"The Robing Room: NJ State Judges

Hon. Lisa A. Firko	See Rating Details
Superior Court Judge Superior Court
Bergen County Vicinage 2	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 2.1 - 6 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 3.0 - 18 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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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

What others have said about Hon. Lisa A. Firko

Comments

Litigant

Comment #: NJ1297
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Firko is exceptionally good, especially with complex cases involving a long history of criminality, drug addiction, personality disorders and domestic violence. If you are a responsible parent and you live an honorable life, you will have no issue with Judge Firkos ruling. On the other hand, if you are a pathological liar, drug addict and a deadbeat parent you will have a difficult time passing through Judge Firkos courtroom without having to take responsibility for your poor choices. And if you make a mockery out of the court system by not following court orders, she will hold you accountable. She is a master at seeing through thick webs of lies and getting to the heart of the truth while keeping her focus solely on the best interest of the children involved. It is a real shame that such a talented Judge is being rotated out of family court this summer.

Other

Comment #: NJ1292
Rating:8.0

Comments:
If you are trying to make an effort and don't come with a bag of excuses, she actually allows for a lot of leeway. If you earn a w2 income, it's easy to garnish. If you are self employed, or not looking for work, or if you show up without a history of looking for work, or make cash, and cry poverty- she will see through it. She watches out for the best interests of the children. They don't support themselves.

Other

Comment #: NJ1291
Rating:8.0

Comments:
I am sorry she is leaving. She gets it. When you have kids, you do what you need to do. It is true- there are parents out there who are doing ALL they can to support their kids and hand over money as they get it. I have seen them, and she is fair if you are tying. All she asks for is back up. There are also parents who are just deadbeats- lots of them. She is the first judge I've seen who seems to have at least some insight (after a while) into the role domestic violence can play post divorce when it comes to economic abuse and abuse of the legal system. It is not easy for a judge to tell who is lying and who is truthful. She asks more pointed questions than a lot of judges. My kids and I will soon be homeless because of a deadbeat father. She came along too far into my process. However, I have at least some hope because she is there.

Other

Comment #: NJ1288
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I sat in her courtroom as a bystander. I have never seen a judge so blatenly bias toward men. I watched a case where this poor father was bashed by this judge. The mother had left a young child unattend and was told by Judge Firko just not to do it again. Had it been the father she would have put that poor man in jail. There really needs to be an investigation of this women, whether its by her political ties with certain law firms or just an unstableness in her own life. She does as she pleases, disregards any other Judges previous orders and has the women prevail. I would like to know the pecentage of cases that she has where women come out on top. Glad to hear that she is being removed from family court, she clearly does not belong there and all of her past cases should be looked into.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ1275
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Questions to the 3/6 posting (I couldn't send an email to this posting directly, hopefully you will read this). How did you get another judge to listen to your minutes? Did you have to request it? If so did you get to request it prior to the final decision? Or is someone else involved in the final decision already because based on these reviews there had to be complaints brought to the attention of Bergen Family Division Why can't she see that men are sometimes the victim in a failed marriage? In my case my ex was cheating on me forever, but I can't bring it up-it somehow doesn't matter.

Other

Comment #: NJ1271
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She represented me in my divorce 7 years ago, and due to her ineptitude, left so many issues unresolved in my settlement, that I am still litigating to recover from her mistakes. Every attorney I've spoken with cannot believe what a mess she left me with after I was divorced.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ1253
Rating:1.0

Comments:
As a man, wish I saw this before my case. Would have withdrawn and then refiled in hopes of getting another judge.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ1246
Rating:1.9

Comments:
Rumor has it Firko is being removed from family court. No doubt this is too little and too late for the many men she has so wrongly treated in court. She is not the brightest light on the porch, but the sadder fact is she has a pretty weak mind and thus doesn't even know how to act in a balance manner. Firko doesnt get that justice is about applying fairness to tough situations, she rather clearly believe her role is to advocate for woman.

