Home / Inactive judges / Cordy, Robert J. (retired)

Cordy, Robert J. (retired)

Cordy

Image credit: Vin Catania

Justice

Supreme Judicial Court

Adams Courthouse
Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 557-1000


Judicial Biography

Born:

1949

Year admitted to bar:

1974

Year appointed/elected:

2001, by Gov. A. Paul Cellucci

Background

Education:

Harvard Law School, 1974
Dartmouth College, 1971

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Partner, McDermott, Will & Emery (1993-2001); Lecturer, Harvard Law School (1987-2000).
Chief legal counsel, Gov. William F. Weld (1991-1993);
Partner, Burns & Levinson (1987-1991); Lecturer, Harvard Law School (1987-2000);
Assistant U.S. attorney, Public Corruption Unit (1982-1987);
Associate general counsel, State Ethics Commission (1979-1982);
Department of Revenue (1978-1979);
Public defender, Massachusetts Defenders Committee (1974-1978).

  • Reported Decisions
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Evaluations from Lawyers

4 = Excellent   3 = Good   2 = Fair   1 = Poor
  rating averages for judges of this court averages of all judges
Manages court time in a way that minimizes waiting around: 4.0 3.6 3.0
Is receptive to requests for continuances: 0.0 3.3 2.9
Is receptive to lawyers’ requests for jury instructions and voir dire questions: 0.0 3.5 3.1
Presents easy-to-follow and legally sound instructions to jury: 0.0 2.7 3.2
Gives lawyers an opportunity to be heard prior to making legal findings and rulings: 4.0 2.9 3.1
Explains decisions in a manner that is clear to litigants and jurors: 4.0 2.9 3.0
Addresses the following with respect      
a) litigants and witnesses: 4.0 3.5 3.2
b) lawyers: 4.0 3.4 3.0
c) court staff: 4.0 3.6 3.5
Attentiveness: 4.0 3.0 3.2
Timeliness of orders, judgments and decisions: 4.0 3.7 3.2
Demonstrates knowledge of substantive law and rules of evidence: 4.0 3.5 3.0
Quality of written decisions: 4.0 2.8 2.9
Shows willingness to ignore      
a) irrelevant considerations: 4.0 2.4 2.9
c) identity of lawyers or parties: 4.0 3.3 3.0
d) public pressure or outside interests: 4.0 2.3 3.2
Has ability to maintain control of courtroom: 4.0 3.5 3.4
Starts session on schedule and on time: 4.0 3.6 3.2
Shows an appropriate degree of preparedness: 4.0 3.1 3.1
Average Overall Rating: 3.4 3.2 3.1

 

  % Yes Answer averages for judges of this court averages of all judges
Regularly keeps sessions past 4 p.m.: 0 14 26
Allows lawyers to lobby their cases in chambers: 0 29 47
Is rigid follower of court-mandated time standards: 0 22 45
Behaves differently when cameras are in the courtroom: 0 0 24

 



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