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• Author: Mark Thompson/Elizabeth Smith
• Pages: 909-922

Retired Judges

Retired Judges Carr899

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CAHILL, William James

Temperament/Demeanor

Interviewees seem to like the way Judge Cahill conducts

himself on the bench. “I think he’s wonderful. He has a

good touch with people and can use humor in some tough

situations without being inappropriate or disrespectful.”

“His demeanor is his strong point. I’ve never seen him lose

his temper, even in situations where I would have wanted to

throttle the attorneys.” “Judge Cahill is unfailingly courte-

ous and professional.” “He’s excellent, ideally judicious.”

“He maintains a courtroom atmosphere which is open and

friendly.” “Judge Cahill’s personable, but to the point.” “He’s

not heavy-handed.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

A graduate of U.C. Berkeley and Hastings School of Law,

Judge Cahill was appointed to San Francisco’s Superior

Court in 1990 by Governor Deukmejian. He came to the

bench with significant experience as a construction litigator

and was instrumental in the recent courthouse construc-

tion projects in San Francisco. Judge Cahill got high marks

when lawyers assessed his intelligence and knowledge of the

law. “He very intelligent and he’s very thorough. He will take

the time to educate himself.” “He’s at the higher end of the

scale—not off the charts but very smart.” “His intelligence is

among the highest on the bench.” “Yes, he’s a smart judge.”

“I don’t think of him as a legal scholar in the academic sense,

but he’s very smart about this stuff.”

On Motions

Attorneys who have had motions before Judge Cahill

thought he gave them a fair hearing. “He reads your papers

and may even quote them to you.” “He’s not afraid to take

something under submission in order to research it.” “I’ve

won some and lost some, but I’ve always felt Judge Cahill

gave everyone a fair hearing.” “I’ve heard some people say he

may not always read the papers, but he has always clearly

read mine” One lawyer said, “Judge Cahill appeared to lean

heavily on his clerks and their research.” Another said, “If

you have something really new in oral argument he’ll listen,

but usually his rulings appear based on the papers.” “He’ll

take the time to get educated on the issues.”

On Trial

Attorneys describe trial in Judge Cahill’s court as satisfy-

ing. “ He conducts his courtroom in a business-like way and

expects the attorneys to do the same. He does not tolerate a

lack of preparation. Especially in non-jury matters, say an

evidentiary hearing. He wants you to concisely make your

point, and not to call extra witnesses.” However, lawyers did

feel they got a fair and full hearing in Judge Cahill’s court-

room. “He’s a good listener and he gives everyone their day.

He has a reserved temperament which carries over into his

handling of trials. It’s all very professional.” “He’s very active

in bench trials, asks lots of questions.”

Continuances

There were no complaints on the way Judge Cahill

handles requests for continuances. “He’s reasonable about

accommodating scheduling conflicts. Judge Cahill likes

attorneys to work these things out. He may react unfavorably

to the attorney he thinks is not being reasonable.” “Judge

Cahill is relaxed and reasonable, but he definitely prefers

the parties to agree to things like this without involving him.”

Settlement

All the attorneys interviewed thought Judge Cahill

excelled in the area of settling cases. “He’s extraordinary. He

was a mediator long before the term became fashionable.”

“The way he does it is methodical and good. He brings in all

the attorneys first to get an idea of the case, then each side’s

attorneys separately and finally each party.” “He is credible.

He hammers on both sides, but not inappropriately. Some

judges will tell you you have no case and you know they

are wrong. Judge Cahill makes fair assessments.” “This is

definitely his strong suit and he works hard at it.” “This is

his greatest strength. He can see both sides of the case and

communicate each side’s strengths and weaknesses without

making the parties defensive.”

Proclivities

Lawyers commented frequently on Judge Cahill’s desire for

civility in the courtroom. “Just leave any personal animosities

outside. He won’t tolerate that.” All the attorneys interviewed

mentioned that they had heard he was slightly—very slight-

ly—pro-defense, but each also said they had not personally

noticed any bias. “He really seems right down the middle.”

Summary

Judge Cahill enjoys a strong reputation as a fair, smart

judge who has special talents as a settlement negotiator.

Warnings and advice: “Come well prepared. Do not be afraid

to speak. Judge Cahill doesn’t play games. He listens.” “Put

your arguments in your papers and don’t repeat them. And

don’t interrupt the other lawyers.” “Do not think you can

B.S. this judge. You can’t. Have your facts straight and play

your hand straight.” “This is a judge who appreciates profes-

sionalism from attorneys. Get ready to answer questions,

because he will read your brief and he will have questions for

you.” “Be prepared and edit your direct and your cross. This

is a judge who wants you to get to the point.” Many lawyers

mentioned how much they respected this judge. “I think he’s

a great judge—one of the best up there.” (01B)

CARR, Dolores A.

Temperament/Demeanor

Judge Carr’s demeanor was described as “businesslike,”

“pleasant,” “very good” and “very businesslike and profes-

sional.” Interviewees also said, “She’s conscientious” and

“She knows how to handle obstreperous attorneys. [And] she

doesn’t take anything off people.” Others who were more criti-

cal opined, “[Her temperament] varies and just depends on

her mood” and “It’s poor. She often glares and gestures oddly.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Judge Carr’s legal knowledge was described as “average”

by most of the interviewees. Others said, “It’s above average

to excellent” and “It’s very good in criminal law—and she is

a quick study in family law.” One interviewee shared a very

negative opinion when he said, “In terms of family law, it’s

extremely below average.”

On Motions

Interviewees offered rather mixed opinions as to how cour-

teous Judge Carr is to all who appear in her courtroom. More

than half of them said she is “polite” or “firm and polite.”

However, others voiced their doubts by saying she is “not

always” polite, “No. She’s stuck up” and “She can be curt

sometimes.” Most of the interviewees said Judge Carr usu-

ally takes the bench on time. However, two of them clearly

disagreed. They complained, “No, [she isn’t punctual]—and

[she fails to provide any] explanation” and “She’s routinely

late and has no respect for attorneys’ and trial experts’ time.”

Judge Carr’s courtroom management style was described as

“formal,” “pleasant,” “between formal and relaxed,” “strict,”

“businesslike” and “flexible.” Only one lawyer sounded dis-

pleased and said her style is “poor.” Most of the interviewees

seem to like Judge Carr’s courtroom atmosphere. Almost

half of them said, “ It’s professional.” Others opined, “It’s

comfortable” and “It’s professional and comfortable. She

runs a pretty good ship.” However, other attorneys disagreed

and said, “She tries to make it professional but is often rude”

and “It’s professional but definitely not comfortable.”

On Trial

The majority of interviewees said Judge Carr listens close-

ly and keeps an open mind to their arguments. Two of them

added, “[She’s also] relatively hard working” and “She does

a good job analyzing issues.” Those who were critical said,

“She listens, but isn’t very bright” and “[She doesn’t always

listen]—she tends to make her mind up a bit early since she

usually reads all of the pleadings ahead of time.” Most of the

interviewees said Judge Carr moves cases either at an “aver-

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