Richard M. Berman

Among the three worst judges I have ever appeared before. His bias against the defense is almost as strong as his contempt for lawyers and legal argument. He is also quite inflexible, making very clear at every step that he disfavors motions, limits them unreasonably without regard for the complexity of the case. His opinions are flabby, so it's not surprising that he almost never publishes anything, even on WL. He is not smart, and seems to be insecure about that. I hope to never have the misfortune to appear before this man again. He should retire.

I had him in an overtime case a few years ago. Unlike many judges, he was always polite and respectful toward counsel for both sides. He made a number of rulings pre-trial, on a motion for partial summary judgment regarding a long list of discrete issues, that were not only correct (and issued quickly) but had the effect of pushing the parties to settle on terms that were fair for the plaintiffs (my clients). I'd be happy to have all my cases assigned to him.

Dinesh D'Souza.... enough said.

I disagree with the comment that his adherence to the "guidelines appears slavish." Presentence, I was concerned about that comment coupled with his unique rule that Probation may not enumerate reasons for a non-guideline sentence in the PSR. We had him on a plea where there were compelling 3553 factors and he imposed a year and a day on a 30-37-mo. guidelines range. We were hoping (and asked) for probation. While I beleive many judges in the SDNY (and EDNY) would have imposed probation on these facts, it was a fair sentence from any perspective other than a defendant's. He read everything submitted and summarized all the arguments we made even before we had a chance to speak. While my prepared sentencing comments were trashed, I'd rather know the court has carefully considered all matters prior to arriving on the bench. No disputed guidelines issues, so the bottom line -- from a defense sentencing perspective -- is fair, but on the harsher side of the balance beam. But importantly, willing to impose a non-guideline sentence where the facts support same.

He's great as a Political judge, very loyal to his party affiliation.....

Perfectly efficient demeanor, cordial and courteous. He seems fair and prepared. All a criminal lawyer could want

What a bizarre judge this guy is. He spends the entire time on the bench looking in the gallery to see who's watching him, and doesn't pay attention to what the parties are saying. He comes out and chats with his "audience" before the proceedings. He thinks he's a game show host and not a judge. He seems very erratic and out of touch with reality.

Judge Berman is unfailingly polite and exceedingly self protective. His sentencing for relatively low level criminality seems harsh. His adherence to the guidelines seems slavish.

Judge Berman seems to know the right thing to do. He had no problem overruling an unfavorable R&R from a Magistrate in a recent case to do the right thing. He carefully considered all my objections and ruled on each one with discretion. Clearly not afraid to do the right thing and follow the law.

My last experience left me wondering why he even wants to be on the Bench. He displayed a complete lack of interest in managing or attempting to resolve the case. Also, his courtroom persona is oddly stiff and unnecessarily supercilious. There was animosity and disdain toward all counsel from the outset. I could not square this persona with the far more engaging (and potentially effective) persona displayed back in Chambers.

a decent,fair judge who pushes for settlements

It is close to impossible to get a decision out of him. He appears to be afraid to decide motions and hold trials.