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• Author: Mark Thompson/Elizabeth Smith
• Pages: 930-931

Retired Judges

920Edwards California Judge Reviews

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EDWARDS, Leonard Perry II

Temperament/Demeanor

Interviewees were quick to share positive comments about

Judge Edwards’ demeanor. They said, “It’s good overall. He’s

wonderful,” “It’s excellent,” “It’s professional” and “It’s good.”

Other comments included, “He’s very cool and methodical”

and “He’s both charming and controlling.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Interviewees said they are impressed with Judge Edwards’

legal knowledge. The majority of them either described it as

“excellent” or “above average.” Others opined, “It’s great” and

“It’s superb.”

On Motions

Interviewees said Judge Edwards is usually well pre-

pared. Their comments included, “He knows the cases

by heart” and “He’s absolutely” well-prepared. Judge

Edwards’ courtroom management style is said to be,

“somewhat formal,” “both formal and relaxed,” “efficient”

and “appropriate.” One lawyer offered a somewhat mixed

opinion. “It’s both formal and relaxed. He’s very efficient.”

Only one interviewee complained a bit and said Judge

Edwards’ style is “very relaxed, which can sometimes be a

problem.” This jurist usually takes the bench on time and

rules on motions in a timely manner. Only one interviewee

voiced any doubts on these topics. She said, “He always

arrives in the building on time—but he doesn’t always take

the bench on time.”

On Trial

The majority of interviewees said Judge Edwards usu-

ally listens closely to their arguments. “He seems to stay

open.” “[He] usually [listens]—to the same extent as most

judges.” One attorney offered a more critical perspective.

“He listens respectfully, but there are very few times that an

attorney’s argument has changed his mind.” Every lawyer

interviewed either used the word “professional” or “comfort-

able” when describing this jurist’s courtroom atmosphere.

Specific comments included, “It’s professional and comfort-

able,” “It’s comfortable,” “It’s professional,” “It’s professional

and attorney-friendly” and “It’s very professional.” Another

interviewee said, “It’s usually comfortable but the issues

involved can make it tense sometimes.” Most of the inter-

viewees couldn’t recall receiving a written decision from this

judge. However, the one attorney who remembered receiving

more than one said, “They’re good. He goes into detail try-

ing to explain why he made a specific decision.” All of the

interviewees said this judge is usually polite to everyone who

appears in front of him. Nearly every lawyer interviewed said

Judge Edwards either moves cases “faster” than the other

judges or at an “average” pace. Another lawyer said, “He

moves cases efficiently.”

Continuances

Most interviewees either said you have an “average”

chance of obtaining a continuance from Judge Edwards or

that he is “more likely” to grant one than other jurists. One

lawyer disagreed with the others and said, “He’s less likely”

to grant one.

Settlement

Only one interviewee was quick to praise Judge Edwards

on his settlement and negotiating skills and said, “He’s

extremely proactive.” Several others opined, “He expects

this to have been handled beforehand” and “He doesn’t get

involved.” One attorney shared a more specific opinion. “He’s

reserved except during actual settlement conferences. Then

he’s very proactive.”

Proclivities

Interviewees said Judge Edwards is usually impartial.

Comments included, “He’s very fair,” “He tries to be impar-

tial,” “He’s fair,” “He’s fair and reasonable” and “He’s fair in

terms of being an advocate for the minors, but he doesn’t

always fully keep in mind the parents’ role.”

Summary

One attorney said, “[Judge Edwards] really cares about

the kids and the law.” Judge Edwards is respected for his

fairness, strong legal knowledge and ability to professionally

manage his courtroom. (01E)

EMERSON, James Carrington

Temperament/Demeanor

Judge Emerson displays an appropriate courtroom mien.

Interviewees opined, “He’s congenial,” “He’s friendly,” “He’s

easygoing and pleasant,” “[Judge Emerson’s temperament

is] very good” and “He’s very professional and calm. Very

respectful of everyone.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Two interviewees described Judge Emerson’s legal acu-

men as “average” and “above average.” Others paid him

higher praise and said, “[His legal knowledge is] strong,”

“He’s very knowledgeable” and “He’s very learned and stays

up with the newest case law.”

On Motions

Interviewees seem to like the way Judge Emerson han-

dles his courtroom. Several said his management style is

“fairly relaxed,” “very professional but relaxed,” “relaxed” and

“between formal and relaxed.” One litigator offered a some-

what different opinion when he said, “Judge Emerson is very

dignified and in control.” Every attorney interviewed said this

jurist is courteous to everyone who appears in his courtroom.

In fact, some opined, “He’s very polite.” All of the interviewees

also said Judge Emerson always takes the bench on time.

On Trial

Every interviewee said Judge Emerson listens closely to

lawyers’ arguments and keeps an open mind. Some litigators

said this judge’s courtroom atmosphere is “professional and

comfortable.” Every remaining lawyer also used the word

“comfortable.” Other comments included: “It’s respectful,”

“It’s professional” and “It’s easygoing.” More than half of the

lawyers said Judge Emerson moves cases at an “average”

pace. All of the remaining attorneys basically agreed and

said matters move at an “appropriate” pace. When it comes

to sentencing, every attorney said Judge Emerson is “fair.”

One of them opined, “He’s fair to moderate.”

Continuances

Most of the interviewees said Judge Emerson is “reason-

able” about granting continuances. Each remaining litigator

opined, “He’s more likely” to grant one than his peers.

Settlement

More than half of the interviewees said Judge Emerson

is “proactive” or “will take the initiative” when they need

help settling their cases. Other comments included: “Judge

Emerson is a good mediator. He’s fair to both sides” and “He

has pretty good skills.” Another lawyer said Judge Emerson

“will help if asked.” Two of the respondents ranked Judge

Emerson’s skills as “strong.”

Proclivities

Some interviewees said Judge Emerson’s rulings and

decisions are usually “very fair.” Others opined, “He’s more

fair than most” local jurists, “He’s very fair and open minded”

and “Judge Emerson is as fair as any judge I’ve ever known.

He really listens to you.”

Summary

Interviewees were quick to compliment Judge Emerson’s

skills. They specifically praised his legal knowledge, pleasant

demeanor and courtroom management style. Every inter-

viewee also said Judge Emerson listens closely to attorney

arguments and keeps an open mind. (01G)

ESSEGIAN, Ruth

Temperament/Demeanor

Judge Essegian is considered to be well suited for the

bench as far as her personality is concerned. She is gracious

and amiable according to all of the lawyers who were asked.

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