The Underdog
05-02-2006, 10:04 PM
Judge Michael Stern is fairly new to the Central District (Dept. 62) but I’m glad he is here, we need more smart judges with a civil (business law) background and a brain.
As far as underdogs are concerned, I think he is just fine. Don’t let his objective background scare you. While he was essentially a business litigator focusing on trademark infringement since 1984, and spent 13 years in the U.S. Department of Justice, handling criminal cases, he has a personal interest in helping the underdogs of society who have been wronged, or unable to protect themselves.
As far as his judging abilities, he is fantastic. He is one the brightest judges out there. Yeah, he went to Harvard Law School after graduating from Stanford University. He also holds an LL.M. degree from Boalt. His Federal Court background is evident in the procedures he likes to follow.
Stern seems to absorb every word you say, has read every line of your brief, and has read the cases, plus some. He sits there staring at you during argument, but he is not spacing out. He really is digesting what you are saying. You can argue as much as you want. You can ask questions. He will ask you questions. He also will cut you off if you start repeating yourself. I think he would make a great appellate justice, which is probably what he is ultimately after.
This guy is also one of the funniest; if not most sarcastic judges I’ve ever met. He is very quick; just when you think you have him he comes back with a retort right on point, along with a little smile.
He is rather controlling, but I like that. Don’t ever think about crossing him. If you raise your voice in what he thinks is an aggressive or negative way he will snap your head off. :eek:
He starts his calendar promptly at 8:30 a.m. It does not matter if you call in that you will be 10 minutes late, he will start without you. His clerk is also very efficient, and pretty tough. She is also cute. ;)
As far as underdogs are concerned, I think he is just fine. Don’t let his objective background scare you. While he was essentially a business litigator focusing on trademark infringement since 1984, and spent 13 years in the U.S. Department of Justice, handling criminal cases, he has a personal interest in helping the underdogs of society who have been wronged, or unable to protect themselves.
As far as his judging abilities, he is fantastic. He is one the brightest judges out there. Yeah, he went to Harvard Law School after graduating from Stanford University. He also holds an LL.M. degree from Boalt. His Federal Court background is evident in the procedures he likes to follow.
Stern seems to absorb every word you say, has read every line of your brief, and has read the cases, plus some. He sits there staring at you during argument, but he is not spacing out. He really is digesting what you are saying. You can argue as much as you want. You can ask questions. He will ask you questions. He also will cut you off if you start repeating yourself. I think he would make a great appellate justice, which is probably what he is ultimately after.
This guy is also one of the funniest; if not most sarcastic judges I’ve ever met. He is very quick; just when you think you have him he comes back with a retort right on point, along with a little smile.
He is rather controlling, but I like that. Don’t ever think about crossing him. If you raise your voice in what he thinks is an aggressive or negative way he will snap your head off. :eek:
He starts his calendar promptly at 8:30 a.m. It does not matter if you call in that you will be 10 minutes late, he will start without you. His clerk is also very efficient, and pretty tough. She is also cute. ;)