If you are a lawyer and need to appear in a new court in California, then you need to know all you can about the California judge for that court.
Why?
Because knowing how California judges think, their previous rulings, and biases will help you to better prepare for your case.
Judicial Information
No lawyer will ever walk into an unknown courtroom without being prepared for their case. The same should go for the presiding judge.
For today’s court cases, knowing who the judge is, the judge’s history on rulings, and the judge’s personal biases can make or break a case just as much as the case itself.
If you live in a small town, then it is easy to get to know the local judge because you will frequently spend time in front of that judge even if you do not see the judge socially. However, most lawyers work in big cities. This means they will often times find themselves in front of a judge they do not know. For these lawyers, it can be a challenge to find out what the judge likes and does not like.
Asking local attorneys about the judge can be very valuable to you. A local attorney can tell you how many trials the judge sees, how many cases are like yours, the judge’s demeanor and acceptance of outsiders.
How to Research Your Judge
If you need more information about a judge, then the first place to turn to is the internet. After that, there are other ways to research your California judge.
If you have time, go to the courtroom and sit and watch your judge hear motions. A lot can be learned in one day watching the judge.
Another option is to ask questions to clerks that have worked for the judge.
When you go before a new judge, be prepared.
