Hon. Dennis J. Curran See Rating Details
Superior Court Judge
Superior Court
Middlesex County
Woburn
See Comments

Attorney Average Rating:   8.0 - 18 rating(s)
Non-Attorney Average Rating:   8.0 - 21 rating(s)
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General Rating Criteria

* 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=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters (1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge (1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling (1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)


Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions (1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)


Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation (1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions (1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination (1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)
Comments


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What others have said about Hon. Dennis J. Curran


Comments


Other

Comment #: MA404
Rating:8.0
Comments:
Very kind man. Enjoyed meeting and working with him. I can not imagine how you would perceive him as unfit. He is a judge beyond his years. He is trying to be a solution to problems that rid our court systems.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA282
Rating:1.0
Comments:
It is difficult to believe that Judge Curran has elicted any favorable comments from members of the bar. In my opinion, he is simply the worst judge ever to sit on the bench in this Commonwealth. He lacks judicial temperament, intellect, is insecure and, overall, is a disgrace to the judiciary.

Other

Comment #: MA277
Rating:10.0
Comments:
I served on a 4-day civil trial that involved a sad and difficult family case. Emotions ran high in the courtroom, but Judge Curran ensured that justice was served for all parties and that the jury was well prepared and continually informed about points of law. In the end we delivered a "sophisticated" verdict. He also expressed his appreciation to the jury for our personal time - personally thanking us. He treated us with the utmost respect and I would serve on his jury again.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA273
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I've been doing my own informal survey over the past four months in both the criminal and civil bar regarding Judge Curran and the Judge Curran haters seem to be a decided minority. Very unscientific methodology but informative none the less.

Other

Comment #: MA270
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I as a juror was very happy to have served and would do it again.And thought the judge was very nice to all of us and explaned things as they needed to be addressed.Thank You

Other

Comment #: MA263
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Curran ran the trial very well. We had a difficult civil case and at times we had questions for Judge Curran. He was able to explain things impartially and also clearly so that we could understand. Judge Curran clearly loves the law! I also found his staff very respectful of us all. It was apparent that they loved him and had a great relationship with him. It was a great experience!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA251
Rating:7.2
Comments:
This is one minority attorney who does not agree with them.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA245
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
MA-212 makes his point succintly and has the ring of truth in what he says.

Other

Comment #: MA243
Rating:10.0
Comments:
I SAT ON A JURY THIS PAST WINTER IN JUDGE CURRANS COURT ROOM. HE AND HIS STAFF WERE NOTHING BUT PROFESSIONAL TO THE DEFENSE, PROSECUTION, AND JURY. HE MADE ALL OF THE JURORS FEEL PROUD FOR SERVING ON HIS JURY.HE SPENT TIME AFTER THE CASE WAS RESOLVED AND LET ALL THE JURORS VOICE OPINIONS,AND ANSWERED ANY QUESTIONS THEY HAD.WE WALKED AWAY FEELING WE HAD DONE OUR CIVIC DUTY, AND THAT IT WES APPRECIATED. I WOULD BE HAPPY SERVE ON A JURY AGAIN IN HIS COURT ROOM

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA242
Rating:7.8
Comments:
I am an Hispanic attorney who has practiced for many years, typically in the district court but with significant superior court trial work. I have been in front of Judge Curran numerous times, although mainly in the district court. I never found him to act in what I thought was a bigoted or racial way towards anyone who came before him, including my clients. I did find him to be a "hard ass" judge with a definite bias towards the prosecution and he often was short tempered with everyone. But I would never accuse him of being a racist or a bigot. Unfortunately those words have been tossed around so casually these days by we minority attorneys to describe anyone we have a problem with that they have lost a lot of their meaning and impact. Its a shame given what those who came before us had to overcome to get us where we are today.

