Judge to Judge – Stories from the Judiciary

Our first story is from Hon. John M. Doran, J.S.C. (Ret.)

I sat in Family for six years, and Civil for four years. Below is the weekly routine that worked for me. Please share your thoughts – what works for you? I will pass along to others as I continue my retirement journey. We are all in this together.

My week started every Saturday. After a relaxing Friday evening, I slept in Saturday mornings, had a good breakfast, and was in chambers by 10 AM.

The first thing that I did was to make a decision on a trial, plenary hearing, or complex motion, I reviewed the pleadings, exhibits, and my notes. There were no interruptions! I prepared the decision, but did not place on the record until Monday, at the earliest.

Next, came cleaning up from the week before and addressing certain matters that I didn’t want to save for the following week. The rest I would prioritize and stack on my desk or credenza, so that they stared me in the face.

Then I reviewed my calendars for the following week. I looked for conflicts, vexatious litigants, sovereign citizens, as well as any other matters that required special attention; Friday motion calendars were very important. I had motions every Friday for ten years. I also addressed certain administrative matters as I liked to do some of my own legal research.

Finally, before leaving at 4 PM sharp, I would email my law clerk with the priority matters for the following week.

Leaving every Saturday, I was relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed Saturday night with family and friends. My wife and I like to visit with our granddaughters, go out to dinner, and visit New Jersey’s wineries and breweries. When staying at home, I like to sleep in on Sunday mornings and have a hearty breakfast. I also appreciate some alone time, for reading — especially biographies — or just sitting by the firepit and relaxing.

From Monday through Friday, I began each day by getting to chambers one to two hours early. In case anything popped up over the weekend, I would review on Monday morning. Otherwise, I placed the decision from Saturday on the record.

Each day I had a new calendar with the usual processing issues. During downtime I reviewed the “stacks” as well as Friday’s motions. Each weekday, except Thursday, I left chambers between 4:30 – 5 PM. In ten years, I never brought work home, nights or weekends!

On Thursday nights, I finished the review of Friday’s motions, selecting the decision for Saturday. After Friday’s motions, I could sit back and relax, knowing that another week had passed and I had balanced my personal and professional lives.

Judge Doran would love to hear from you! Send emails to: [email protected]