Having recently stepped down as a United States District judge, I have been frequently asked about my time on the bench. The inquiries run the gamut: How did you like being a judge? Do the judges get along? What was the work like? What was persuasive? What was unconvincing? Did you wear your robes at home? I was never actually asked the last question (for the record—only on special occasions), and I could not provide an adequate answer to some of the others in a single article. But briefly, the work was fulfilling and demanding. The judges meet regularly, get along very well, and support each other. And as to the attorneys who appeared before me, I respected and admired excellent advocates.

This article provides some insights and background information for those who appear in federal court. The following reflects my own experience as a judge. I have not caucused with my former colleagues although I am confident that their views would greatly enhance the thoughts offered here.

1. Limited Jurisdiction Versus Broad Knowledge

This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.

To view this content, please continue to their sites.

Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Why am I seeing this?

LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.

For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]