Hon. Vanessa Gilmore See Rating Details
District Judge See Comments
S.D.Tex.  
Average Rating:3.2 - 45 rating(s)
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Ratings
*Temperament:   (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
*Scholarship:   (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
*Industriousness:   (1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
*Ability to Handle Complex Litigation:    (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
*Punctuality:    (1=Chronic`y Late,10=Always on Time)
*Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation:    (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
*Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation:   (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Flexibility In Scheduling   (1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)
General Inclination Regarding Bail (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases, Pre-Trial:   (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Civil Settlement Discussions:   (1=Least Involved,10=Most Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases, Trial:    (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases, Sentencing:    (1=Most Lenient,10=Most Harsh)
Typical Discount Off Guidelines for Cooperators:    (1=10%,10=100%)
  Items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating
Comments


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What others have said about Hon. Vanessa Gilmore


Comments


Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 34235
Rating:1.0
Comments:
The judge's procedures deny due process. The judge requires a hearing before allowing the parties to file motion to compel. At that hearing, however, the judge will cut lawyers off and rule without listening to any authority. Thus, the parties are denied the opportunity to present arguments and authorities on the issue.

Send e-mail to this poster 9/17/2021 2:29:30 PM

Other

Comment #: 32784
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Worse judge ever....seems like she takes pleasure in destroying people life. Anyone who abuse their authority trying to convince people that they are God, has got to be extremely miserable and vey lonely. She is a straight up NUT....She and others like her have a lot of blood on their hands. They act and believe that they are God). They think they are untouchable, above the law, but one day they will come face to face with GOD. the righteous judge and be judged by him.

Send e-mail to this poster 8/29/2019 3:08:11 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 32651
Rating:10.0
Comments:
She is a red neck and rules as such.

Send e-mail to this poster 6/6/2019 1:55:40 AM

Litigant

Comment #: 32334
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Awaits 5th circuits decision on Judicial Conduct Complaint

Send e-mail to this poster 4/19/2019 8:23:47 AM

Other

Comment #: 28894
Rating:1.0
Comments:
This women right here is straight out of a reality tv show, she shows no remorse for anyone that stands before her. Her attitude is terrible she lashes out at the lawyers. I have been in many court side audiences where she is up on that stand. She does not deserve her role as a judge. Judges serve justice, judge Gilmore is the total opposite. She bases her judgments by how her day is going. If she is having a bad day she will probably sentence you to life.

Send e-mail to this poster 11/13/2018 6:19:57 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 28893
Rating:1.0
Comments:
This judge did not do her job. She often laugh at people pain and disregard for defendants family ties. We came in to testify of a defendant that repented for the sins he had committed. She didn't even want to know who we are or hear our side of the stories. We even had priest from our catholic church that want to testified, but no she ready to go home. There were time I went to see her give sentencing to feel herbout she would sentence people that are the same color as her very low (black), but any other race she would throw the book at them. This defendant had zero criminal history and quit close to a year ahead of time before he was arrested. Started a family and the fed came to arrested him at his home while his wife is pregnant. He also had parents that are sick he was taken care of. The defendant sold 1 ounce of meth a few times and they charged him the same thing over and over. Not a violent offender and a middle man gets 10 years minimum while she free her own black ppl that rob, steals and hurt others for less years. Not Including a level 3 or 4 criminal. She didn't care about what the lawyer have to say. She didn't even read non of the letters sent in by family members and even priest and organizationsm She just want to lock people up because it's taking time off her day. I do not know why Clinton gave her this job. Maybe at the beginning she actually did her job to put up an act. Now it is something for the hell of it to pay the bills. A judge suppose to have empathy and sympathy. a judge and see all side of the stories and find solutions to help the defendant not commit a crime again and give them a sentence that fits them. Smh worst judge I have ever seen, please get a new judge if u get her.!!!!

