Some judges are exceedingly difficult. Judge Lynn Hughes in Houston seems to consistently press folks’ buttons. Most recently, he has barred a female Assistant U.S. Attorney from his court. Tina Ansari has appeared in Judge Hughes’ court twice in the past few weeks. She was excused from the court by Judge Hughes both times right after she announced her name for the court reporter. Meaning right after saying hello, the judge told her to leave. The U.S. Attorney himself then appeared before Judge Hughes and insisted he must assign prosecutors, not the Judge. The Judge then insisted he had been slighted in an appeal regarding Judge Hughes a few years ago.

A few years ago, the U.S. Attorney appealed a ruling by the Judge and mentioned his remarks about women. In those remarks, the Judge had apparently said in the old days, they did not allow “girls” to practice law in the courtroom. His remark could have been interpreted in a couple of different ways. In any event, Judge Hughes took offense at how his remark was mentioned by the US Attorney’s Office. See Houston Chronicle report here.

These issues seem to follow Judge Hughes. Litigation is difficult enough. To be fair, in every lawsuit, we work with people. And, the judge is human, after all. … Judge Hughes, it seems, is more human than many of his peers.