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| Author | Mark Thompson/Elizabeth Smith |
| Pages | 423-463 |
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KADDO, James A.
Temperament/Demeanor
Attorneys interviewed were nearly unanimous in praising
Judge Kaddo for being “good humored,” “fair,” “fair minded,”
“pleasant,” “polite,” and “civil.” One attorney rated Judge
Kaddo as a “10.” Attorneys commented that Judge Kaddo
demands high standards of professionalism and compe-
tence, and has no tolerance for sloppiness in his courtroom.
Judge Kaddo’s courtroom is “a nice place to practice law.”
Nevertheless, other attorneys said that Judge Kaddo “some-
times gives attorneys a hard time,” and “makes them jump
through hoops.” However, he apparently is even-handed in
his approach. One attorney said Judge Kaddo was “tough on
us and tough on the other side.”
Intelligence/Knowledge
“Judge Kaddo has a broad background and diverse expe-
rience.” As a practicing attorney, Judge Kaddo handled both
criminal and civil matters, emphasizing real estate law. In a
decade on the bench, Judge Kaddo has presided over both
criminal and civil cases. Judge Kaddo was praised for hav-
ing a good grasp of the issues presented and for “knowing
his stuff.” “He’s good.” Judge Kaddo is “very knowledgeable
about the law and applies it intelligently to the issues pre-
sented to him.” “He’s intelligent.” One attorney commented,
“I don’t know how he is on bankruptcy, but he’s been great
on all cases I’ve had in front of him.” One attorney remarked
that Judge Kaddo “obviously does his homework.”
On Motions
Judge Kaddo is always well prepared for law and motion
matters, and expects the same of any attorney appear-
ing before him. This includes contract attorneys or others
making “special appearances” on behalf of the attorneys of
record. Contract attorneys will be expected to know the case
thoroughly and to be conversant on the issues in the law and
motion briefs, and on the case in general. “Don’t just send
a warm body into Judge Kaddo’s court.” Attorneys can be
confident that Judge Kaddo has always read all the papers
before any hearing. Nevertheless, Judge Kaddo is not one of
those judges who gives a tentative ruling based on the sub-
mitted briefs and then simply sticks to it. Rather, he allows
attorneys to argue their cases orally. One attorney remem-
bered arguing for “hours” before Judge Kaddo. Another
attorney said that Judge Kaddo enjoys “the intellectual give
and take” of oral argument. “It’s almost like a college or law
school bull session, rather than an oral argument.” Once
oral argument is completed, Judge Kaddo usually rules from
the bench and is confident of his decisions. “His decisions
follow the law.”
On Trial
One attorney who had tried cases before Judge Kaddo
described the experience as “pleasant.” Judge Kaddo allows
lawyers to try their own cases, so long as they keep the cases
moving along. However, another attorney described the expe-
rience as “uncomfortable.” “The pace at which Judge Kaddo
runs a trial is too fast, there wasn’t enough time to develop
the case as I would have liked.” Other comments included:
“He’s good with motions in limine”; “Judge Kaddo is good
with juries”; and Judge Kaddo is a “practiced lawyer who has
tried many cases and a practiced judge who has had many
cases tried before him.”
Continuances
Judge Kaddo aggressively moves cases along in strict
adherence—in the opinion of some attorneys “too strict”—to
the fast track rules. Attorneys all agreed that Judge Kaddo
does not like delays or unnecessary continuances. He is will-
ing to work with attorneys on discovery and scheduling, but
wants to keep the cases on the fast track.
Settlement
Judge Kaddo is described as very effective in settlement
discussions. He is a “hands-on” judge who has “a keen
insight into who is right and who is wrong” in a case. He can
effectively evaluate what will happen at trial and communi-
cate that to the parties to help them find common ground.
Judge Kaddo uses his considerable charm to help the parties
come to a settlement, but once it is clear to him that the par-
ties, or one of them, cannot or will not compromise, he will
accept that and allow the case to proceed to trial.
Proclivities
Judge Kaddo’s court is a “nice court” in which to practice
law. Judge Kaddo is widely seen as “very fair.” Attorneys
interviewed were universal in respecting his work. No attor-
ney interviewed mentioned any biases in favor of either the
defense or the plaintiff.
