Leila Shennib gets a five year restraining order against Jose Canseco! Yup, you are “out!” The gorgeous swimsuit and glam model got the BIG “You’re outta here” restraining order against the one time baseball player Jose Canseco. This guy was the cat’s meow when I was much younger, he was huge in the world of baseball. Leila was given a temporary order on July 21, 2011 and the order became permanent the other day.

I remember when Jose had his Rolls Phantom repo’d, can’t lease a big boy’s car and not make those big boy payments. I believe it was BMW Credit if my memory serves me right. Jose, like so many it would appear, is still searching for his lost fortune and most of all “The Light,” that being his career.

Leila was quoted “I really did love him, so all of this is hard for me. I just can’t take his torture anymore. He’s so manipulative.” LMAO — I know the feeling, I have the same feeling for good ice cream.

On a happier note, I dropped in on my good friend Judge Donna Fields Goldstein. Judge Goldstein was looking fabulous and at peace! Judge Goldstein is at the Burbank Superior Court assigned to civil courts. Let me just say this, I miss her so much from her days in DIVORCE court at the Stanley. When I say at “peace” not like as in dead, but not having to do deal with a daily dose of the “Liars Club” aka divorce. The judges in divorce court should be paid at least or close to what many of the lawyers are getting paid who stand before them or at least a percentage (I know I know, just a thought). Too much aggravation and not enough pay. And like my other buddy, Judge Amy Pellman, they knew their stuff and could lay the law down like an old tile setter, yup, when they were done it was always just perfect, may not have been pretty, but it was perfect every time.

©Straight Talk with John J. Nazarian, Private Investigator
August 17, 2011
All Rights Reserved, do not reproduce in whole or in part without the express written consent of the author.

Go to Central Casting and tell them, “I need someone who looks like a judge, and he needs to look elderly.” Guess what? the guy you are looking for is in Dept. 43 down at the “Stanley.” Over the last few weeks I have heard different opinions on the “new” judge that took Judge Rafael Ongkeko’s place. Being perfectly honest here folks, Judge Ongkeko was not the most popular judge among the city’s divorce lawyers. Many — not all — would pass on having Ongkeko hear a case. Judge Ongkeko had a personality that was a little tough to understand, I have had that very same problem over the years. Should I say that maybe criminal courts in Van Nuys might be more fertile ground for his style and warm personality…just a suggestion (this was the judge that Mel Gibson’s legal team got booted from his case. Under California law, lawyers have 10 days from the filing date to apply for a different judge).

Back to Judge Robert E. Willett, a former litigator for over thirty years with the firm of O’Melveney. Pretty much right out of Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law (1974) he went to work with O’Melveney and remained there up until his appointment by former Governor Schwarzenegger in 2010 to the Superior Court bench. Now I am just guessing that this had to be a BIG pay cut for Judge Willett. For any lawyer to become a judge it is almost a crowning point, the icing on the cake and again, Judge Willett was not making minimum wage as a 30 year litigatior with a firm like O’Melveney (sounds like a good name for a cookie). So let’s not do any fund-raising for the good judge, now some judges who had other positions and not with big firms or founding partners, them maybe.

I spoke to several lawyers prior to visiting Dept. 43 and having a seat. Some that I spoke to had a wait-and-see attitude except for Patrick DeCarolis of Trope and Decarolis. Patrick told me that he got a sense of “quiet power“ and furthermore to make his point even more clearly, “I like him.” Well I sat in the front row as I often do and watched and listened as a group of four lawyers attempted to practice law. I immediately saw what Mr. DeCarolis had mentioned, “quiet power,” Judge Willett is not going to wring his hands and I don’t see him sitting on his hands and rocking either, he has been around and in far more difficult positions as a litigator than he will be in the position he holds now. My point is that I think we have a new judge who once he gets his footing is going to be one of our favorites at DesperateExes.com.

Sure he has that smile and glint in his eye, more likely he has that even when he is pissed, you know what I mean? And it is going to be the job of any lawyer in front of Judge Willett to figure out — is he smiling because I am doing a good job or is he thinking, “moron”! To me that is the best part of Judge Robert E. Willett.

Welcome Judge Willett to the “Stanley” from all of us at DesperateExes.com

©John J. Nazarian, Private Investigator and Security Consultant
June 24, 2011
All Rights Reserved, do not reproduce in whole or in part without the express written consent of the author.