Other

Comment #: MA241
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Very helpful and informative, yet conveyed as sense of calm.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA225
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
With respect to the removed comments; the website administrator removed them after determining that they bordered on actionable defamation.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA224
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Good morning all - TO MA223 and everyone I will gladly share what I have on Judge Curran

To the person who called me last night, sorry I couldnt answer your call please try again

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA217
Rating:9.8
Comments:
MA 213. You must think we are all idiots. It is clear from your posting that you are not a Superior Court clerk. You are the same guy who wrote 174, 188, 203 and 212. I was a Superior Court law clerk and have practiced in every civil session in this Commonwealth for over 25 years. I have gotten to know just about every civil session clerk and know them to be dedicated professionals who would never stoop as low as you like to think they would and make libelous comments about a sitting judge. You, and MA212 (if that is a separate person, which I don't believe) are also bigots for implying that the white litigants who appear in Judge Curran's courtroom are not similarly talented and capable of making presuasive argument. Every attorney I have come across in my years, black or white, male or female, with the possible exception of you, has been thoroughly professional and has earned my respect and I am sure Judge Curran, like every other judge on the bench, feels the same way. He is no racist.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA214
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
No MA211, you are the joke, you and MA208. Your pathetic, juvenile and defamatory philippics against Judge Curran have proven it time and again. Judge Curran is not posting about himself, despite what your minute, misinformed brain believes. Many of these posting have been by me, nfinnell@comcast.net, which you would have known if you had had the guts to contact me as one other individual who has posted on this site has had the courage to do. From discussions in the local legal community, I know of others who respect Judge Curran who have also posted on this site. I must add that we have also discussed you. I say "you" as we are all convinced that since you refuse to come out identify yourself, all these ravings, given their similarity of style and substance, must be the exertions of one individual; one solitary failed, desperate individual who, having been found so wanting in a courtroom, must now devote himself to bitter invective shot from behind, or in your case under, a rock.

Other

Comment #: MA210
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Curran is both professional and curteous. Follwing a long and difficult trial, he took the time to address the jurors personally, answer our questions and give us a tour of his chambers. I felt honored to serve and much more knowledgable following my experience.

Other

Comment #: MA209
Rating:10.0
Comments:
I had the pleasure of serving on a jury in Judge Curran's courtroom. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had as a juror. I have never seen a judge behave on one hand so professionally yet at the same time so welcoming and warm to those serving their civic duty. I told him before leaving that I would come serve every year if he could guarantee I would be able to serve again in his courtroom.

Other

Comment #: MA207
Rating:6.0
Comments:
He was very pleasant to us jurors and good at explaining any answers to our questions. During the actual trial, however, he seemed to doze off on several occassions.

Court Staff

Comment #: MA204
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I know who MA203 is having worked in the same court. As a clerk he was and presumably still is an incompetent boob which is why Judge Curran and other judges had problems with him. So consider the reason for his comments carefully.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA199
Rating:10.0
Comments:
made my first experience as a juror a positive one! THANK YOU JUDGE CURRAN!!!

Other

Comment #: MA194
Rating:10.0
Comments:
The judge was excellent. He communicated in a clear, concise, plain and understandable manner suitable to a layperson. He laid out the guidelines and responsibilities of the jury very well. The judge was cheerful and approachable, and, at the same time, businesslike. It was a pleasure serving on the jury.

Other

Comment #: MA193
Rating:9.0
Comments:
Very professional and kept the proceedings moving forward. As a member of a jury, seated on a very long & technical civil case, he made every effort to bring the case to a close. My 7 day jury duty commitment could have been a lot longer if he had not moved both the defendants and plaintiffs counsel's along.

Litigant

Comment #: MA190
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Curran is nasty and has hurt my name in the legal community. So much so that it seems that no lawyer will even take my personal injury case. Is there a lawyer out there who will help me?

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA188
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
It's obvious that "nfinnell@comcast.net" is either Justice Curran or some Attorney who is trying to ingratite himself with the Judge. Shame on You!
Also, when one examines the writing style and format of MA-163, MA-169, and MA-171 (who untruthfully say that Justice Curran is a decent judge) you can see easily that all 3 posts are written by the same person pretending to be 3-different individuals.
I'm a Grad from a Lawschool Mass. and have practiced for only a few years and have not appeared before Judge Curran because I [Redacted by Ed.] .

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA170
Rating:9.9
Comments:
Judge Curran is a trial attorney who understands the pressures of a trial practice. He is well prepared for hearings and expects counsel to be ready too. A litigant knows he/she has had a fair day in Court in front of Judge Curran.