Send e-mail to this poster 11/13/2018 6:06:18 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 23951
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I'm sorry. In Texas we were raised to say "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am" when addressing a person in authority and acting like a petulant child and as if you were insulted for being called "ma'am" is unprofessional. Her performance on the bench seemed more like an episode of Jerry Springer than the dignity expected of a district court judge. She was abusive, extremely sarcastic (to both lawyers- not just me) and tremendously disrespectful. Very disgraceful. Wow. Just wow.

Send e-mail to this poster 10/28/2016 4:51:48 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22764
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Abusive, unprepared, arrogant, sarcastic, rude. Completely lacking in judicial temperament. Unwilling to listen to argument. Refuses to allow motion practice in connection with discovery issues. When she does not understand, which is often, her reaction is to abuse counsel. Her appointment was clearly a huge mistake.

Send e-mail to this poster 5/12/2015 12:29:31 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 22328
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
She should not only be reversed on every case, but deserves judicial impeachment...... You fellow judges should get your act together.

Send e-mail to this poster 1/26/2015 8:09:53 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22267
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Ignorance is very expensive, plus takes sides, prejudges, disrespectful and and therefore, destructive to the U.S. Justice system. Her appointment was a mistake.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/26/2014 8:00:38 AM

Litigant

Comment #: 22253
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I guess honorable Gilmore is on vacation. No new theatrical events reported. Merry Christmas.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/17/2014 9:22:19 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22237
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Comment 22235 looks like she is commenting her self or one of the lawyers who got a favorable treatment or a ruling when no other judge will even consider. We all feel sorry for the hurry and the opposing party.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/10/2014 6:31:55 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22235
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I recently conducted a jury trial before Judge Gilmore. I had heard a lot of very bad things about her. I was pleasantly surprised. In my case at least, she was very up on the facts, and was paying attention even when appeared to be doing other work.

I will tell you that she does not suffer fools lightly. If you can tell that she believes she is right, you may as well move on, and it will go a long if you apologize when you do so. And DO NOT call her ma'am unless you want your head yanked off your neck in front of the jury.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/10/2014 11:50:47 AM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22230
Rating:2.0
Comments:
Worst judge I have ever observed preside over a jury trial. She makes a mockery of the judicial system, and seems to enjoy it. Embarasses lawyers and witnesses with accusations, jokes and other tirades; frequently interrupts direct and cross examination; engages in loud, long-winded conversations with her clerk during testimony; selectively ignores the rules of evidence. Simply awful.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/8/2014 1:03:54 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22224
Rating:2.0
Comments:
Judge Gilmore is biased, temperamental, and unfair. She takes pleasure in yelling at lawyers and making them feel uncomfortable. She is an unfortunate representation of the Southern District of Texas.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/6/2014 10:01:29 PM

Other

Comment #: 22213
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
For whatever reason she allowed a foreign company to default on several contracts and swindle my employer out of millions forcing the management to settle or leave us out of a job. She makes a better judge in China.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/4/2014 9:04:22 PM

Other

Comment #: 22211
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
For whatever reason she allowed a foreign company to default on several contracts and swindle my employer out of millions forcing the management to settle or leave us out of a job. She makes a better judge in China.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/4/2014 8:58:55 PM

Other

Comment #: 22209
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Cannot help but like her and her theatrical court. She needs to have her own talk show and leave the Judging profession to realistic, logical, and impartial people

Send e-mail to this poster 12/4/2014 8:26:52 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 22207
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Never been in front of a worst judge. Ignores evidence and diverts the course of justice and disrespectful to lawyers and witnesses.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/4/2014 8:11:47 AM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 22206
Rating:1.5
Comments:
I am sure she means well but cannot overcome her emotions. She gets personally involved instead being nutral and therefore, becomes incapable of judging. She chooses the wrong football team and she makes them win.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/3/2014 6:33:27 PM

Litigant

Comment #: 22203
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
allowed a U.S. Rival company to commit purjejury and deceptive trade against a U.S. Company and blocked the U.S. Company from introducing evidence and defend it self in an essential and strategic commodity case needed for Economic survival. Titled the balance unjustly which may result in the U.S. Company closing and adding to the unemployment line and damaging the economy

