What will Judge Ann Pfau (pronounced like "Chow") bring to the table when she begins taking part in New York's pilot program allowing for  judge-guided early resolution of medical malpractice cases? She is slated to become Coordinating Judge of New York State's Medical Malpractice Program in December.

Well, she certainly knows how to run things. Since May, 2007, she served as Chief Administrative Judge of all New York State courts.  In her capacity as Chief Administrative Judge, she was instrumental: in getting the State's judges the raise they waited 12 years for; in implementing statewide electronic filing; in finding ways to achieve savings within the court system in the face of severe budget cuts; and doing so in ways that were tolerable to the public and those who work in the court system.  She has done quite well as an administrator.

And to achieve results like these in a state like ours, you have got to be a good negotiator, as well as a talented mediator.  You have to be smart, knowledgeable and empathetic.  You have to know the system.  

Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman is a big fan, and I am hopeful that we who will be seeking her help in resolving medical malpractice cases will start to feel the same way come December.