Judicial Biography

Born:

Jan. 18, 1955, Boston

Year admitted to bar:

1985

Year appointed/elected:

1996, by Gov. William F. Weld

Bench Service:

Suffolk University Law School, 1984
Boston University, 1981

Professional

Legal Employment History:

General counsel, Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs (1995-1996);
Partner, Merrick & Louison (1987-1995);
Commissioner, Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (1993-1994);
Assistant corporation counsel, City of Boston (1984-1987).

Civic and Community Activities

Memberships/Affiliations:

Massachusetts Bar Association;
Essex County Bar Association.

Reported Decisions
Other Links

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	3.2	3.0
Is receptive to requests for continuances:	4.0	2.9	2.9
Is receptive to lawyers’ requests for jury instructions and voir dire questions:	4.0	3.2	3.1
Presents easy-to-follow and legally sound instructions to jury:	3.5	3.3	3.2
Gives lawyers an opportunity to be heard prior to making legal findings and rulings:	3.5	3.2	3.1
Explains decisions in a manner that is clear to litigants and jurors:	4.0	3.2	3.0
Addresses the following with respect
a) litigants and witnesses:	4.0	3.4	3.2
b) lawyers:	4.0	3.2	3.0
c) court staff:	4.0	3.6	3.5
Attentiveness:	4.0	3.4	3.2
Timeliness of orders, judgments and decisions:	4.0	3.2	3.2
Demonstrates knowledge of substantive law and rules of evidence:	3.5	3.0	3.0
Quality of written decisions:	4.0	2.8	2.9
Shows willingness to ignore
a) irrelevant considerations:	4.0	3.0	2.9
c) identity of lawyers or parties:	4.0	3.3	3.0
d) public pressure or outside interests:	0.0	3.4	3.2
Has ability to maintain control of courtroom:	4.0	3.5	3.4
Starts session on schedule and on time:	4.0	3.4	3.2
Shows an appropriate degree of preparedness:	4.0	3.2	3.1
Average Overall Rating:	3.7	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:	50	47	47
Is rigid follower of court-mandated time standards:	0	39	45
Behaves differently when cameras are in the courtroom:	0	21	24

Comments

1) Be prepared and ready to go. Keep your witness testimony concise and to the point.

2) Judge Holtz moves the trial along in a swift fashion. She is fair, open minded and extremely good in speaking with the Jury. She is open to allowing the litigants to try their cases and is fair to both sides. Excellent trial Judge.

3) Know the law.
Draft concise motions
be professional at all times
Cant misrepresent the facts
Educate this judge, who is receptive to this, if she is not too familiar with the area.

4) Judge Holtz demonstrated excellent rapport with the jury. She was cognizant of the legal issues in a complex civil case involving partnership issues.

Ive been before her both at trial and in motion sessions She allows lattitude and generally made correct rulings. A pleasure to try in front of her.

Judicial Profiles

Staffier Holtz, Nancy (retired)