Comment #: NY13744
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I am astonished by the accuracy of previous comments regarding this judge. I attended court for a small claims case against the city where the court clerk suggested that both myself and the city attorney attempt to reach a settlement outside. I welcomed this suggestion, especially considering it was an unpaid wages case in small claims. However, the city attorney, despite being sent as representation, had no authority to act on behalf of the city and needed to consult with their supervisor. Furthermore, the opposing counsel for the city appeared before the judge unprepared, lacking knowledge of the case and basic New York law, and failed to bring any documents to court. The judge rightfully criticized this lack of preparation. Despite these glaring issues, the judge refused to hear the case and introduced a technicality that had no basis in the complaint, defense, or New York law. Essentially, the judge manufactured a reason to avoid hearing the case altogether, despite my attempts to explain that his reasoning was unfounded and that the court was the appropriate venue. Instead of addressing these concerns, he persisted in denying the case and issued a postponement (which apparently he does all the time with other cases "lazy".)

Experiences like this truly shake one's faith in the judicial process. It's worth noting that the judge listed on my court paperwork four months prior was not the one presiding over my case, indicating disorganization within the court system, arbitrators were also not available. Additionally, the judge's reliance on his court attorney whispering in his ear and typing on his computer throughout the proceedings struck me as highly unprofessional. As someone who doesn't live in NYC, I incurred significant travel expenses for trains, etc., and wasted an entire day due to the judge's "in-actions." I intend to file a formal complaint with the New York Commission of Judicial Conduct, as I believe the judge's actions, or lack thereof, were oppressive and contrary to the principles the American justice system is meant to uphold.

Comment #: NY13082
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I appeared in the pre-trial part 5 times and finally got an assignment to a judge for trial. I had my witness present as did my adversary. We were both ready to go given that we had conferenced the case numerous times. We were assigned to Judge Padilla. He asked to look at the complaint. The allegations in the complaint were plead in general terms. Our discovery specified the claims and the proof. Padilla insisted we could not go forward the plaintiff would have to make a motion to amend his complaint. I argued that I should be able to present my case and if necessary move to conform the pleadings to the proof. I don't think he knew what the meant. He sent us all home. It was clear to me he is lazy and had no intention of conducting a trial that day. It would have taken a few hours at most. He's a horrible judge who refuses to make an effort. I was disgusted.

Comment #: NY11659
Rating:1.7
Comments:
This Judge should not be on the bench. The amount of his cases that have been overturned on appeal alone is shocking. He seeks to dismiss any case that comes before him even if that entails overturning the judgment of prior judges (despite lack of authority to do so). His court attorney sits beside him on the bench and essentially decides all of the cases. His court attorney is inexperienced in the civil court but insists on directing the judges hand, and he allows her to do so. Countless time I have appeared before this judge and he has attempted to point out issues in the case that are not issues at all and he has also made arguments on behalf of the opposing side when the attorney has not done so (likewise without authority). It is cringeworthy to watch this judge while he sits in judgment as an off the record demigod of the civil court. The court needs to ensure a stenographer is present at his hearings otherwise the appeals will continue to grow.

Comment #: NY9515
Rating:2.0
Comments:
Lousy judge.

Comment #: NY9117
Rating:10.0
Comments:
The Judge listened. He was professional and understanding which was helpful to me in going forward with a proceeding - even though it was postponed twice. Thank you. Elizabeth RN

Comment #: NY5748
Rating:10.0
Comments:
during my visit, I observed Judge Padilla during a proceeding and not only did I learn a great deal but his professionalism was remarkable.

Comment #: NY5722
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Avoids substantive issues, and tries to create non-existent, technical issues just to show his own "scholarliness". Absurd, ill-thought decisions, no concept of "fairness" or justice.

Comment #: NY5353
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
CLANG!! Another case gets "shit canned" because this lazy bastard doesn't want to do the work of hearing a triali and making a decision.....

Comment #: NY2398
Rating:1.0
Comments:
This judge is unprofessional and has obvious anti-gay bias as well as bias against indigent people. Very troubling behavior. I once read an opinion by a judge who disqualified himself in a case because he admitted to anti-gay beliefs and therefore could not be neutral. I have more respect for such a jurist than for those who harbor anti-gay sentiment but remain on the case.