Best and worst judges to clerk for Forum

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have insight into the MDTN judges (or Judge Stranch)?

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

Not OP, but I'm particularly interested if anyone has more specific thoughts on Perez in CA2, including from Brennan Center days. I've seen descriptions on this forum like "disorganized," "unreasonable," and "unpleasant" but also "very competent but very demanding," "nice," and producing "very good" work product.

I think it could be okay if this all adds up to her just having really high standards and being a bit of a hardass. But if it's more like asking for work to be turned around in 2 days when it would reasonably take 2 weeks, yelling at clerks/throwing things, or expecting you to mind-read and getting flying off the handle when you can't guess unexpressed expectations... that would be different. Even just directionally gesturing at the type of (alleged) unreasonableness would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous User]

What on Earth is happening at the Federal Circuit?!

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

I think for various reasons Cabranes, Raggi, Wesley, Lohier, and Menashi may not be the best bosses for everyone, but I don’t think any are categorically bad or abusive as far as I know. Most of those reasons are elsewhere on this forum. I would also consider for the senior judges that Newman has a very small caseload and that Walker spends much of the year in Florida. Kearse also takes blocks of time off but not to their extent. And Guido is Guido—a bit nuts in a mostly good way. Can’t speak to the Biden appointees.

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

I think for various reasons Cabranes, Raggi, Wesley, Lohier, and Menashi may not be the best bosses for everyone, but I don’t think any are categorically bad or abusive as far as I know. Most of those reasons are elsewhere on this forum. I would also consider for the senior judges that Newman has a very small caseload and that Walker spends much of the year in Florida. Kearse also takes blocks of time off but not to their extent. And Guido is Guido—a bit nuts in a mostly good way. Can’t speak to the Biden appointees.

What's the deal/issue with Lohier? I had thought he was pretty universally loved?

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

I think for various reasons Cabranes, Raggi, Wesley, Lohier, and Menashi may not be the best bosses for everyone, but I don’t think any are categorically bad or abusive as far as I know. Most of those reasons are elsewhere on this forum. I would also consider for the senior judges that Newman has a very small caseload and that Walker spends much of the year in Florida. Kearse also takes blocks of time off but not to their extent. And Guido is Guido—a bit nuts in a mostly good way. Can’t speak to the Biden appointees.

What's the deal/issue with Lohier? I had thought he was pretty universally loved?

Extremely long hours. Chambers regularly sends emails (memos, drafts, etc.) in the middle of the night. Newman's sitting days/term must be in the single digits by now.

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

I think for various reasons Cabranes, Raggi, Wesley, Lohier, and Menashi may not be the best bosses for everyone, but I don’t think any are categorically bad or abusive as far as I know. Most of those reasons are elsewhere on this forum. I would also consider for the senior judges that Newman has a very small caseload and that Walker spends much of the year in Florida. Kearse also takes blocks of time off but not to their extent. And Guido is Guido—a bit nuts in a mostly good way. Can’t speak to the Biden appointees.

What's the deal/issue with Lohier? I had thought he was pretty universally loved?

Universally loved except by his clerks, some of whom view him as a bit of a tyrant. He's unusually demanding with respect to both hours and volume of work and doesn't forgive mistakes easily. (On the other hand you could see those tendencies as reflecting dedication to the job, and long hours by the standards of the Second Circuit are not long hours by the standards of many district courts.)

[Anonymous User]

What on Earth is happening at the Federal Circuit?!

Imo Newman seems to be losing it, which is sad, while Moore seems to be malicious and unprofessional, which is worse. Compare how public this has been to the Pryor investigation by the Second Circuit, about which very little is known (and afaik is still going on after a remand).

[Anonymous User]

What on Earth is happening at the Federal Circuit?!

Imo Newman seems to be losing it, which is sad, while Moore seems to be malicious and unprofessional, which is worse. Compare how public this has been to the Pryor investigation by the Second Circuit, about which very little is known (and afaik is still going on after a remand).

How is this malicious and unprofessional? Genuinely curious. I only know that a complaint was filed, right? Did something else happen?

In any event, I think these type of investigations should be public. Judges serve the public and their decisions affect the public. The Pryor investigation is different imo

[Anonymous User]

What's the issue with Raggi?

[Anonymous User]

anyone have a sense of how Katsas is as a boss, and what the experience is like? I get that he's a top feeder, so obviously a lot of people want to work for him, but I'm curious what his reputation is outside of the feeding equation

[Anonymous User]

What on Earth is happening at the Federal Circuit?!

Imo Newman seems to be losing it, which is sad, while Moore seems to be malicious and unprofessional, which is worse. Compare how public this has been to the Pryor investigation by the Second Circuit, about which very little is known (and afaik is still going on after a remand).