Summary
Almost everybody agrees that Judge Kaddo is fair, practi-
cal, polite and pleasant. Be prepared. If he has any faults as
a jurist, it is an overemphasis on keeping counsel to the fast
track rules and moving cases along rapidly. However, his
aggressively prompt calendaring is seen as one of his great-
est settlement tools. (01C)
KALEMKARIAN, David C.
Temperament/Demeanor
Commissioner Kalemkarian has a pleasant courtroom
demeanor. Interviewees said, “He’s even-tempered,” “[His
temperament is] good,” “It’s very, very good. He’s nice to
everyone,” “He’s calm and shows interest in each case” and
“He’s calm, very levelheaded and accommodating to the par-
ties.” Another attorney agreed and opined, “His demeanor is
good. He’s also got high energy and a good sense of humor.”
Intelligence/Knowledge
Interviewees are impressed with Commissioner
Kalemkarian’s legal knowledge. Most of them said, “It’s
above average.” Other comments included, “It’s excellent”
and “It’s above average to excellent.”
On Motions
Interviewees gave Commissioner Kalemkarian’s courtroom
management style high marks. They said, “It’s relaxed,” “It’s
both formal and relaxed,” “It’s appropriately relaxed,” “It’s
appropriate but not rigid” and “It’s efficient.” Interviewees
said this jurist is good about ruling on motions in a timely
manner and taking the bench on time. Two of them condi-
tioned their responses about his taking the bench on time by
saying, “Usually” and “Most of the time.”
On Trial
Interviewees appreciate the way Commissioner
Kalemkarian keeps an open mind and listens closely to their
arguments. As one of them put it, “You’ve always got a good
chance of turning him around if the facts and the law are
on your side.” This jurist maintains a pleasant courtroom
atmosphere. More than half of the responding lawyers said
it is either “comfortable” or “very comfortable.” Other com-
ments included, “It’s attorney-friendly” and “It’s completely
comfortable.” Commissioner Kalemkarian has impressed
interviewees with his polite interactions with all who appear
in his courtroom. They said, “He’s very polite” and “He’s
always polite.” Nearly every interviewee said that this jurist
moves cases at an “average” pace compared to his peers.
One attorney voiced a slightly different, though positive
response. “Cases move at an appropriate-to-a-little-quicker
pace through his courtroom. He’s a quick study.”
Continuances
Interviewees have mixed experiences when requesting
continuances from Commissioner Kalemkarian. Two of them
said, “He’s more likely” to grant one than his peers. One of
these same attorneys added, “He’s very reasonable.” Others
opined, “You’ve got an average chance” of getting one, “He’s
reasonable” and “He’ll grant the first one—but a second one
is unlikely.”
Settlement
Several interviewees described Commissioner
Kalemkarian’s settlement and negotiating skills as “very
good” and “good.” One of them added, “He’ll help if he can.”
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414Kalin California Judge Reviews
Other comments included, “He’s very helpful” and “He’s pro-
active.” One lawyer disagreed with the majority and said, “He
doesn’t get too involved.”
Proclivities
Interviewees seem to appreciate Commissioner
Kalemkarian’s impartiality. More than half of them said,
“He’s very fair.” Others opined, “He’s both fair and neutral”
and “He’s usually very fair.”
Summary
Additional comments included: “He knows the law well.
Be sure you present well thought out legal arguments”; “I’m
always pleased to go in front of him”; and “He’s always well
prepared and gives you a fair hearing.” Interviewees praised
Commissioner Kalemkarian for his fairness, pleasant court-
room demeanor and strong legal knowledge. Most of them
also said he keeps an open mind to their arguments and
usually tries to help settle their cases. (01E)
KALIN, Joseph R.
Temperament/Demeanor
Most of the lawyers interviewed found Judge Kalin’s
courtroom to be in various states because this judge can
be anything from cordial and polite to moody and curt.
Attorneys’ comments were widely varied. “I like him.” “He
is patient.” “He is calm.” “He is focused.” “He is a nice guy.”
“He is extremely courteous.” “He is extremely polite.” “He
isn’t very courteous.” “He has an ego.” “His courtroom isn’t
happy. Maybe rude is his m.o.” “He is a career civil servant.”