Other

Comment #: MA169
Rating:10.0
Comments:
After working closely with Judge Curran, I was most impressed by the long hours and late nights he puts in on a regular basis. He does more than just familiarize himself with the cases on his docket, he plays an active role in their progression through the system. He is committed to moving cases forward in a fair and efficient manner. He refuses to let a second go to waste in the court room. He moves at a fast pace and is resolution-oriented. If more judges operated in this manner, there would be fewer delays and shorter waits for litigants.

Court Staff

Comment #: MA163
Rating:10.0
Comments:
As an assistant clerk magistrate I had the privelage of working with Judge Curran many years ago when the Judge was newly appointed. This Judge had the perfect temperment for our court which is busy and has a mixed bag of nationalities. The Judge was always respectful to litigants, defendants and to the staff. The community was well served with Judge Curran on the bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA160
Rating:9.4
Comments:
I have been a member of the criminal defense bar for 30 years and had been in front of Judge Curran many times when he sat on the bench at Dorchester District Court. Although as the last commentator noted, he could be curt and short tempered, I never found him in any way to be capricious or biased towards anyone who came before him, attorney or defendant. Furthermore, to call him racist or bigoted is baseless and way beyond the pale and a malicious and cowardly accusation from two attorneys who don't have the courage to step forward and identify themselves but prefer to hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

Other

Comment #: MA159
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Through my observations, Judge Curran is a respected member of the court among colleagues as well as attorneys. He takes his work seriously and gives due time to everything that comes across his desk, and thoughtfully applies the relevant law.

His advocacy to reduce the Massachusetts dockett overload as well as his other pursuits are exemplary of his strong work ethic and desire to improve the state judicial system.

Yes, he is curt, but I believe that is what a judge should be. A court room is a serious place with serious consequences, he simply recognizes that and applies it to how he runs a trial.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA158
Rating:9.5
Comments:
The first thing you notice when you step into Judge Curran's courtroom is that it is not run like every other courtroom. Understand this: Judge Curran is not one to overlook the fact that the Commonwealth's dockets are overburdened. On the civil side, Judge Curran will push hard to get the parties to come to a realistic and fair settlement. He recognizes that litigation is a costly, time-consuming procedure that may not get either party what they truly desire. Further still, he's not one to engage in the gamesmanship some trial lawyers play. As a former trial lawyer, he can see through it easily.

When you argue before Judge Curran, know that he has reviewed your briefs and that he understands the case. He is intelligent, but he is not one to engage in purely academic discussions. He is concerned with practicality; cutting straight to the real issues in the case will serve you well if you go before him. That said, Judge Curran will give both parties their fair say in the courtroom. He does listen, and if you shine some light on the real issues in your case, he will acknowledge that favorably.

The one thing that stand out the most about Judge Curran's courtroom, however, is that he is not afraid to seek alternative forms of resolution: be it mediation, extended settlement discussions, or otherwise.

