Charles F. Eick

I had Judge Eick for a settlement conference in a civil rights case gone ugly. In the first interactive part of the conference, he addressed both sides from the bench and was not shy about calling out defects in the parties’ cases (in very thoughtful ways). He’ll actually ask a party “what witnesses do you have in-hand to put before a jury to refute/prove XYZ?” And when he gets a nonsense answer, he points it out. It successfully got one unrealistic party with a difficult personality to come down from outer space on a demand. Didn’t settle, but he really tried.

I recently had Judge Eick for settlement conference in a civil case. Most importantly, he wasn't a jerk. We all know how many judges are jerks. He was fair, dug into the facts quite well, and was even-keeled. The only downside to him was that he really wasn't that motivated. At least, not what I saw. He's probably just over-worked. Not a bad guy. He's fair, but not the greatest settlement conference judge. As far as motion work, he granted a motion to compel I filed. He was fair. All-in-all, he's a good judge for motion work, but not for settlement.

Very wrong on numerous areas of law, particularly FRCP. Biased and thinks it doesn't even matter when dealing with those he disagrees with, same as unqualified Otero. Both are a disgrace to the federal bench.

I had a settlement conference with him in late 2011. It was a painful 4 hours. He seemed very old and tired, and crotchety. He spent hours questioning the parties about the case, getting the facts straight. Then, did nothing with all those facts he gathered. I don't think he is capable of getting out of judge-mode and into settlement officer mode. He was very passive, and seemed to lack skills in getting parties to resolution. He lacked energy. Not surprisingly the case did not resolve. I fought hard to avoid going back to him for a second settlement conference, and luckily was successful. Would never use him again for a settlement conference.

I do not believe civil rights plaintiffs' attorneys and their clients are treated fairly by Magistrate Eick. He is rude as part of a right-wing approach to litigation which holds that the king (corporations and the government, as against the little guy and gal) can do no wrong in his courtroom. He is quick to sanction plaintiffs' attorneys. I doubt that he has ever sanctioned a defense attorney.

Magistrate Eick can be a little "rough" in his handling of attorneys to the point of bordering on being rude. However, he is very bright and seems to grasp the issues easily and to have done all the homework necessary to handle complex issues. Make sure you have your "t"s crossed and "i"s dotted however.

He is a very bright, fair, compassionate jurist. Is obviously on top of whatever issue comes before him. Order of the Coif in law school and continues to strive for excellence. Should be a District Court judge. Appears to have no ego issues. Dry, but active, sense of humor.

Judge Eick is what a federal judge should be: extremely bright, thoughtful and hard-working. A true credit to the bench.