Jon S. Tigar

Commands respect by giving respect. Judge Tigar is one of the smartest jurists I've appeared before, always prepared, consistently respectful and accommodating to litigants, and of nearly* impenetrable demeanor (I have seen him tear up in front of a jury once before). Tigar has a serious respect for the law, and appears at even humble before it. I have witnessed him make a few mistakes of law, but he owned those mistakes and corrected himself, even when another judge may have shifted the blame elsewhere. Very respectful to my clients, and occasionally funny. When he tells you you're wrong, he does so in a way that doesn't make you feel small. Outstanding judge.

The best prepared judge in the Northern District. Extremely bright and noticeably kind. If you have a winning argument, he won't let you down. If you have weak points, he will bring them up and give examples of situations your theory would create an unjust outcome. Cannot recommend more. Worth attending hearings just to witness his judicial style.

Judge Tigar is very bright, inquisitive, engaged, and rigorous. At hearings he asks attorneys on both sides to cite the case most helpful to his or her case, and he really listens to attorneys' arguments at hearings and also in their briefs. He is a very quick study and was highly engaged. He did not give me the ruling I wanted (and I believe I could have prevailed on appeal) but he gave an excellent, carefully considered ruling that the other side didn't want either. He is very respectful of counsel and is self-confident. He does not take offense if you remain respectful and speak up for your client and the controlling law. He is not thin-skinned. Overall, he is a superb judge.

very prepared judge. Evenhanded and smart. A pleasure to work with.