Court Staff

Comment #: MA152
Rating:10.0
Comments:
I have worked extensively with Judge Curran and I can attest that he is among the finest public servants we have serving in the Massachusetts Trial Court. He demonstrates, with consistency, all the essential traits one would expect of a model Judge; fairness, patience, compassion, diligence, as well as a firm grasp of legal, procedural, and evidentiary issues. Moreover, he is held in high esteem by the courthouse staff, from the Judges, clerks, court officers, probation officers and Judge's lobby. I also want to state that I have seen many gestures of personal kindness and curtesies extended to those who work throughout the courthouse that confirm for me that this is not only a fine Judge but an even better human being.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA149
Rating:9.9
Comments:
Judge Curran may have his faults, as we all do, and he may have an occasional bad day, again as we all do, but overall, I have found him to be a hardworking, sincere, industrious judge, who takes his responsibilities seriously. He seems to understand the demands of trial work and the pressure and stress that is part and parcel of being a busy trial attorney like myself, who has tried, not just litigated, well over 100 cases in 28 years. I have never appeared before him with any trepidation.
Although I am a "caucasian" attorney, I too have worked exceedingly hard to get where I am. As attorneys today, we all do, regardless of race or gender. This is not an "easy" way to make a living for anyone. If I had a dollar for every time a judge has yelled at me or seemed to be rude towards me in 28 years, I could have retired from this gig a long time ago.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA147
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Curran is an outstanding jurist who is exceedingly sharp and works hard to get cases settled. Compassionate and very respectful to ordinary people appearing before him.
I have been an attorney for approximately 20 years, have tried over 100 cases, and I consider Judge Curran
TOP NOTCH.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA145
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Dennis J. Curran is a pleasure to appear in front of if you are prepared to address the issues related to your appearance in court and completely know every aspect of your case.If you are not prepared and/or do not have a complete understanding of every aspect of the case,your deficiencies will become apparent during the hearing. Judge Curran comes to the bench fully prepared as he reads the file prior to any court hearing. He then saves everyone involved time as he gets right to the issues of concern. Judge Curran always attempts to move cases along at each juncture and does not allow cases to remain inactive. Judge Curran issues litigation control conference orders calling for all counsel to appear for inactive cases to get them moving again. Judge Curran attempts to utilize other resources in the trial court system such as mediation services. He facilitates the use of mediation by issuing orders which he prepares specifically for each case and which require counsel to confirm mediation has been promptly scheduled.
Judge Curran has always had a complete understanding of applicable law each time I have appeared in front of him.
When Judge Curran arrived at Worcester Superior Court for the January 1 to June 30,2011 civil session (a session that was without a judge for much of the prior 6 months),I had 15 civil cases in the session. All 15 were resolved during that session in large part due to Judge Curran's efforts to move cases along by calling for all counsel to appear and take the necessary measures for each case. Many resolved at mediation after Judge Curran issued Orders for Mediation at Litigation Control Conferences.
Judge Curran is a dedicated and hard working judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA144
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
To the attorney, I assume, in comment MA142:
You ought to be ashamed of yourself. It is one thing to comment on a judge's professional conduct, which is fair game, but to cast stones at his personal life [Redacted by Ed.] is unprofessional and ignorant, and a disservice to our oft maligned profession. [Redacted]

Court Staff

Comment #: MA143
Rating:10.0
Comments:
I have known Judge Curran for several years and I think he is always very professional. He reads every case thoroughly and is very knowledgable about the rules of civil procedure. He always conducts himself in a courteous manner on and off the bench. The court should be thankful to have such a great Judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA141
Rating:9.9
Comments:
Judge Curran is one of the finest judges before I have appeared in 35 years at the Bar. He is wonderful at trial, effective, efficient, succinct, respectful and everything else one would want in a trial judge. Always well-prepared, never jumping to conclusions, with an obvious grasp of the law. Best of all, he knows the rules of evidence, all too rare in this day and age.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA140
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Curran is exceptionally qualified and hardworking. He is well prepared for hearings and trials. He treats attorneys, litigants, jurors, and court staff with the utmost respect. He is one of the best judges in the Superior Court, in terms of his engagement and his willingness to do the right thing (even if it means risking reversal on appeal).

Court Staff

Comment #: MA138
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Curran is one of the best judges that I have ever seen at work. He is knowledgeable and very efficient. Some people mistake this efficiency for a lack of care about the system or a dislike for lawyers, but he does care deeply about the system and keeps it moving faster than any other judge. He doesn't allow antics from lawyers to hold up proceedings or try and take over the courtroom from him, but is still even handed with them.

Probation or Pretrial Officer

Comment #: MA137
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I have worked in the court system for over 34 years and I have never found a more caring, compassionette and qualified judge as Judge Curran. Judge Curran is an excellent judge and his knowledge of the law as well as his professional demeanor makes him qualified to represent the state of Massachusetts. His caring and compassion for victims and his fair judgement allows for all parties to be treatly fairly and justly.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA136
Rating:9.3
Comments:
I’ve been practicing for 28 years and have encountered numerous judges in various settings from restraining order hearings, motion sessions, pre-trials in and out of chambers and trials. My few occasions in front of Judge Curran have left me with the impression that there are still judges that listen before speaking, then ask questions before imposing their power and dispense justice without bias or agenda. I personally appreciate the respect he gives both sides and the efficient manner in which he hears and moves the case along.