The minute part of my case was heard by another (woman) judge was the minute the rulings moved back to being fair and balanced.

Firko is a very poor judge. Apparently she must have enough connections to enable her to remain on the bench. My guess upis that whatever branch of the justice system she sits in she will just continue to demonstrate her mediocrity and serve as an example of what happens when a third class mind gets put into a position of power. (Not to make too pointed of a policical statement, but Firko is to the family court what W (Bush) was to the presidency: damaging to the system and damaging to its credibility.

Other

Comment #: NJ1239
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How can this judge read all this e-mails and not step down.Is there any checks and balance? i would be mortifiedd,to read all these e-mails about myself.If she had a decent bone in her body,she would resign on the merit of justice,and self respect.How she keeps cashing her checks,look yourself in the mirror.Your a mockery of justice.Shame on you.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ1138
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This disgrace of a woman makes me sick. She continues to side with the women only, even after submitting proof of contempt violations on their side, she still turns a blind eye. I'm looking into filing charges of Treason, Gender Discrimination, and Federal Perjury on this person and would be willing to help anyone tag along with their story in hopes of getting this person off the bench once and for all. email me if interested! jcab09@yahoo.com

Other

Comment #: NJ1066
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
why doesn't jeffrey carney my lawyer who never handed in my answer to the claim get arrested and my xwife for lying under oath and her lawyer.if they would just call dennis cummins they would see that he got the paper work before the first court date because jeff wasn't sure he was taking the case so i sent it to both and other important papers .are they above the law or being protected by others committing crimes?I seek the truth why don't the courts?and the one {my son}that suffers is the veryone they say they protect.they cover up to save there own asses and act like there doing right,how can they live with themselves.a true disapointment to god and his followers signed one simpleman i'm still praying for gods will to be done, but the ones who think there god keep getting in his way,

Litigant

Comment #: NJ1058
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
hi to all:)
now i had posted information of crimes committed in a case that judge firko sat on the bench for,and came to write more and see they were removed.so much for freedom of speech,god bless america,ps i just notice i left off honorable in front of her name, oops 1simpleman

Other

Comment #: NJ1053
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Could give a crap about the facts...Economys bad??? Tough....Even suggested I ask the C.O. at the the jail for work....Can u say kickbacks...What a terrible Judge

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ1034
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
plz contacted my email krfgzz@gmail.com

Other

Comment #: NJ1030
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
After many nights and days discussing with my friend the stauts of his court appearances it appears, that once again, this judge has sided not on the facts, but towards the female side. This is a joke. Has anypone ever filed a formal complaint against this judge. If not, we need to do so...

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: NJ1019
Rating:1.0

Comments:
she might be one of the worst judge ever.I'm appalled that tax payer's actually pay her.She's a disgrace to our court system.She should be investigated to see if she really has a law degree.She might have earned her degree from a jackerbox.Her and Bernie Madoff should be sharing a room.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ1015
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If you're a male and you have the misfortune of appearing before this judge, plan on filing an appeal.

Court Staff

Comment #: NJ1014
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Family Law Attorney Angelo Sarno and Judge Lisa Firko are very close and attended the same law school. I have watched her blatantly favor his clients over others (then again the few clients I saw him with were all women). THIS JUDGE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE BENCH IMMEDIATELY FOR HER TOTAL BIAS AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MEN.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ935
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Well I agree with all those men out there. This judge should be investigated as NO MAN can get a fair hearing. My journey started a little while back, as I was removed from my home and locked up for Alimony arrears,yes Alimony!! Child support is long over and now have this thorn. Anyway, was arrested in front of my little children, and honestly the Sheriff's were above average as far as caring as Judge Firko would like you to hang. Issues warrants even though probation is attached to your paycheck, suspends your driving privileges so you can't get to work. DAH! This judge rules by whatever probation says and can't even think straight or listen. Her answer to all men, is "Get a 2nd or even a 3rd job". As I experienced 1st hand being handcuffed at a routine hearing and spending the overnight in jail so the county can get paid it's share. Did it matter to her that I left work to be there and that I have a job, a wife and children. NO!!! didn't even let me get a word in and the Public Defender Losito, as my family would say is useless. Bottom line if you are a man, you are done, no question about it. Bergen County needs to start listening to what people say about this judge, and her henchmen. This is a damm shame. I love the fact that you are treated like garbage because you owe money. Hey guys without us the county jail would have less than a 100 serious offenders to deal with which= less jobs for county employees!

