John E. Ott

I was a law school classmate of John; then he and I served together as criminal division AUSA's. Since I left the office he has been a federal magistrate judge, and I have been a criminal defense attorney. From these varied perspectives, I truly state that John Ott may be the best judge (municipal, state, military, federal) that I have known. He gives new meaning to the words "fairness" and "balance". The shame of it all is that his talents should have been on the District and/or Circuit Federal bench. A good man. A very good man.

I first worked with Judge Ott in 1987 when he was an AUSA. His temperament, intelligence and attention to detail has made him an excellent prosecutor and magistrate. His mediation skills are excellent and he is truly unbiased and fair to all parties. I agree with others who have posted here - it's hard to understand why he has not been appointed a district judge. There's no better candidate out there.

Judge Ott is an excellent mediator, and even though he is obviously not paid extra for mediating, he has been known to work far into the night to get a case settled if there is any possibility of resolving a case. The courthouse staff nicknamed him "All-Night Ott." He recently got a case settled for us which we had attempted to resolve with another mediator unsuccessfully, and for a fraction of the plaintiff's damages and attorneys' fees. And I concur with the other commenters that he is one of the best judges I have encountered, and really should have a lifetime appointment.

Unbelievable temperament. Fair to all parties. Will read all filings. Issues well reasoned opinions. One of the best judges (federal or otherwise) I have experienced.

All around great judge. Needs to be elevated to district judge.

I would let Judge Ott try any case I had. I have never seen him be unfair or ill-tempered. It is a shame he has never been appointed to district judge.

Great judge, with good judgemnt. Committed to reaching the right result.

Judge Ott is a nice guy and he seems caring, which is surprising for a judge and I think makes some people think he is being just the opposite, unfair. In actuality, he seems to want all the litigants to have a fair shot even if that means going out of his way for one party or doing something unusual for another party. He is the best federal judge I have had contact with.

One of the best judges I have ever come across.

judge ott served many years as a ausa. he is intellectual and has significant trial experience which enables him to make practical judgments.