Intelligence/Knowledge
Judge Kalin is regarded as an intelligent member of the
bench by most, but not all, of the attorneys polled. “He is
knowledgeable on the law.” “He has above-average knowledge
of the law.” “He is very knowledgeable.” “He is a genius.” “He
is knowledgeable.” “He is average when it comes to intellect.”
He is also very adept at construction cases, and has actual
hands-on experience with construction. “He is a smart guy.
He is a self-made man. He used to be a union lawyer. He
has a lot of experience in construction. He is always build-
ing.” He apparently would rather not spend his time in the
area of family law. “He knows family law. He refused to hear
the case and told us, ‘Go rent yourself a judge. I don’t like
family law.’”
On Motions
Lawyers report that proceedings begin very promptly in
this judge’s court and he will sanction counsel for tardi-
ness. “He starts on time.” “He is strict about rules and pro-
cedure.” “I was sanctioned $250 for being six minutes late.
I had to appeal it.” While attorneys chafe at Judge Kalin’s
unusually strict adherence to procedure and rules, his rul-
ings are respected for being based soundly on the law. “He
makes decisions on true legal discourse.” He is thought to
place more weight on the submitted papers, rather than on
oral presentation, when coming to a decision. “He bases his
decisions on papers.” The judge is also acquiescent as far
as his courtroom is concerned, but he will intervene in oral
argument when he feels it is necessary. “He will step in and
cut it off.”
On Trial
Judge Kalin received mixed reviews on his ability to con-
duct trials. Several attorneys were very comfortable with him
as a trial judge, while others expressed reservations. “Kalin
doesn’t take notes during a trial.” “He is a good trial judge.
He didn’t devote a lot of effort in reviewing papers. He lets
you try the case. But I’m an experienced trial attorney and
I was against an experienced trial attorney.” “He’s good with
motions in limine.” “I’d take him again if I had a choice.” “He
is an excellent trial judge. He is a hard worker.” “Stay away
from him.”
Continuances
Defense and plaintiff attorneys alike reported that this
jurist is not known to continue cases. “He hates to continue
cases.” “He does not continue cases.” However, “in a family
law case, he kept continuing the case.”
Settlement
Judge Kalin is not known for having outstanding settlement
skills. “Not at all does Kalin promote or assist in settlements.”
“He is inflexible when it comes to settlements.” “He is opinion-
ated and it makes it difficult to settle.” Other lawyers had a
different experience. “He makes an effort to settle the case.”
“He is good on settlement.” “He is okay with settlements.”
Proclivities
He is regarded as a judge who does not show any partial-
ity to any particular side. Attorneys concluded they could not
detect any bias toward any party or group. “He has no bias.”
“He’s not biased.” “He is fair.” One plaintiff’s attorney, how-
ever, was cautious about Judge Kalin. “No great shakes if
you are the plaintiff. I don’t like to roll the dice in his court.”
Summary
Be prepared to go forward with trials because there will be
no continuances. Do not be late in this court. He will sanc-
tion for tardiness. (01Z)
KALINSKI, George
Temperament/Demeanor
The climate in Judge Kalinski’s court is agreeable and
relaxed, but attorneys also remarked that the pace in his
court tended to be slack. “His demeanor is good.” “He is slow.
He is pretty courteous.” “Kalinski is polite.” “He is pleasant.”
“Kalinski is slow.”
Intelligence/Knowledge
Judge Kalinski is regarded as a prudent, intelligent, and
wise jurist. Attorneys mentioned his long history with the area
of family law and commented on his high degree of proficiency
there. “He knows family law.” “He is knowledgeable.” “He is
knowledgeable in family law.” “In family law, he knows the
law because he has done it for a long time.” “He is smart.” “I
made an appearance for another attorney and I had a chance
to observe Kalinski. He has good proficiency with the law.”
On Family Law
Judge Kalinski is not known for being punctual in taking
the bench, but he is known for being ready and having his
homework done. “He doesn’t start on time.” “He begins late.”