Other

Comment #: NJ927
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
If you are of the belief that Judge Firko is prejudice against men you all should post on this web site the name of all the attorneys who are represented by the woman (or man) you feel she was unfairly in favor of. Maybe there is a pattern here that should be investigated. The appearance of impropriety is always a concern. It doesn't pass the smell test. Hmmmm?

Litigant

Comment #: NJ926
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I have been amazed at the judicial advocacy and bias demonstrated by Judge Firko. I have sat through my own case, but also listened carefully to the numerous cases presented during my long waiting time.

I made a motion to have my children see their dying grandfather in Tucson Arizona. My wife opposed this because she was "concerned." (No domestic violence, restraining orders, etc.). Simply because my wife is nasty and vindictive toward me and my family, she opposed my motion. Firko spent 1 month debating whether to allow them to go even after I provided a written physician's letter stating my father was terminally ill. Firko ruled that the letter was not signed before a notary or in the form of a attestation, and therefore wasn't "evidence."

My wife stated that she agreed to allow the children to travel across country alone, but not with me (again no violence, abuse, etc.). She stated that it was ok for the children to travel alone (16 and 14 years old), but not with me. Firko acted surprised but then didn't grant my motion because I didn't provide "adequate proof" my father was dying.

Even though I have OVERPAID support directly to my wife (prior to the PL order, and thus logically not through probation, and therefore my wife has argued whether those amounts are included or excluded from PL), Firko said "I won't have you arrested or put on bench warrant" as if she were doing me some sort of favor. I OVERPAID support.

Firko lords over men and HEAVILY favors women. This was reported to me by her court officers and sheriffs. They told me "off the record" that they sit there everyday and listen to her rulings and can't believe "how men get hosed by Judge Firko."

Obviously, the only people who have posted positive comments regarding Firko on this board are women who she favors. It would be angry and simplistic to say she was "a lesbian and mean." I think she is just a lousy biased judge.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ835
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Firko is an excellent Judge. She is extremely fair, professional, courteous and she has a very solid understanding of domestic violence. If you...are honest, are financially responsible, are a good parent, do not have a criminal record, do not have any substance abuse issues, are mentally sound and able to conduct your self in a respectful manner then you will have no issue with Judge Firko. If you...do not live your life with integrity, lie in her court room, have a criminal past, have substance abuse issues, are not financially responsible, have a violent past, are not a good parent, etc...then you will have an issue with this Judge because she is capable of seeing through the cover-up/excuses and she will make you take responsibility for your poor choices. This Judge keeps the focus on the best interest of the child - where it should be. This Judge is not biased to women or men. Judge Firko is understandably partial to individulas with a clean history of being honest, sober, and responsible. She is an exceptional Judge.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ815
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I was shocked at how this Judge refused to hear the evidence presented by a lawyer who represented a man against his wife. Why? Her anger and prejudice against the man and his lawyer, from the bench, was shocking! If you are a man DO NOT let her hear your case for any reason! She is definitely a real man hater! Don't take my word for it. Go watch her yourself.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ800
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I guess she liked the male in my situation (he must have charmed her as well). She is definitely not well versed in domestic violence nor the law that is suppose to protect. Unless you walk in her court room and are completely broken, black eyed and emotional she will not believe you. Instead she shared her love for animals with my former partner/father of my kids and took his side immediately, especially when he poured on the water works and cried in front of her. Saying he is sorry for coming to my home late at night calling me names, screaming, causing a scene in the name and the love of the family dog that died.(against the Consent Order)...yeah right! Judge Firko you may want to know he used to kick the dog, a maltese and was physically abusive to him, quite honestly hated the dog AND Ask me if he's been emotionally, physically, mentally, financially supportive to his girls since September 2010? Does he cry for them? Maybe Judge Firko can validate that one???

