| ► Federal Judge John Copenhaver, Jr. of WV; one of the good guys |
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Federal Judge John Copenhaver, Jr. of WV; one of the good guys
Judge John Copenhaver has be
 en sitting as a Federal judge in Charleston, West Virginia since 1976.  In the early 1980s, I was personally involved in some litigation involving a breach of contract claim that was presided over by Judge John Copenhaver.
The other party was Noranda Mining of Canada, one of the world’s largest mining and metals companies in the world with operations in 18 countries.
Noranda was represented by the most prestigious law firm in Charleston, West Virginia, along with one or more large firms from Chicago.
At a hearing held before Judge Copenhaver, it became clear to me that he was going to actually dispense justice and not dispense with it just because Noranda was represented by several lawyers and I was appearing pro se (representing myself).
I must admit that I was somewhat apprehensive on how Judge Copenhaver would treat me in relationship to Noranda and its team of high falluting lawyers. That angst immediately disappeared once Judge Copenhaver took the bench.
Despite the rather questionable tactics of Noranda’s lawyers, Judge Copenhaver took affirmative steps in facilitating a settlement of the case during this first and only hearing, which cost Noranda several million dollars.
It was quite refreshing to say the least to appear before a judge who treated all parties fairly and equitably regardless of their financial and social status.
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