January 2019 Bar Bulletin
By Chris Fargo-Masuda
Active observation means: thorough review of the docket, pleadings, motions, and legal papers; taking copious notes during the proceeding; and then following the matter to see which strategies work or fail. During 2018, I actively observed 39 hearings and seven trials (totaling 90 courtroom days) in the Western District of Washington. Here are my takeaways.
The WDWA bench is busy. If nothing else, be efficient; do more with less. The district began the 12-month period before June 30, 2018, with 2,169 civil cases, saw 3,103 commenced, terminated 2,895, and ended the year with 2,377 pending.1With a median...