Check Out the Judge

Check Out the Judge

Research the judge assigned to your case before you walk into the courtroom.

Why It Matters

Knowing your judge's track record, tendencies, and reputation can make a real difference in how you prepare your case. Some judges are strict on procedure, some are more lenient. Some are known to favor landlords, others are more balanced. The more you know, the better you can prepare.

The Robing Room

The Robing Room is a free, independent website where lawyers, litigants, and the public rate and review judges across the country. You can look up any California judge and read what others have experienced in their courtroom.

The site includes ratings on categories like temperament, knowledge of the law, fairness, and punctuality. It's not perfect — some judges have more reviews than others — but it's the best free resource available.

Visit The Robing Room — California Judges →

Tips for Using This Tool

When you get your court date, look at the paperwork for the department number or the judge's name. Then search for them on The Robing Room. Pay special attention to reviews from people in similar cases — other tenants facing eviction, for example. Take the reviews with a grain of salt, but use them to set your expectations and adjust your strategy.