“He is prepared for hearings.” “He reads the papers.” “The
calendar is full. His courtroom is busy.” Attorneys reported
thinking that this judge relies heavily on the content of the
filed pleadings, rather than oral arguments, when making
his rulings. “He bases his decisions on the papers.” “As far
as relying on papers versus argument, I’m not sure. He is a
military type. He shoots from the hip. You are not sure what
he is going to do.” In the area of rendering decisions, Judge
Kalinski is reputed to be fearless by some and predictable by
others. “His decisions are made more off-the-cuff than fol-
lowing the straight letter of the law.” “He is flexible in follow-
ing the law.” “He is really tough and really strict.” “He is in
the middle of the road as far as gutsy or afraid of reversals.”
“He is not afraid of reversals.” “He is a very, very good judge.”
Continuances
This judge is reputed to be understanding and adaptable
in general, and he allows continuances. When asked about
Judge Kalinski’s continuance policy, attorneys articulated
the following, “He will continue.” “He is understanding about
continuances.” “Yes, he is pretty flexible that way.” “He will
give continuances if the calendar is busy or if you need it.”
Settlement
Judge Kalinski is reported to expend the necessary time
and energy for settlement negotiations. Lawyers related that
he does aim for settlement and does get consistent results.
“He is good at settlement.” “He helps at settlement.” “He
tries at settlement.” “Long Beach has its own rules about
Mandatory Settlement Conferences that were instituted by
Commissioner Chemelski. These settlement conferences are
conducted by a panel that consists of attorneys and judges
pro tempore.”
Proclivities
This judge is not known to be more lenient with one
side or the other. Family law attorneys appearing before
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Profiles Kalra415
Judge Kalinski were of the opinion that he is an equitable
and even handed judge. “He is fair.” “I am unaware of any
bias.” “He has no bias.” “He is impartial.” “He is even-
keeled and fair.”
Summary
Prepare your case thoroughly and file well-crafted docu-
ments. Don’t be in a hurry and you won’t get frustrated. “Be
prepared to go to a Mandatory Settlement Conference con-
ducted by a Long Beach Panel.” (01Z)
KALRA, Upinder
Temperament/Demeanor
A majority of attorneys interviewed about Judge Kalra
said, in one way or another, that he is arrogant. “He was
a total nightmare,” said an interviewee who was most criti-
cal of the judge. “He was extremely disrespectful. It almost
seemed like he was taking pleasure embarrassing me in front
of my clients.” Another attorney asserted that his debut on
the bench in a master calendar department warped his view
of what a judge is. “He got told how to run that court, and
he stepped on people, and he got used to stepping on people
and that has just followed him,” the attorney explained.
Other interviewees weren’t as critical: “I think he is patient,”
said one. Another interviewee did not think he is arrogant,
but noted, “He is very new and very young. I think he is a bit
immature for a judge. Maybe he did hit the bench a little too
early in that regard.” A prosecutor, asked whether Kalra is
arrogant, said, “I have heard people say that he is not perfect
in that regard.” The deputy district attorney added, “I knew
him when he was a lawyer and he was a good guy. He seems
to be trying to be a good guy on the bench. Whether or not
he will succeed, I don’t know.”
Intelligence/Knowledge
Judge Kalra “thinks he is smarter than everyone else,”
one interviewee said. Another said, “He thinks he is smart
and he is smart.” A third interviewee said, “A lot of people
don’t like him because he thinks he is smarter than everyone
else. But he is a very smart guy. He is fabulous.” A fourth
interviewee said, “He is really bright and he has always been
really bright.” A defense attorney who has known him for
years agrees that he doesn’t hide his smarts. “He was like
that as a lawyer, too. He was a smart lawyer but was the
first one to tell you that. He is a man who knows everything
about the law that can be written in a book and nothing that
isn’t.” The attorney who had the “nightmare” experience with
Judge Kalra said, “I don’t know whether or not he is smart,
but he certainly thinks he is. I don’t think I would extend the
compliment to him.”
On Motions
Judge Kalra has spent his early years on the bench in a
master calendar court and in another assignment handling
arraignments. His involvement in cases at that stage mostly
concerned procedural matters, so most interviewees could
not comment on his rulings on the merits of legal issues.
One interviewee had gotten unfavorable feedback from
another attorney who had litigated a motion in his court.
