The Law Blog on Delaware Vice Chancellor Travis Laster:
Laster is developing a reputation as one of the least restrained judges on the court, reports Reuters in this story, out Friday. (Click here and here for other LB posts on Laster.)
Writes Reuters reporter Tom Hals:
Laster has brought some unusual tactics to the bench at Delaware’s Chancery Court, whose five judges are key arbiters of U.S. corporate law. With a moralistic style some observers say may be borrowed from his Presbyterian minister grandfather, Laster is taking on what he sees as self-interested lawyers who are too cozy with counterparts on the other side of the aisle.
. . .
Observers noted his tendency to intervene without lawyers from either side asking for his involvement. He also has challenged the court’s congenial reputation with biting comments, calling repeat plaintiffs’ lawyers “frequent filers.”
Those who rush to the courthouse to file a lawsuit as soon as a deal is announced are “pilgrims” — because, like those on the Mayflower, they are first to arrive and quick to “settle.”
According to the story, Laster, who was appointed to a 12 year term on the court in 2009 (at age 39), “often quotes advice passed on from his minister grandfather, whose robe he wore and battered Bible he held at his investiture ceremony.”
The story notes that other judges have arrived at the court with similar vigor, such as Leo Strine who joined the court in 1998.
But Laster might even be more of a handful for lawyers than Strine, who as a vice chancellor quickly developed a reputation for a keen wit, a bristling intelligence and a propensity to speak his mind. Said one Delaware lawyer: “He’s Strine on steroids,”
I don't know Laster, but I do know (and like and admire) Strine. The thought of a Strine on steroids is just plain scary!