Litigant

Comment #: NJ782
Rating:2.0

Comments:
This Judge is BAD she screams at MEN she issues Warrants without even thinking about it . She does everything behind closed doors . makes Decisions clearly on her own emotion. She has no business being on the Bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ780
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Never starts court on time. Poor understanding of the law. Cannot separate her own personal emotions from the rule of law. Has a clear disliking of males. Should have never been elected to the bench - should be immediately repealed.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ778
Rating:1.0

Comments:
One of the WORST judges in the country. Completely blinded by her feminism. HATES MEN. Does not want to hear the facts of both sides and makes decisions based on minimal information. She is also one of the hardest people to look at with a droopy face and she wears way too much make-up and eye liner.

Other

Comment #: NJ747
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
As a lawyer judge Firko was not pro woman. As a matter of fact she was pro man, as she represented my ex husband who was a pro athlete. He was able to get away with everything. My daughter and I were made to move from our home, within 4 months of the divorce starting and in the end he only had to pay 120.00 dollars a month, which he never pays. He committed adultry and was violent; she went after me regardless.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ716
Rating:1.0

Comments:
She clearly dislikes men in family law matters. She must have some deep personal issues with the men in her life as she always takes the women's side and punishes the man. Sad commentary on how the justice system is prejudice because of judges like her that are really in over thier head with insufficient experience and poor judicial temperment to be a judge. She is clearly a political hack appointed by a criminal governor who stole people's money. Corzine is going to jail, hopefully.

Other

Comment #: NJ645
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Favors women regardless of the facts.
Denies evidence to be presented, that would favor the males claim's, despite the fact that the judge ordered the test(s) or the evidence subpoenaed.
This judge has made it clear in mediation the female will win everything.
Reports from forensics physiologist, that she mandated, will not be permitted at trial.
DYFAS reports will not be permitted at trial.
This judge should be disrobed for incompetency and lack of fairness.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ641
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge misread and misinterpreted documents provided defense counsel concerning misrepresentations and blatanly false information provided by plaintiff on CIS. PL award was not based upon fact but clearly based on emotion and intent to punish. Judge clearly is a man-hater.

Litigant

Comment #: NJ582
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge is very impartial and bias against men in her court room. My wife's lawyer submitted in correct ant false document and she gladly accept and ordered me to pay $2432/month, i only make average $600/week. She took away my means of living and i was forced to sleep in my car sometimes because i couldn't afford the commute to work. her suggestion, "GO GET ANOTHER JOB" (SHOUTING)

Other

Comment #: NJ394
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge Firko is a phenomenon Judge. You can not come into her court room thinking she is going to let you walk away with paying for your obligations. She is respectful at all times unlike some Judges who told me to get a life after I was a victim of domestic violence, and let the father walk away paying below the min of CS. Judge Firko is an honest Judge, she leans hard on both parties of male and females the same. Keep up the good work. You are my role model.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NJ348
Rating:6.6

Comments:
Judge Firko tends to lean a little more towards female litigants and against male litigants (such as issuing an ex-parte arrest warrant against a male litigant who was represented by counsel entirely based on the false statements made by a Pro-Se woman - his estranged wife). Another Judge had to vacate the arrest warrant before this poor fellow wound up in the Bergen County Jail. A little more education on the part of Judge Firko and she may evolve into a good Judge such as Judge Deavila-Silebi.