Paul Adam Engelmayer

The worst federal judge I have ever been in front of in 4 decades. Intemperate and abusive.

If not the smartest person in the building, then tied for first. Gives the government way too much credibility and resolves most inferences in its favor. Quintessential micromanager. Not the most inclined to let the defense try its case. Sustains his own objections.

I've had two conferences in front of him now, but no motion practice yet. Amiable and respectful. Seems to grasp the issues in the case quickly. He likes to pretend he knows less about the case than he does, though. Don't be fooled by the act though--he's a sharp, sharp guy.

He was even-handed and fair in his handling of the civil litigation matter, issuing thoughtful decisions and keeping his focus on the legal issues rather than the posturing of counsel. Unlike some judges in the SDNY, he was not on some personal power trip playing "gotcha" with the attorneys--on either side. It was a pleasure appearing in his courtroom.

He was on time. His command of the law was uninformed. Clearly made a pre judgment without the full facts. His decision was sloppy and ultimately proven incorrect. During mediation the NYS Judge (ret) that wrote the law mocked his interpretation since he didn't understand it. Overshooled and under educated. Easily duped by unethical lawyer appealing to his desire to avoid the law and rewrite it from the bench.

A credible, reasonable, rational, objective judge. Win or lose, Judge Engelmayer's decisions are always thorough and thoughtful. Asks probing, insightful questions. He may be hard on attorneys who are not prepared, but overall his approach to being a judge is breath of fresh air, in particular given that some SDNY judges feel that abusing attorneys is in the job description. Great judge.