Send e-mail to this poster 12/3/2014 6:47:42 AM

Litigant

Comment #: 22202
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
No respect to the law or the rules of evidence. I pray for anyone who has to deal with her. There are judges who do things right and some who do things. She does them distructivly. May God help her and her family.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/3/2014 5:07:58 AM

Other

Comment #: 22200
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Judge Vanessa is smart but emotional and decides the case before hearing the facts, than directs the case even if she has to opress the evidence in order to have the outcome she has predecided. Judges shall be nutral and wait until all the evidences are presented and not take sides.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/3/2014 12:10:15 AM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 19299
Rating:8.0
Comments:
Good judge. Willing to call a strike a strike. She is not beholden to the government and will make independent rulings. Does not suffer fools lightly. Be prepared in her court and do not call her "Mam".

Send e-mail to this poster 1/5/2013 8:08:44 AM

Other

Comment #: 11706
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Judge Gilmore is the worst judge I have ever sat in front of. I am a civil defendent in a product liability case. We won at trial but with no help from Gilmore. She does not deserve to wear the robe. She does not follow federal rules of civil procedure, has limited understanding of her cases because of her supreme lack of preperation. She has a very short temper. Don't even bring up Daubert - she will not grant your motion because she lacks the fundamental knowledge in understanding it.

Send e-mail to this poster 11/11/2010 1:14:42 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 11669
Rating:1.2
Comments:
Judge Gilmore granted a summary judgment on arguments so frivolous that most federal judges would have sanctioned a lawyer for even making them--and it took her over a year to rule. One of the worst judges I have ever been before, and that is saying a lot.

Send e-mail to this poster 11/4/2010 2:47:33 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 10221
Rating:9.8
Comments:
I represent Plaintiffs in sometimes large FLSA collective action cases. On more than one occasion, Judge Gilmore has taken approximately 1 - 2 hours of her time to participate and assist at the class certification hearing. On one of these occasions, she seemed to have a cold, but that did not slow her down. Her willingness to take this much time for the case speaks volumes about how much she cares of about the parties and the cases in front of her. Also a very knowledgable Federal Judge.

Send e-mail to this poster 5/19/2010 8:08:56 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 9504
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Fails to follow rules of civil procedure which results in unfairness. Also fails to follow the law. Encourages ex parte communication. Very authoritarian and egotistical. Best to settle or go to arbitration if you end up in her court. Very unfair judge.

Send e-mail to this poster 11/21/2009 8:10:56 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 8570
Rating:2.2
Comments:
Not one of our best. I have a sense that she is at heart a self-promoter, no real sense of justice. Disappointing.

Send e-mail to this poster 4/21/2009 10:55:14 AM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 8311
Rating:4.5
Comments:
One of my least favorite judges. She made rulings that I could not believe. I have been in many courtrooms, and she has to be at the very bottom of the ladder. I was sorely disappointed.

Send e-mail to this poster 3/3/2009 1:11:54 PM

Other

Comment #: 7617
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Gilmore is best described as a compassionate authoritarian (achieving such a balance is rare). She is also a renaissance woman: an author, a mother, and a mentor to young people. Her outlook is too broad for the judiciary and her personality is too creative for the government. She should have her own talk show. To all you detractors out there - stop drinking haterade!

Send e-mail to this poster 12/15/2008 3:23:52 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 7517
Rating:9.2
Comments:
I have a high opinion of Judge Gilmore. She responded well when she was shown due and appropriate deference. I can see how others would not like her style, though no one can really accuse her of being unfit for the bench. I like the fact that she has written a children's book for the kids of incarcerated parents.

Send e-mail to this poster 12/2/2008 1:45:56 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 7380
Rating:1.3
Comments:
If anyone rated Judge Gilmore higher than a two, we know she must be posting her own evaluations. Just check the Houston bar polls. She's the worst -- maybe the worst in the country.

