Michael A. Hammer

Great Judge. On a personal level, he is friendly, easy going and a pleasure to deal with. Very informal and flexible in handling discovery issues. Expects the parties to put in the time and effort to resolve issues among themselves, but he's willing to put in the work to fairly decide issues the parties cannot. If an issue arises he will schedule a phone conference on short notice and get it resolved without forcing the parties to engage in motion practice. Also works hard to get cases settled and knows when and how to talk to clients.

Favors lawyers over pro se. Severely and unfairly Handicaps Plaintiffs during discovery...allows Defendants who are attorneys to stonewall pro se Plaintiffs lawful discovery requests prejudicing them.

Practical, smart, understands what the bar has to deal with in the "real" world.