Richard B. Wolfe, LASC Dept. Q Van Nuys

[The Underdog]

I really like Judge Wolfe and his clerk. They make a great team. Very professional and practical. Wolfe provides a very detail and through written tenative ruling for most hearings. I don't recall ever seeing him issue sanctions. I've never heard a bad thing comment about him from counsel in his court. Maybe I'll check the CAA list, but for several years that I've been in and out of his courtroom he's been a real straight shooting fair judge.

What I like most about him is his easy going, gregarious and fatherly demeanor. I don't remember any exact quotes, but he says things along the lines of "there are more important things to fight over then this", "go work this out like gentlemen".

He really pushes Court Call. At first I thought he may have a financial interest in it, but he really does it to make it easier on counsel. He will let you set up the court call even a few days before your hearing. His clerk will fax to you the written tenative ruling so make sure you are near a fax.

His rulings are fair and accurate, he is respectful. He Clerk is a great guy, a little sarcastic, but very knowledgeable. I think Wolfe will make a great ADR arbitrator when he retires. He is able to gain your cleint's (and counsel's) respect as well as to grasp the concepts very well.

I still don't know why I like this guy so much, but he is fabulous! And I'm not a relative nor have I been paid for an endorsement!

[The Underdog]

Judge Wolfe passed away in August 2010. He and his clerk were the best. Trials are fair, easy, and he clearly knew right from wrong.
http://www.metnews.com/articles/2010/wolf083110.htm