“A good friend of mine ran a motion in front of him and she
was very upset by the way he treated her. She is a veteran
criminal defense attorney but she said he was very rude
to her and insulting, and it was unbecoming. I like him on
a personal level, but I was disappointed to hear that,” the
attorney said.
On Trial
None of the attorneys who commented about Judge Kalra
had any trial experience with him because he has not been
in a trial court in his tenure on the bench. His first assign-
ments were to a master calendar court and an arraignment
court. “It is a bad assignment. I don’t think anyone likes it,”
one interviewee remarked. “He seems to be handling it well,
but it’s a tough assignment.”
Continuances
The issue of continuances usually didn’t come up when
Judge Kalra was handling arraignments, which were gener-
ally done on the spot as quickly as possible. “I have had
no problem with him” on scheduling, said one interviewee.
“When I appeared in front of him he was in the arraignment
court. He took care of me and everything was fine.” Another
attorney said Judge Kalra “is not good on continuances.”
Settlement
In the assignments in his early years on the bench,
handling the master calendar and arraignments, Judge
Kalra was in no position to help dispose of cases. None
of the attorneys interviewed could comment about him in
that regard.
Proclivities
Most defense attorneys who commented about Judge
Kalra had overall negative opinions of him, but none went
so far as to say he is overtly biased. “He impresses me as
being your typical ex-public defender, who knows all of the
shenanigans and the things that defendants do and attempt
to do, and what their attorneys attempt to do,” said one
defense attorney, who continued, “So I think he is kind of
full of himself in thinking he is one step ahead of the aver-
age defense lawyer. Whether that plays out as being fair or
unfair, I don’t know.” Another defense attorney agreed that
he rides herd on defense lawyers in court and is easier on
prosecutors. “Since he came from the defense bar and was
a public defender for 20 years, there is a certain feeling of
betrayal,” one attorney said. “We get so few judges on the
bench that it is a shame when a judge turns out like that.”
A third defense attorney, speaking in Judge Kalra’s defense,
noted, “There is a certain insecurity that comes in the posi-
tion he is in, because he knows people expect him to be
the same guy, and it is just not the same job anymore.”
A fourth defense attorney said, “I don’t think he has any
particular biases. It just comes down to demeanor on the
bench. He lacks civility.” A fifth defense attorney said, “I
knew him when he was a feisty young public defender. He
was really quick to pick a fight with somebody. All of my
experiences with him on the bench have been positive, but
they were always in the calendar court. They were always
in the arraignment court, and in that place, he was always
very, very down to earth.” One other defense attorney who
has “a long history with him” said, “I only have praise for
him as a judge.” A deputy district attorney who commented
about Judge Kalra said, “I knew him before he was judge.
I have appeared in front him a little bit as a judge. He cer-
tainly is very smart. He values his smartness. I don’t think
he is quite as aggressive about showing off his smartness in
the way that other judges are, at least not in my experience.
I have always known him to be a consensus builder rather
than someone who thinks he needs to be given special
treatment because he is smart.” A second prosecutor was
more critical. “The experience I always had with him as an
attorney was that he thought he was the smartest guy in the
room, even when he was incorrect. From what I’ve heard,
as a judge, it has only gotten worse.” The prosecutor added
that despite a history of “run-ins” between the two when
they were opposing counsel in cases, “I will say to his credit,
those issues we had in the past have not had any impact
on his rulings as a judge, which I appreciate. I think it is
the appropriate response and the professional response, but
judges are human, too. So I didn’t know what to expect, but
I do give him credit for that.”
Summary
Judge Kalra is a very smart judge, said all of the attor-
neys interviewed about him. Interviewees also unanimously
agreed that he knows he is smart and would be the first
to tell you so. That arrogant demeanor is reflected in other
ways, some interviewees said. He can be rude and conde-
scending when he rules against attorneys. And some defense
lawyers said he has a tendency, as a former defense attorney
himself, to let defense attorneys know that he knows what
they are up to and that he isn’t going to let them get away
with it. Some attorneys, on the other hand, said he is lik-
able. All interviewees said he is certainly very competent,
and several who were critical of him said that they hope he
will mature. (13A)
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