What Makes a Great Trial Judge?

By Lawyer Minds

Welcome to the “What Makes a Great Trial Judge” podcast, part of the Lawyer Minds ecosystem.

We’ve paired up with Lisa Blue, a practicing psychologist of 46 years and trial attorney of 44 years, to discuss some of the ways trial judges—especially those dealing with trauma-intensive cases—can improve their techniques and social practices, making the litigation experience more meaningful for jurors and litigants alike.

So, how do you tell the difference between a great trial judge and one who needs to work on their social intelligence skills? Let's find out.

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Great Trial Judge: Mark Lanier

What Makes a Great Trial Judge? May 26, 2023

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43:45

Great Trial Judge: Judge Lee H. Rosenthal

In the fifth episode of “What Makes a Great Trial Judge?”, Lisa Blue interviews Judge Lee. H. Rosenthal, a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Rosenthal practiced law at a Houston law firm from 1978 to 1992 and became a partner of the firm in 1985. In 1992, she was nominated to become judge and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In 2016, she became chief judge. During the pod, the honorable Judge Lee H. Rosenthal talks about the skillsets of the judges she admired and learned from early in her career and how she learned to develop those same skillsets over her years as a district judge. She considers open-mindedness, intuition, the ability to determine what’s really important, and the ability to rule fairly by the court of law among the top qualities that are vital to a great judge. Many of these qualities, she feels, are similar to the qualities that great lawyers possess. Lisa Blue and Judge Rosenthal discuss how judges must take the time to work through their feelings of uncertainty and become comfortable with the fact that they often walk into a courtroom knowing less than everyone else about a particular case. Becoming comfortable with uncertainty can be a skillset and is utilized as a strength when deciding on a ruling. Rosenthal breaks down the process of learning to develop the necessary skillsets in an approachable way that makes this episode a must-listen for any judge or attorney.

Oct 26, 202338:30

Great Trial Judge: Judge Lauren Parish

Lisa Blue is a prolific trial attorney and practicing psychologist who's made a monumental impact on the legal industry. Tune in for the fourth episode of her "What Makes a Great Trial Judge?" podcast series which complements her upcoming book release. This episode features the honorable Judge Lauren Parish from Texas. Tune in to hear her engaging discussion on four qualities she sees as necessary for any judge and how they relate to and build the social intelligence levels which are required to handle tough cases.

Jul 31, 202333:03

Great Trial Judge: Mark Lanier

Lisa Blue is a prolific trial attorney and practicing psychologist who's made a monumental impact on the legal industry. Tune in for the third episode of her "What Makes a Great Trial Judge?" podcast series which complements her upcoming book release. This episode features Mark Lanier. Mark’s a trial attorney, author, teacher, and pastor who’s taken on some of the largest cases in the nation. Mark understands what truly separates the great trial judges from the mediocre. You won’t want to miss his advice. Learn more about Mark: https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/attorneys/w-mark-lanier/ Visit Lawyer Minds: https://www.lawyerminds.com

May 26, 202343:45

Great Trial Judge: Judge W. Royal Furgeson Jr.

Lisa Blue is a prolific trial attorney and practicing psychologist who's made a monumental impact on the legal industry. Tune in for the second episode of her "What Makes a Great Trial Judge?" podcast series which complements her upcoming book release. This episode features the honorable Judge W. Royal Furgeson Jr. Tune in to hear his valuable advice on how to become a better trial judge and about the importance of advocating for jurors, lawyers, and the civil justice system itself.

Apr 11, 202339:35

Great Trial Judge: Judge William Earl Brit

In this first episode of “What Makes a Great Trial Judge”, Lisa Blue interviews Judge William Earl Brit, a senior district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. He was first nominated for a district seat by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 and served as Chief Judge from 1983 to 1990.

With his many years of previously practicing as an attorney at a private practice in Lumberton, North Carolina from 1959 to 1980, he approached his career as judge following years of spotting issues during trial. As judge, he did everything he could to correct those issues and not let them be part of his courtroom.

During the pod, Judge William Earl Brit shares some of the famous cases he played a pivotal role in and talks about his mentor and some of the advice he was given early in his career. He shares this advice with viewers.

Included in this advice is information on how to handle the decision making process as judge, how to best move from one case to the next, the importance of having a mentor, the value of patience and impartiality, and more. He also discusses the importance of building a good relationship with the jurors and how vital it is for judges to constantly maintain control of the courtroom.

Tune in to hear this valuable advice, along with specific examples from cases Judge Brit oversaw.

Mar 09, 202339:41