Judge James, 66, is a 1947 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He became a referee in bankruptcy in 1972.

Judge James was widely considered to be one of the best of the referees in bankruptcy appointed prior to 1984. As noted above, only one of the referees was appointed to a full 14-year term as a Bankruptcy Judge. Unlike the other referees, however, Judge James was recalled in 1984. He is serving as a "senior" Bankruptcy Judge, apparently on a year-to-year basis. Unlike the other Bankruptcy Judges, he does not hear any Chapter 13 cases, and he travels at times to other Districts to cover emergencies. He does, however, maintain a calendar in this District.

Lawyers do not generally criticize Judge James for reaching inappropriate results. In addition, some lawyers report that Judge James performs his job well on some occasions.

Unfortunately, most other comments about Judge James were quite negative. Judge James is widely criticized by attorneys as often arbitrary in his procedures and his treatment of counsel. Lawyers report that on a bad day, Judge James is abusive and will not listen to counsel. He is overly formalistic, and will insist on his idiosyncratic views of rules, procedures, and decorum. Many attorneys state that he is not practical in his approach to cases; some report that he is not always interested in precedent. Attorneys also report that he appears to favor some lawyers over others.

Because of his substantial failings, the Council concludes that Judge James is not performing in an appropriate or adequate manner.

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