Plaintiffs lawyer pays tribute to Judge Senter
Couldn't really think of a clever headline for this post, sorry. In working my way through the backlog after returning to active blog duty, I was interested in this post at the Merlin Law Blog, a tribute to Judge Senter, of Hurricane Katrina fame. I certainly agree that Judge Senter has done a remarkable job. He's moved through an incredible docket load, and has shown he has a mind that is adaptable and open to new information, something that cannot be said about every federal judge. He's shown firmness without being imperious -- most federal district court judges aren't, but a significant portion of them are, like all other judges, I guess.
I don't know Judge Senter except what I've read in his opinions and what people tell me about him, but one thing I can say, having followed his opinions and actions for a couple years, it has given me a new appreciation for how difficult it can be to be a judge -- he's handled some really tough issues, some really contentious, nasty lawsuits. His writing style is one of his best attributes -- short, simple and direct, no hiding the ball. I'm basically a guy who grew up on a farm in North Dakota, a state devoted to a radical form of egalitarianism, and consequently one thing that is revolting to me is pomposity and self-importance, in legal writing or otherwise. None of that in Judge Senter's opinions, thankfully. I haven't agreed with every decision, but at least his opinions are open and accessible enough that I can work my way through them and pinpoint what I disagree with and why.