Susan Richard Nelson

In some 37 years of trying cases and arguing motions, I have never encountered a judge superior to Judge Nelson. She is extremely smart, was unfailingly courteous to everyone, always completely prepared, politely but insightfully asked all the right questions (inconvenient though they might be for the party arguing), and ran a superbly fair and efficient courtroom. I always felt, walking into her courtroom, that I would get a completely fair shake from a judge who knew the law and was always strongly inclined to do as much justice as the law would allow her to do. One of my all-time favorite judges, after 37 years of trials and litigation in federal courts.

Can’t understand the high ratings here… openly demonstrates when she doesn’t like you or disagrees with what you are saying. And if you defend yourself convincingly, look out… Mean and biased for her pals in the “old boy/girl Network in the “Wild West” that is Minnesota courts.

What a great contribution to the Article III bench here. I liked her as a tough magistrate who was great at getting settlements done. But, as a district court judge, she's simply brilliant.

Very bright, always prepared, very professional, and even-handed. She is one of the very best.

Very fair judge. Great at settlement when she was a magistrate judge too. Great addition to the bench.

Well done article that. I'll make sure to use it wseily.

Couldn't be a better judge- fair and always respectful.