Litigant

Comment #: MA129
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Curran approached our case thoroughly prepared with professionalism and respect for both sides. He has a pleasant demeanor and his questions to counsel were well reasoned clearly indicating he had thoroughly read the papers on both sides of the issue. Regardless of his decision (as of this writing the matter is under advisement)both sides were heard and I feel Justice will have been served.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA104
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I am a lawyer and I could not disagree with the last comment more. I have be a trial lawyer for almost 30 years and have tried cases in every county in this Commonwealth, both Superior and District court. Judge Curran is not "out there". I have been in front of him numerous times in both Worcester and Middlesex counties. Although he does not suffer fools gladly (myself on a couple of occasions) and can sometimes be a little curt, he is hard working and sincere and tries to do what he feels is the right thing. To the preceeding attorney: just stop crying and try your cases. You're not always right despite what you may convince yourself through the course of litigation.

Sorry folks, I have "been" a trial lawyer for almost 30 years. I guess I should proof read more; one of the things Judge Curran admonished me on by the way.

Other

Comment #: MA102
Rating:8.0
Comments:
I was seated as a juror on a recent case with Judge Curran. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable and respectful to all parties. He took a civil case that had been in the system for six years(!) and had the case settled before the trial began - thus saving the tax payers further time and expense.

The Commonwealth is lucky to have his Honor Dennis J. Curran.

Litigant

Comment #: MA97
Rating:9.0
Comments:
Had a very difficult civil case (for me, I was sued)in front of him. Although I did not get the complete result that I hoped for, I walked out satisifed that I had my "day in court". I did not find him to be rude or arrogant. He was a little curt at times but for the most part, professional in his conduct to me, my lawyer and to the other side. He gave everyone the opportunity to state their case. Reading some of these other comments about him, I get the impression that its mostly sour grapes by a bunch of people whose attitudes landed them in court in the first place.

Litigant

Comment #: MA94
Rating:2.0
Comments:
Judge Dennis Curran is Rude, Arrogant, and presumptuous. He is quick to jump to unwarrented and extreme conclusions when the facts don't support them.

It's as if: when a typical/average even-tempered, fair, impartial judge, when given facts "A" and "B" might probably come to either conclusions "C," "D," or "E," Judge Curran will however come to a conclusion off the charts (such as "Beta" or "Gamma").

It's like he's in his own world, and litigants who, out of bad luck, are assigned to appear before him (due to maybe bad karma) are forced to suffer through his rude, arrogrant, unfair, quick-tempered behavior.

Litigant

Comment #: MA86
Rating:4.0
Comments:
HE jumps to conclusions that are not accurate and then apologizes. Does not allow attorney to present all positions if he has made up his mind. Very poor decisions come from his judgement.

Other

Comment #: MA81
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
my husband was abused by the plaintiffs for 3 years. The judge allowed at settlement in the neighborhood of 200000 to a woman who took total advantage of her rights as an employee of my husband.He even had the audacity to say that my husband was not credible but the plaintiffs were. It turns out the plaintiff was found in contempt of court for violation of a covenant not to compete which he did not let the jury hear and the plaintiff also has an ongoing case of sexual assault with 2 employees of the defendant.This judge simply does not take the time to thoroughly analyze legal matters leaving you extremely vunerable after so much time and effort invested. This man is incapable of handling such serious matters and is a detriment to the commonwealth of mass taxpayers.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA78
Rating:9.8
Comments:
A very good judge. Been in front of him numerous times. Does not suffer fools gladly which iritates some lawyers especially big firm types who often think they are better than the rest of us. Moves cases quickly which again offends many big firm litigants. Has an inate sense of justice and knows how the real world works. Treat him and the court with respect and he will do the same with you. Not a judge to fear unless you fear having to prove your case.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MA72
Rating:2.3
Comments:
Extremely condescending and disrespectful, but relatively even handed about it. The combination of his lack of scholarly acumen and open disdain for big firm lawyers demonstrates that he does not belong on the bench in the commonwealth.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA66
Rating:7.4
Comments:
He has always been cordial and respectful, knowledgeable and tries to resolve disputes. He does not take advantage of his position. If you treat him, and the courtroom, with respect, he will do the same to you

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA42
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Curran is imperial - he does not read motion papers, oftentimes rules without a hearing, when he does conduct a hearing he doesn't listen and he shows no common sense. In civil cases he is openly biased for the plaintiff, at times giving pointers to plaintiff's counsel on how to proceed.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MA20
Rating:1.8
Comments:
Somewhat gruff temperament, not terribly engaged in oral argument, lazy or worse in analytical ability.