlately
I'd argue that the judiciary has an above average share of sociopaths compared to the legal profession as a whole (which has an above average share compared to the general population). Judges
u/GameGear1
I had a judge lose it on me and threaten to put me in jail because I would not settle a case. He wanted me to violate the FDCPA by settling with a consumer directly when she was represented.
u/mmarkmc
When I worked in LA there was a notorious judge who loved belittling attorneys just for his own entertainment. If you got stuck with him on a case you’d dot every i and cross every t before a
u/congeal
Gotta get that State Judge license plate.
u/mmarkmc
Another judge in Orange County CA was disciplined for 1) making improper sexual comments about a sexual harassment plaintiff in front of the jury and also 2) trying to sell a book he had writ
u/IllustriousChoice917
That’s wild. Im new too. For now, judges are nice to me and tolerate my wildly stupid questions.
u/beatfungus
Yeah. It could be anything and not even your fault. Maybe he's hostile to you *because* you're quiet and he perceives you as an easy target. Maybe he harbors jealousy. Maybe he's just a racis
u/PedroLoco505
You need to develop a silent bond with him. Right now you’ve got a silent acrimony.
u/old_namewasnt_best
Robe-itis.
u/RexHavoc879
Oh sorry, I was referring to former Judge Real of C. D. Cal. He was also known for his … less than pleasant demeanor.
ETA: but this guy sounds like a real piece of work too. Glad I never had
u/Beginning_Brick7845
A lot of lawyers are assholes. A lot of them become judges. They don’t stop being assholes when they start being judges, but all restraints on their assholery are removed.
u/southernermusings
Does he hate your firm? What kind of Judge... regular court or some federal ALJ? Those can be absolute whack jobs.
u/fauxpublica
Some of them are mental. Usually nothing can be done. It’s like some divine comedy.
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Judges work 7 hours a day and get $200,000/year in my jurisdiction, while getting their butts kissed all day long. Few attorneys around me are making that amount without working 90 hours a w
u/TheGreatOpoponax
I have one like this, OP.
I go in knowing it's going to be a shit show. I prepare so much more to try and cover every possible angle for hearings that are otherwise ho-hum. Then this judge
u/kitcarson222
He is a bully trying to push your buttons. Stand up to him, and he will respect you.
u/Jamerson357
It is hard to ignore the judge…when they are the ones giving you orders…literally 😂
u/Round-Ad3684
He’s preying on you because he sees you as weak and an easy mark. You have to stand up to him.
u/Truthundrclouds948
😂
u/Truthundrclouds948
😂
u/Theoaktree5000
Keep calm and make a clear record, that’s all you can really do.
u/OldeManKenobi
Agreed. If I don't laugh, I'll cry.
u/legalbetch
We had a judge like this. It got to the point where every time I went in front of him with the parties present I would tell my client he was going to find something to yell at me about, but t
u/LinuxLinus
Judges are people, too. And some people are colossal assholes.
u/Delicious_Idea_6091
Judges work 7 hours a day and get $200,000/year in my jurisdiction, while getting their butts kissed all day long. Few attorneys around me are making that amount without working 90 hours a w
u/Kitsilano9
Solidarity brother.
u/FinTecGeek
I know a troubling number of narcissists from my years around this profession. The greatest number of them are judges. I have made the joke to family when asked about becoming a judge that I
u/lawfox32
Oof, I am sorry. I am a PD 3 years in and have finally encountered a judge who seems to personally hate me, and I have no idea why. Colleagues, appointed panel counsel, private attorneys, cle
u/ward0630
I remember a few years ago reading an article about the judges in my jurisdiction complaining about "only" making $170k. Yes, they'd make more in private practice, but come on.
u/PizzaNoPants
Depending on the severity and consistency of this screaming, you can report this champion of justice to the head/assigning justice for the court or department by filing a formal complaint of
u/IllustriousChoice917
That’s wild. Im new too. For now, judges are nice to me and tolerate my wildly stupid questions.
u/yellowcoffee01
Schedule a meeting with him. Call the secretary and get on his calendar. Make sure you says it’s not about a case, you’d like to meet with him about expectations for his courtroom.
Go, and
u/Beginning_Brick7845
A lot of lawyers are assholes. A lot of them become judges. They don’t stop being assholes when they start being judges, but all restraints on their assholery are removed.
u/AaronFromAlabama
I'm going to ride on this comment. If you have the budget, you can bring a court reporter.
u/False-Firefighter301
Some judges are gonna be nightmares and you can’t change that. Unfortunately it’s part of the job.