I

• Author: Elizabeth Smith/Mark Thompson
• Pages: 465-466

IACOVETTA, NICHOLAS J.

Justice, Twelfth Judicial District Supreme

Court, Bronx County

Judge, Criminal Court, New York City

Address: Bronx Hall of Justice

265 East 161st Street

Bronx, NY 10451

Phone: (718) 618-3673

Fax: (718) 618-3588

ATTORNEYS’COMMENTS

TEMPERAMENT/DEMEANOR

Every contacted attorney complimented

Judge Iacovetta’s demeanor. Two of them

said it is “good,” while others opined, “He’s

even-tempered,” “He’s very quiet,” “He’s

intense and dedicated” and “He’s got an

evenhanded temperament.”

ON THE BENCH

According to interviewees, Judge Iacovetta’s

legal knowledge is strong, and he does a good

job managing his courtroom. “He’s brilliant

and does an efficient job. He runs his court-

room in a rather strict manner.” “His knowl-

edge of the law is good, and he’s well prepared.

I’d say he does an efficient job.” “He runs his

courtroom in a relaxed manner and is well pre-

pared.” “He bends over backwards to make

everyone comfortable. His courtroom is run in

a very relaxed manner.” “His legal knowledge is

above average, and he tries to get a lot done.

His courtroom is relaxed during calendar call

and very formal during trial.”

ONTRIAL

Judge Iacovetta received high marks here

as well. Interviewees said, “He’s always well

prepared and knows how to move cases.

[There’s a] comfortable atmosphere in his

courtroom,” “He’s basically open minded to

attorney arguments and cases move through

his court at a smooth pace. It’s a comfortable

place to appear” and “He keeps an open mind

when you’re presenting your case. Cases

move through his courtroom at about an

average pace. I feel comfortable when appear-

ing before him.” Two other lawyers added

their praise. “He really listens to counsel. The

courtroom atmosphere is professional yet

friendly. Cases move at a nice pace” and “He

keeps an open mind and cases move at an

average pace. Sometimes, they move a bit

slower just because he’s so careful about

[doing] everything [right].”

SETTLEMENTS

Interviewees seem to hold mixed opin-

ions about Judge Iacovetta’s settlement and

negotiating skills. Several attorneys noted

that trial judges like Iacovetta rarely have

to get involved in this area once cases reach

them. Nevertheless, they said this judge’s

skills are “good” and that this jurist is “very

evenhanded” and “very proactive.” Others

offered more measured comments. “[His

settlement skills are] average,” and “He

doesn’t get involved in this area.”

ADJOURNMENTS/CONTINUANCES

Two interviewees said your chances of

obtaining an adjournment for good cause from

Judge Iacovetta are “about average” and

“okay.” Others were a bit more optimistic and

said, “He’s reasonable about granting adjourn-

ments,” “Not a problem if you’ve got good

cause” and “He’ll grant one for good cause.”

PROCLIVITIES

Every lawyer interviewed expressed grati-

tude for Judge Iacovetta’s neutrality. They

said, “He’s right down the middle,” “He’s

fair,” “He’s got a good reputation for fairness

to both sides,” “He’s fair-minded and basical-

ly neutral” and “He’s good—very fair.”

SUGGESTIONS/SUMMARY

Judge Iacovetta received high praise for

nearly every pertinent skill or trait. Lawyers

respect his fairness, pleasant demeanor and

ability to handle trials efficiently.

INGRAM, JOHN G.

Judge, Second Judicial District Supreme

Court, Kings County

Appointment/Election: Appointed by

Governor George E. Pataki in 2003 to New

York State Court of Claims.

Previous Experience: Judge, Supreme

Court, Bronx, New York, 2003-2004; Judge,

Court of Claims; Commissioner, Board of

Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New

York, 1989-1995; Private practice, Healy and

Baillie, LLP, New York, New York, 1996-2003,

Profiles Ingram 447