We’re trying something new in the MCBA newsletter. While we often spotlight a Marin judge, we thought we would start asking those questions that we really ponder as we wait for our case to be called - who is the person really behind the intimidating robe perched high above?

With this in mind, we thought it fitting to start off with Judge Andrew Sweet. Appointed to the bench in 2009, Judge Sweet currently supervises Marin’s civil division. What makes Judge Sweet special is his ability to reduce the anxiety of litigants by humanizing himself and the process. Judge Sweet introduces himself as “Andy” during UD mandatory settlement conferences. He also has stepped down from his bench during a contentious hearing to take a seat in front of a particularly stressed litigant to just have a conversation (without attorneys getting in the way). His approach works to break through the emotions and obstacles that a courtroom can inspire, and often leads to a seemingly elusive settlement. As one litigant noted, “I’ve never felt heard before and I didn’t expect that coming from a judge.” A lesson for us all? Probably. But we’re not here to pontificate. Judge Sweet’s demeanor on the bench makes us want to learn more. So without further adieu, the answers to the questions we are all dying to know!

What book did you take on your last vacation?
"The question calls for a book I took, not one I read. I took two books - Slow Horses by Mick Herron and Daughters of Shandong by Eve Chung."
"I made good progress on Slow Horses but I did not get to Daughters of Shandong. Trust that I will though because the later is the subject of our first ever extended family book club that meets at the end of February."

What is your favorite phone app?
"What’s a phone app?"

If the TV is on, what show makes you stop and watch?
"Any basketball game where Steph Curry is playing".

If you could invite someone from history to dinner, who would it be?
"I think my paternal grandfather Hy Sweet. I barely knew him before he passed away. I would relish the opportunity to hear details about his life and his perspective on my father’s life as a young person."

[BONUS] Rumor is that you like the Grateful Dead. What’s your favorite Dead song? What was your favorite Dead show?
"My favorite song is probably Ripple. My favorite Dead show was definitely New Year’s Eve 1986 at Henry J. Kaiser. That’s all I will say!"