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• Author: Mark Thompson/Elizabeth Smith
• Pages: 939-944

Retired Judges

Retired Judges Garcia929

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GAFKOWSKI, Frank, Jr.

Temperament/Demeanor

Interviewees said they like Judge Gafkowski’s tem-

perament. They said, “He’s very quiet,” “He’s very pleasant

and low key” and “Judge Gafkowski is reserved.” Others

described this jurist’s demeanor as “good.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Nearly every attorney said Judge Gafkowki’s legal knowl-

edge is either “average” or “above average.” However, one

litigator opined, “Judge Gafkowki’s knowledge of probate law

is below average to average.”

On Motions

Most interviewees used the words “relaxed” or “efficient”

to describe Judge Gafkowski’s courtroom management style.

Others opined, “His style is gentlemanly” and “It’s very relaxed.”

All of the litigators said Judge Gafkowski is courteous to every-

one who enters his courtroom. In fact, two lawyers even said,

“He’s extremely polite” and “Judge Gafkowski is very polite and

accommodating.” A majority of the attorneys interviewed said

Judge Gafkowski usually takes the bench on time. However,

one member of the bar disagreed with the others and said this

jurist “tends to take the bench a little late on most days.”

On Trial

Every interviewee said Judge Gafkowski listens closely

to their arguments. As one litigator put it, “He’s responsive

to what I say.” Litigators also said this jurist usually keeps

an open mind to their presentations. In fact, one lawyer

said, “He’ll even change his mind about a tentative ruling.”

Most attorneys used such words as “serene,” “quiet,” “pro-

fessional,” “pleasant” and “comfortable” to describe Judge

Gafkowski’s courtroom atmosphere. Nevertheless, one lawyer

complained slightly by saying, “His courtroom atmosphere

is relaxed—sometimes a bit too much so.” Almost all of the

interviewees said Judge Gafkowski moves cases at an “aver-

age” or “appropriate” pace through his courtroom. Only one

litigator criticized the pace by saying it was “slower” than that

found in other departments. Every member of the bar inter-

viewed said Judge Gafkowski can handle complex civil cases.

Continuances

All of the interviewees said Judge Gafkowski responds

appropriately to requests for continuances once good cause

has been demonstrated. Comments included: “He’s very rea-

sonable and more likely [than his peers] to grant a continu-

ance in both probate and civil cases,” “Judge Gafkowski is

fair” about granting such requests and “[You’ve got an] aver-

age” chance of getting him to grant a continuance.

Settlement

Interviewees familiar with Judge Gafkowski’s settlement

and negotiating skills said, “He’s proactive.” They ranked his

skills as “very good,” “good” and “average to above average.”

Proclivities

All of the interviewees used the words “fair” or “impartial”

when describing Judge Gafkowski’s rulings and decisions. In

fact, two of them said, “He’s very fair” and “Judge Gafkowski

is very impartial.”

Summary

Additional comments included: Judge Gafkowski inter-

acts well with in pro per litigants in probate cases by “provid-

ing them with good instructions and explanations about the

proceedings.” Most lawyers said they are pleased with this

jurist’s courtroom management style, legal knowledge and

demeanor. Judge Gafkowski received especially high praise

for his overall fairness. (04H)

GALLAGHER, Catherine Anne

Temperament/Demeanor

Interviewees praised Judge Gallagher’s temperament.

They said, “She’s always amazingly pleasant,” “She’s very

businesslike and professional,” “It’s wonderful,” “She’s very

professional and reserved” and “It’s excellent.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

Nearly every interviewee ranked Judge Gallagher’s legal

acumen as either “average” or “above average.” One litigator

said this jurist’s legal knowledge is “excellent.”

On Motions

Interviewees seem to like the way Judge Gallagher runs

her courtroom. Two of them described her style as “relaxed.”

Others opined, “[Her style is] between formal and relaxed,”

“It’s very efficient” and “It’s efficient and between formal and

relaxed.” Litigators said this justice is courteous to all who

appear in front of her. In fact, two of them opined, “She’s

always polite” and “Judge Gallagher is very polite.” Every

interviewee said Judge Gallagher usually takes the bench

on time.

On Trial

All of the interviewees said Judge Gallagher listens closely

to their arguments and keeps an open mind. In fact, one of

them said she “absolutely” does this. Nearly every lawyer

described this jurist’s courtroom atmosphere as either “pro-

fessional” or “very professional.” One attorney said this jus-

tice’s atmosphere is “comfortable.” One final litigator opined,

“[The atmosphere is] pleasantly professional.” Members of

the bar seem basically pleased with Judge Gallagher’s ability

to move matters at a proper pace. Two of them described the

pace as “average” while two others described it as “appro-

priate.” One final interviewee said, “Judge Gallagher moves

cases faster than the other judges but you get enough time.”

Continuances

A slight majority of the interviewees said you have an

“average” chance of getting Judge Gallagher to grant a con-

tinuance once good cause has been shown. One of them

added, “She’s generally fair.” Two lawyers went further and

said, “Judge Gallagher is more likely to grant a continuance

because she’s very reasonable.”

Settlement

Some interviewees said Judge Gallagher is “proactive”

about helping attorneys negotiate aspects of their cases and

ranked her skills as “pretty good” and “good.” One of them

qualified his remark by saying she’s proactive “when neces-

sary.” One final attorney offered a divergent opinion and

said, “Judge Gallagher stays reserved” in this area.

Proclivities

A majority of the interviewees said Judge Gallagher’s rulings

and decisions are usually “fair” or “very fair.” The other lawyers

said this jurist “tries be impartial and fair” and “is impartial.”

Summary

Interviewees seem to like the way Judge Gallagher man-

ages her courtroom and praised her courtroom demeanor.

They also appreciate her ability to keep matters moving at

an appropriate pace. (01G)

GARCIA, David Arthur

Temperament/Demeanor

By all accounts, Judge Garcia is respected by and

respectful of the attorneys who appear in his courtroom. “He

is very personable and respectful of attorneys but if you get

on his wrong side, he’ll call you on the carpet.” “He is a very

good judge.” Judge Garcia has high standards. “He works

hard and expects the same from attorneys.” “He doesn’t suf-

fer fools gladly.” “He doesn’t like b.s.”

Intelligence/Knowledge

This jurist is known for his intelligence and street smarts.

“He is brilliant.” “High marks for intelligence.” “He is bright.”

“He is very smart.” “He is pretty well versed in the law.” “He

knows the rules and sticks by them, but he is compassionate

and has a strong sense of fairness.” “He is practical.”

On Motions

Judge Garcia is considered to be excellent for law and

motion because he is always prepared and willing to grant

summary judgments. “He is a great law and motion judge.”

“He is always prepared and has read the papers.” “His rul-

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