Magistrate
8 reviews
Yesterday judge was late on hearing on 15min. Then he refused to remove everybody from courtroom and disconnect online participants on FEE WIVER confidential hearing, said that everyone wants to know your income and expenses. Judge was RUDE! Judge violated my privacy and must be disqualified under CCP 170.1
Had him as a settlement judge. Barely effective, seemed barely interested in getting the case resolved. Uneven temper. Don't expect much from him.
A seemingly very bias judge, operates as if without any accountability. He is a good example of how a judge shouldn’t be.
This Judge sides with defendants in civil litigation especially if plaintiff counsel is not wasp or a small firm. He will outwardly ignore facts if it is in his interest when he makes his predetermined decisions. He will unfairly set deadline dates that work against the plaintiff. If you are a civil litigate keep your case away from his bias bench. I personally took the time to sit in on 14 cases with him presiding.
If you represent the plaintiff in civil litigation, do NOT consent to Judge Cousins. We made that mistake, and found that he reflexively sides with the corporate defendant and/or the biglaw firm, and doesn't invest the time to study the applicable precedent. He's okay on discovery disputes, but simply splits the baby on every issue, so be sure to anchor high.
surprised I didn't give all 10s, really. Like this Judge a lot after some hard cases that came before him. Think he'll move up
Very intelligent and thoughtful. Utterly professional and courteous demeanor, which combined with his delightful clerk makes for a very pleasant place to do business. When you are in trial before him, he will make you work like you've never worked before. Be prepared for him to ultimately place severe restrictions on the number of hours of trial and the number of exhibits he will allow each side. In our case, he did us a favor by forcing us to simplify and focus. I would take him again any time.
I enjoy appearing before Judge Cousins for a lot of reasons. He's professional, efficient, and in certain circumstances, funny. He is sensitive to client issues and treats everyone with respect which makes me respect him.