Send e-mail to this poster 11/7/2008 1:24:12 AM

Other

Comment #: 6416
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Horrific judge. She is arrogant, incompetent, abusive, petty – and those are her good points. This embarrassment to the judiciary should never have been appointed to the bench. She treats everyone with equal disdain. Judge Gilmore is, quite simply, an embarrassment. Unfortunately, she will be an embarrassment “for life” as a judge.

Send e-mail to this poster 6/27/2008 9:38:53 AM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 6286
Rating:1.4
Comments:
Her ignorance of basic issues of law would be bad enough, but her arrogance and abusiveness toward all parties makes her unbearable. I had heard about her awful reputation, and I've seen it for myself. Truly an embarrassment to the judiciary.

Send e-mail to this poster 6/5/2008 5:25:18 PM

Other

Comment #: 6200
Rating:8.0
Comments:
Has a thorough understanding of the law and takes the time to address all issues raised by the lawyers. Is respectful and considerate of others' time. Addresses criminal defendants with candor and respect.

Send e-mail to this poster 5/23/2008 11:13:37 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 5042
Rating:8.6
Comments:
Judge Gilmore came to the hearings in a complex patent case fully prepped and ready to address the issues. She stayed focused on substance and disregarded theatrics. Though the Markman ruling was slow in issuing, it was well reasoned and very even-handed. Judge Gilmore would be my preferred judge for any future patent litigation.

Send e-mail to this poster 10/11/2007 5:09:43 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 4844
Rating:1.3
Comments:
She should have never been appointed. Truly one of the worst judges I've ever been before. If you have a case down there, regardless of the merits or what side of the bar you are on, nonsuit it immediately! She doesn't reward competence or skill, because she is so inept that she doesn't recognize them. The only thing consistent about her is that she is unpredictable and inconsistent. She is a very bad judge who shouldn't be in the business of judging.

Send e-mail to this poster 9/18/2007 11:30:10 AM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 4813
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Judge Gilmore is not a role model. Before anyone accuses me of racism or sexism, I myself am an African-American and a woman. I echo the comments of most regarding her poor judicial demeanor and general lack of respect for the system.

Send e-mail to this poster 9/16/2007 11:32:25 AM

Other

Comment #: 4098
Rating:8.0
Comments:
Excellent judge. Takes a non-traditional approach that is refreshng! A prodigy and role model to women, young legal professionals and African Americans.

Send e-mail to this poster 5/13/2007 6:00:43 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 3702
Rating:1.8
Comments:
Judge Gilmore does not possess nor does she appear to aspire to the qualities of a minimally acceptable judge. She is routinely belittling, arrogant and impatient with counsel both in front of and outside the presence of the jury. I have seen her be rude and impatient to witnesses (again, in front of the jury). Her temperament usually varies from one of only two modes: angry and not paying attention. And when she is not paying attention, her lack of interest is obvious. She can appear annoyed and disinterested when lawyers make objections. Her shortcomings are more than a mere inconvenience for the lawyers with cases before her. Her poor temperament and questionable reasoning skills can negatively affect outcomes.

Send e-mail to this poster 2/13/2007 2:17:30 PM

Prosecutor

Comment #: 3557
Rating:1.7
Comments:
She has a horrible judicial demeanor. She frequently, and without foundation, accuses both prosecutors and defense lawyers of bad faith. She routinely receives the lowest score in the Houston Bar judicial polls. She takes an unduly long time to provide a written opinion on a legal issue, and the reasoning is usually very confusing.

Send e-mail to this poster 1/19/2007 6:14:41 PM

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: 2941
Rating:3.3
Comments:
Arrogant and harsh...has a tendency to request and consider ex parte communication...simply a bad judge

Send e-mail to this poster 11/6/2006 5:17:18 PM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: 1516
Rating:3.9
Comments:
Very arrogant; gets petulant on being reversed.

Send e-mail to this poster 6/29/2006 6:35:27 AM