Maria Valdez

We conducted a settlement conference with this Judge and she was well prepared and fair with all of the parties.

This judge does NOT phone it in. She works hard and cares about the job. I would, and have, consented to her taking my cases from the district court judge. It is a crying shame that Obama did not appoint her an Article III.

Terrific judge. Smart, prepared and willing to step in to work hard at settlement.

I used to like her alot. But lately she seems less enthused about the job and is phoning it in. Prior posts about her evidentiary rulings is very accurate. She clearly has the ability, but is not putting forth the effort. Also, has a very "sharp" sense of humor -- to the point of creating awkward moments with counsel and the parties.

Historically, I have had good experiences with this judge. But lately, she seems preoccupied and nervous about appearing fair to both sides. This tends to result in strange evidentiary rulings at trial. Translation: she tries to correct an earlier bad call against you, by giving the other side an equally bad call against it. Clearly not comfortable presiding over trials or rendering evidentiary rulings in a snap.

I've had Judge Valdez approximately 5-6 times in the past 5 years. I try to get the other side to consent whenever possible. She is knowledgeable about most of the types of civil litigation that frequently is filed in federal court. I don't always agree with her discovery rulings, but so what, they made sense and she can get your case settled for a reasonable number if that's what you and your client want.

Fair and actually listens, putting her ahead of nearly 50% of her colleagues. I have consented to her and would recommend it to others unhappy with their district judge assignment.

Ok, I'll be honest, Judge Valdez is one of my favorites. She's proven to be one of the better judges in the building. She is hardworking, diligent, and actually tries to get it right instead of "right now." I have consented to her on several occasions because she seems to be even better when she is not being controlled by the whims of some angry bitter district court judge who is simply trying to get a case off the docket. I hear that Obama might elevate her to the district court. Well, in my opinion, HE SHOULD!

A very fair, competent and even-handed judge. Does not suffer fools gladly, so be on your toes. She understands the role of a judge and works hard at her job. I would consent to her over many of the district court judges.

Judge Valdez is reasponable and understands her role as a magistrate judge -- control discovery and settle cases. Though I don't always agree with her positions on discovery, her rulings are grounded in the law and she makes an effort to be fair and reasonable to all of the parties. She actually reads the briefs and does her own independent research, sometimes even citing footnotes to 7th Circuit cases just to see if you are on your toes. I would consent to her over several district court judges who either don't know or don't care; in that respect, Valdez is a fresh of breath air.