How is this malicious and unprofessional? Genuinely curious. I only know that a complaint was filed, right? Did something else happen?

In any event, I think these type of investigations should be public. Judges serve the public and their decisions affect the public. The Pryor investigation is different imo

Moore’s released a few statements filled with salacious details that have a tone that’s kind of gross—like reveling in their colleague’s dementia

[Anonymous User]

What's the issue with Raggi?

I think the best word is “intense”—she’s demanding and not warm and fuzzy. But by no means is she a bad judge.

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

Not OP, but I'm particularly interested if anyone has more specific thoughts on Perez in CA2, including from Brennan Center days. I've seen descriptions on this forum like "disorganized," "unreasonable," and "unpleasant" but also "very competent but very demanding," "nice," and producing "very good" work product.

I think it could be okay if this all adds up to her just having really high standards and being a bit of a hardass. But if it's more like asking for work to be turned around in 2 days when it would reasonably take 2 weeks, yelling at clerks/throwing things, or expecting you to mind-read and getting flying off the handle when you can't guess unexpressed expectations... that would be different. Even just directionally gesturing at the type of (alleged) unreasonableness would be greatly appreciated.

Second this request

[Anonymous User]

Any CA2 or CA3 judges to avoid?

Not OP, but I'm particularly interested if anyone has more specific thoughts on Perez in CA2, including from Brennan Center days. I've seen descriptions on this forum like "disorganized," "unreasonable," and "unpleasant" but also "very competent but very demanding," "nice," and producing "very good" work product.

I think it could be okay if this all adds up to her just having really high standards and being a bit of a hardass. But if it's more like asking for work to be turned around in 2 days when it would reasonably take 2 weeks, yelling at clerks/throwing things, or expecting you to mind-read and getting flying off the handle when you can't guess unexpressed expectations... that would be different. Even just directionally gesturing at the type of (alleged) unreasonableness would be greatly appreciated.

I found her to be quite challenging to work for. She can be pretty harsh with her feedback.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone to avoid on DNJ?

[throwawayt14]

What on Earth is happening at the Federal Circuit?!

Imo Newman seems to be losing it, which is sad, while Moore seems to be malicious and unprofessional, which is worse. Compare how public this has been to the Pryor investigation by the Second Circuit, about which very little is known (and afaik is still going on after a remand).

How is this malicious and unprofessional? Genuinely curious. I only know that a complaint was filed, right? Did something else happen?

In any event, I think these type of investigations should be public. Judges serve the public and their decisions affect the public. The Pryor investigation is different imo

Moore’s released a few statements filled with salacious details that have a tone that’s kind of gross—like reveling in their colleague’s dementia

The entire situation is quite odd and sad, and the Federal Circuit's refusal to transfer the case to another circuit and investigate it themselves, despite what seems like an obvious conflict of interest, is puzzling to say the least.

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

Yes, I have been warned about her from multiple sources.

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

Yes, I have been warned about her from multiple sources.

oooof, good to know!

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

Yes, I have been warned about her from multiple sources.

oooof, good to know!

I’m really surprised things like this don’t come up when they vet judges being considered for elevation. Or maybe they just don’t care. See also Pan, who gave her DDC clerks hell.

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

Yes, I have been warned about her from multiple sources.

oooof, good to know!

I’m really surprised things like this don’t come up when they vet judges being considered for elevation. Or maybe they just don’t care. See also Pan, who gave her DDC clerks hell.

Why would the Senate care how clerks are treated? They care about results. And plenty of senators and congressional staff mistreat their workers too.

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

Yes, I have been warned about her from multiple sources.

oooof, good to know!

I’m really surprised things like this don’t come up when they vet judges being considered for elevation. Or maybe they just don’t care. See also Pan, who gave her DDC clerks hell.

What made Pan a difficult boss for her DDC clerks?

[Anonymous User]

Judge Merriam in the 2nd circuit screams loudly and frequently at clerks.

This does not surprise me one bit.

Wondering if anyone else has heard this about her? Surprised to see it crop up only now that she's a CJ, but not from when she was a MJ.

Yes, I have been warned about her from multiple sources.

oooof, good to know!

I’m really surprised things like this don’t come up when they vet judges being considered for elevation. Or maybe they just don’t care. See also Pan, who gave her DDC clerks hell.

Why would the Senate care how clerks are treated? They care about results. And plenty of senators and congressional staff mistreat their workers too.

Who's to say it doesn't come up? But the former clerks have two choices: (1) say nothing and slightly increase the prestige of their judge's name on a resume, or (2) say something that might turn into Congressional testimony attached to their own name. WHC and Senate probably aren't checking these forums for unverified anon reports that Judge Merriam screams or that Judge Pan is a bad boss for no specific reason. These reports are useful for students seeking employment, but they won't sink a nomination.