Every trial judge is confronted with similar challenges. Presiding over cases with really good lawyers who are great writers and accomplished orators is frankly pretty easy…….yes it is even fun. But how do you effectively deal with the other end of the spectrum? Poorly prepared lawyers and or self represented litigants who regularly appear before you can make even the best trial court judge think about the benefits of being on an appellate bench appointment.

So let’s try a simple example and share our thoughts and expertise. A landlord appears before you semi regularly and pretty consistently makes mistakes but when you point out that, for example, service is not proper the retort is “Court administration told me this is what I should do.” Attacks on court employees is one of the triggers that upset you. How should a good trial judge handle this situation.

Please post your thoughts