Image credit: David Spink

Judge

Superior Court

Superior Court Administrative Office
Three Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 788-8130

Judicial Biography

Born:

May 7, 1953, Dallas, Texas

Year admitted to bar:

1982

Year appointed/elected:

2001, by Gov. Jane M. Swift

Bench Service:

Superior Court, 2001-
Waltham District Court , 1995-2001

Background

Education:

Harvard Law School, 1982
Stanford University, 1975

Participation as a Faculty Member or Lecturer:

Instructor, Boston University School of Law (1989-1993, 2007-2009)
Instructor, Harvard Law School (1984).

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Presiding Justice, Waltham District Court (1995-2001);
Presiding Justice, Concord District Court (2000-2001);
Partner and Associate; Zalkind, Rodriguez, Lunt & Duncan (1990-1995);
Associate, Hill & Barlow (1984-1989);
Law clerk, U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Keeton (1983);
Law clerk, U.S. District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel (1982-1983).

Civic and Community Activities

Appointive or Elective Positions Held:

Member and chairwoman, Smithville Housing Authority (1986-1989).

Memberships/Affiliations:

Boston Bar Association;
Massachusetts Bar Association.

Reported Decisions
Other Links

Opinions Summarized in Lawyers Weekly

Decisions Reviewed on Appeal

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:	2.8	3.2	3.0
Is receptive to requests for continuances:	1.5	2.9	2.9
Is receptive to lawyers’ requests for jury instructions and voir dire questions:	3.0	3.2	3.1
Presents easy-to-follow and legally sound instructions to jury:	2.5	3.3	3.2
Gives lawyers an opportunity to be heard prior to making legal findings and rulings:	2.3	3.2	3.1
Explains decisions in a manner that is clear to litigants and jurors:	1.0	3.2	3.0
Addresses the following with respect
a) litigants and witnesses:	2.5	3.4	3.2
b) lawyers:	1.8	3.2	3.0
c) court staff:	1.0	3.6	3.5
Attentiveness:	2.0	3.4	3.2
Timeliness of orders, judgments and decisions:	2.3	3.2	3.2
Demonstrates knowledge of substantive law and rules of evidence:	2.0	3.0	3.0
Quality of written decisions:	1.5	2.8	2.9
Shows willingness to ignore
a) irrelevant considerations:	2.0	3.0	2.9
c) identity of lawyers or parties:	2.3	3.3	3.0
d) public pressure or outside interests:	2.0	3.4	3.2
Has ability to maintain control of courtroom:	2.2	3.5	3.4
Starts session on schedule and on time:	2.8	3.4	3.2
Shows an appropriate degree of preparedness:	2.2	3.2	3.1
Average Overall Rating:	2.1	3.2	3.1

	% Yes Answer	averages for judges of this court	averages of all judges
Regularly keeps sessions past 4 p.m.:	0	23	26
Allows lawyers to lobby their cases in chambers:	0	47	47
Is rigid follower of court-mandated time standards:	100	39	45
Behaves differently when cameras are in the courtroom:	100	21	24

Comments

1) I would advise against appearing before this judge on any matter that is remotely complex.

2) Judge Sanders does not take the time to carefully review the briefs and supporting caselaw before coming to a decision. She often has her mind made up before she has even read the motions or the controlling law.

She is also insecure when challenged by the lawyers on the actual holdings of cases or the rules of civil procedure.

Judicial Profiles

Sanders, Janet L.