Lawyers: Ever Wonder What A Judge Really Thinks About You?

You step into the courtroom, ready to go. You’ve spent hours prepping—fine-tuning your arguments, anticipating counterpoints, and making sure every legal angle is covered. 

You know the law, you know your client’s position, and you’re confident in your strategy.

But have you thought about the one person who can make or break how smoothly this all goes? The judge.

When you stand up to speak, do you ever wonder what’s going through their mind? Are they seeing a competent, prepared attorney, or are they bracing for wasted time?

Judges aren’t just neutral decision-makers sitting behind the bench. They’re human. 

They have their own opinions, pet peeves, and a knack for sizing up attorneys in seconds. 

They’re not just listening to your arguments—they’re watching everything. 

How you carry yourself, how you deal with opposing counsel, and whether your reputation walks into the courtroom before you do.

Let’s take a closer look at what they really think when you’re in action, and how can you make sure it works in your favor?

What Judges Pay Attention To

Judges don’t just focus on the legal arguments you present—they’re observing you as an attorney. Your conduct, professionalism, and even courtroom habits can influence how they perceive you. 

Here are some key factors that can make or break your reputation in the courtroom:

1. Your Reputation Precedes You

Judges talk. Court clerks talk. Bailiffs talk. 

The courtroom is a small world, and if you’ve built a reputation—good or bad—it follows you wherever you go. 

If you’re known for being combative, constantly filing frivolous motions, or showing up unprepared, the judge likely already has an opinion about you before you even open your mouth.

On the other hand, if you’re an attorney who is consistently professional, respectful, and efficient, you’ll earn credibility over time. 

They appreciate lawyers who don’t waste their time, follow courtroom procedures, and advocate effectively without unnecessary drama. 

And let’s be real—if a judge knows you as someone who always comes prepared and plays fair, you might just find they give you the benefit of the doubt when it really matters.

2. Preparation is Everything

Nothing frustrates a judge more than an attorney who isn’t prepared. If you’re fumbling through your case files, stumbling over legal points, or looking for a case citation in the middle of a hearing, trust me—the judge notices. They respect lawyers who come into the courtroom with everything organized and ready to go.

Showing up unprepared doesn’t just hurt your credibility; it wastes the court’s time, and that’s something no judge has much tolerance for. 

Judges appreciate attorneys who’ve done their homework—knowing the facts of the case, the relevant laws, and the legal arguments inside and out.

And it's not just about knowing the facts, either. It’s about anticipating potential issues and being ready with a solution or response. They will notice if you're proactive in preparing for all aspects of your case, from evidence to witnesses to potential objections. 

It’s this level of preparedness that shows you're not just showing up to “wing it” but that you take the job seriously and respect the court’s time

3. Civility Matters—A Lot

Think a little snark towards opposing counsel makes you look tough? It doesn’t. 

Judges don’t have patience for unnecessary drama or hostility. 

Professionalism goes a long way in earning judicial respect. The best attorneys are the ones who can argue aggressively without being disrespectful. 

In fact, they appreciate attorneys who stay calm and composed, even when things get heated. If you can challenge opposing counsel’s arguments without turning it personal, it shows maturity and professionalism. 

Remember, you can get more with honey, than you do with vinegar.

4. Judges Notice How You Treat Your Staff

This is something many lawyers overlook—how you treat your paralegal, legal assistant, or clerks matters. 

Judges know that the way you treat those who work for you speaks volumes about your character.

When you're respectful and appreciative of your team, it shows you value the support they provide, and that they are part of your success.

A well-oiled machine runs smoothly—and if you treat your staff with kindness and professionalism, it builds a positive reputation.

arecourt will respect you—and that can make all the difference in your case. So, be concise, stay on track, and keep it moving.

So, How Would You Judge Yourself?

If you're ever wonderingwhat a judge really thinks about you, just pretend you're sitting in the judge’s chair, watching yourself in action, what would you think? 

Would you respect the way you conduct yourself? Would you be impressed with your preparation and professionalism? Or would you be rolling your eyes, dreading your next case?

Judges hold a lot of power over your cases, but their perception of you as an attorney is within your control. 

Be the lawyer who commands respect—not through intimidation or theatrics, but through skill, preparation, and professionalism.

So, next time you step into a courtroom, ask yourself—if the judge were writing a review of you, what would it say? And more importantly, what are you going to do about it?