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• Author: Mark Thompson/Elizabeth Smith
• Pages: 671-671

M–R

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QUIDACHAY, Ronald (“Ron”) Evans

Temperament/Demeanor

Attorneys’ comments on Judge Quidachay’s courtroom

demeanor were mixed. Several were seriously critical. “He acts

in a contemptuous manner toward counsel. He’s condescend-

ing which I think stems from a basic insecurity. He’s afraid

he’ll make a mistake.” “He’s abrupt, stiff and impatient.” One

attorney said, “His demeanor is his strong suit. I’ve never seen

him haughty.” Another said, “He keeps control of himself, he’s

pretty good, but I have seen him lose his temper.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Comments on Judge Quidachay’s intelligence and knowl-

edge of the law reflected some concern about his assignment

to Law and Motion. “I’d say he’s a seven on a one to ten

scale.” “His attitude is that he shouldn’t have to explain him-

self. This doesn’t make it easy to assess his intelligence.” “I’d

rate him as a seven in intelligence. Certainly not a real intel-

lectual.” “He has no intellectual curiosity.” “He’s in over his

head. I have seen no evidence that he can understand the

issues.” “He’s pretty bright, but certainly not the brightest.”

On Motions

As mentioned, Judge Quidachay is assigned to Law and

Motion. Some lawyers expressed concern about the way he

handles the assignment. “I’m not certain he’s prepared, that

he’s read the papers. He does not give you reason to think

his judgments are long, or well, thought out. He seems to

hide behind a façade.” Another lawyer said, “I have some

problems with him. He relies on his clerk’s notes extensively

and seems to cite them as the reason for his decision. His

reasoning doesn’t seem to go beyond what the clerk wrote

down.” “It was clear to me that he had not read my brief.”

“He’s not thorough and he’s not thoughtful.” Another lawyer

voiced an almost opposite opinion: “I certainly have never

thought he wasn’t prepared. He follows the rule of law.”

On Trial

Judge Quidachay does not preside over trials. Lawyers who

commented on his motion hearing style said, “He does not

act in a way that encourages any collegiality or feeling of joint

scholarship. He doesn’t seem interested in the legal issues. He

acts bored and as if he wants nothing more than to get this

over.” Since Judge Quidachay provides tentative rulings some

lawyers said he appears annoyed if the loser shows up to argue

his opposition to the tentative. “I don’t see that as his job. He

should listen to the argument.” However, one lawyer cited Judge

Quidachay’s interest in legal issues as a strength. “He’s interest-

ed in the issues and in having an exchange with the attorneys.”

Continuances

Lawyers did not complain about Judge Quidachay’s atti-

tude toward requests for continuances. “He’s sensible, not

Draconian.” “He’s reasonable about continuances.”

Settlement

Judge Quidachay does not serve as a settlement judge.

Proclivities

Comments on proclivities were: “I think he’s more of a lib-

eral. A lot of what he hears involves landlord/tenant issues

and this is a tenant town.” “Judge Quidachay doesn’t like

opposition.” “Most judges are property owners and lean that

way. Quidachay is still on the liberal side of the scale within

a San Francisco context.”

Summary

Overall, most lawyers were not enthusiastic about Judge

Quidachay. “I think he’s out of his depth. We are currently

challenging him. If you only have one challenge, I’d advise you

to use it here.” “Take your best shot with this judge. Hope for

the best.” “He makes rulings that go directly against the law.”

One lawyer who liked Judge Quidachay more, had this advice:

“Be patient. Listen to him and answer his questions exactly on

point. Know your arguments and he’ll give you a chance.” (01B)

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RAGUSA, Joseph M.

Temperament/Demeanor

Most interviewees voiced high praise for Judge Ragusa’s

judicial demeanor. “He’s very easy to approach.” “Nice per-

son. Not mean or vindictive in court.” “Absolute gentleman.”

“Very polite. Never seen him lose his temper.” “He can show

empathy to respondents.” “Very respectful. Outstanding—

gets an A+ from me. He’s kind and extremely fair with

everybody who comes before him.” One lawyer deemed him

“the nicest judge in San Diego. He’s a gentleman and he’s a

professional.” Only one attorney complained that this jurist

is “less open-minded than other judges.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Counsel did not question Judge Ragusa’s legal knowledge

or intelligence. Three attorneys said he is “very knowledge-

able,” while others said, “[He’s in the] top ten percent. Knows

the law,” and he is “very bright.”

On Motions

One lawyer said Judge Ragusa doesn’t rule on that

many motions since he handles more bond hearings than

merit hearings.

Those who expressed opinions about this jurist’s handling

of motions said, “He gives you a fair chance,” and “He’s fair

but overburdened, because he handles the detainees cal-

endar of cases.” According to one attorney, Judge Ragusa

employs a unique practice regarding motions. He often

invites counsel into his chambers for a brief conference to

“narrow the issues” before hearing any motion arguments.

On Trial

Interviewees said they like the way Judge Ragusa man-

ages his courtroom. One attorney said, “His merit hearings

can go a little slower,” while another said she thinks this is

true because “he’s so respectful to everyone.” Others had

few, if any, complaints. “He controls the hearings well and

things move swiftly.” “He’s very professional. The pace of

each hearing is acceptable.” “He has control of his calendar.”

Continuances

One lawyer said Judge Ragusa is more likely to grant a

continuance during the earlier stages of the proceedings.

Others said he is “a bit more easygoing” about granting

these than the other judges, and “[he’ll grant them] for good

cause.” Counsel noted that when this jurist approves a

continuance, “he also writes down the reasons on his order

for why he’s granting one.” Another lawyer said that Judge

Ragusa is “absolutely fair about these.”

Settlement

Most interviewees said San Diego’s immigration judges

tend to limit their involvement to a period of questioning during

the hearings, before later issuing their rulings, but none had

specific comments regarding this particular judge.

Proclivities

Judge Ragusa is generally regarded as a “very fair”

jurist. “Goes out of his way to help the respondents to be

sure justice is done. He’s good to all of the attorneys, too.”

“He’s fair—follows the law but is compassionate—which can

favor the respondent.” “Spends a lot of time with each cli-

ent.” One lawyer said this jurist is “the fairest judge in San

Diego.” Two attorneys noted that Ragusa once worked as

an INS attorney. However, only one of them said he thinks

this influences the judge’s decisions—he is “still a little bit

biased in favor of the government ... in terms of legal theo-

ries.” Another attorney said Judge Ragusa is “less likely to

entertain novel legal theories.”

Summary

Interviewees said Judge Ragusa is “great. Very compas-

sionate,” “In matters of discretion, he’s fair,” “Wish he could

be in charge of all of the detainees because he’s so fair,” and

“I wish I had more cases in front of him.” (01D)

Profiles Ragusa661

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