After meeting with one of my clients this morning, I thought that I would take a stroll around the “Stanley.” I love strolling the “Stan,” it is a place of wonderment. There were Neal Hersh, Joe Mannis (as always looking like a million bucks, there is a reason for that look I assure you). Adam Lipsic, working on the look and when you talk to Adam you realize fast that he dam near knows everyone in town. Steven Knowles, was looking upbeat and ready for his next big divorce, Steven and his partner Michael Collum have mastered the “Persian Two Step.” What I was really looking for was some coffee…that would come and soon.

Sitting on one of the benches outside Judge Trent Lewis’s courtroom, who I do I see but Lisa Helfend Meyer looking like she has just discovered that her new Chanel suit is a phoney (Lisa was without question the best dressed lawyer at the Stan this morning). Upon further investigation, she was there trying to fix a major problem that someone in her office had lost control of. Lisa was accompanied by Erica A. Swensen, lawyer — one of her firms more brilliant associates, and one that should have a window (unlike one in particular). The major problem was a case that had generated some good fees was sinking and fast, all thanks to Elyse Margolin, lawyer. As Ms. Meyer was sitting and listening, her trunk of gold doubloons were turning to wet buffalo chips. Meanwhile Elyse asked if I wanted some coffee…the answer was “of course” and off we went Starbucks! Thanks Elyse! Elyse and I both laughed as we both thought we had seen the ghost of W.C.Fields…ahhh just an imposter…it was Marvin M. Mitchelson, looking for a retainer.

Representing the other side, as I have indicated, was Elyse Margolin, always a fighter and not one to be kept quiet. Elyse was well rested and ready for battle, I could tell she had that bounce to her step. Along with Elyse was an attorney whose specialty was bankruptcy, aka making doubloons disappear and ladies and gents, when you want it all to stop in a nasty divorce, file for the BK. Elyse appeared thrilled that her clients hemorrhage of cash was going to stop and stop fast, as in first thing in the morning. Folks, don’t feel bad for either of these little titans of divorce, they are both very wealthy and will be wealthy for many years to come. And besides, sometimes it is nice to have a big box of buffalo chips, when used correctly it will make the grass look nice!

What big time divorce lawyer is being schlepped around Century City by that car service with the old Town Cars? Sometimes they smoke like they are running on smelly cow pies. Standby for one of our segments coming up, divorce lawyers with the coolest cars, there are two who are close for first place, amazing rides.

Early morning on April 27, I am tooling down the 101 on my way to the “Stanley.” Traffic is light, I have my buddy Lisa Stanley of KRTH on the radio, I am enjoying my first cup of coffee and life is good.

Well, who would ever guess what you will see and, if you pay attention, hear at the Stanley Mosk, this place is as fascinating as it gets. It is to some degree an underbelly experience of Los Angeles. Sure, it is the hub for most of the biggest divorce cases in Southern California and also a place for some interesting civil actions.

As I am parking my Hummer in my $20 parking space, who do I spot out of the corner of my eye, Thomas Mesereau, Lawyer. This guy for my money is one of the best defense attorneys in the United States, having successfully defended Michael Jackson and a host of other high-profile cases. Not too hard to miss, that long flowing white hair, just like I am not hard to miss either I guess. He too is at the Stanley…that is interesting I wonder why, that thought will be answered shortly.

Lining up to get into the courthouse who else do I see, none other than one of my pals, Ira Friedman, Lawyer and one of the funniest people you will meet. Here is an Ira moment in my life, sent to me in the form of an e-mail: “John do you know how bored I am?” – “No, Ira why?“ – “I am reading DESPERATEEXES” – “Thanks Ira!’. Now what he does not know is that I am fully aware of what a fan he is of the site. Ira and his wonderful wife Abby, lawyer and their son David are all very competent lawyers with a “flair.” Take a meeting with Ira and see what I mean.

Making it through the security detail, I make my usual rounds and as in most days I either end up in Judge Trent Lewis’s, Judge Scott Gordon’s or Judge Fredrick Schaller’s courts. As I approach Department 88 who do I see, Thomas Mesereau, Ira Friedman, Larry Ginsburg, David Pasternak, and 7 or 8 other lawyers. Scattered in the group were several others and, not to be missed, a very well-dressed female, when I say well-dressed, what I am trying to convey is the “look.” I find out later she is the U.S. Attorney and is sitting and listening, sure listening in such a way that you know at some point she is going to drop a net on someone.

As I bounced around the Stanley I had just walked in on Salim Karimi of ADI fame, ADI in the course of several years got millions from cities to build housing for low income. In Glendale alone he got upwards of $33,000,000…well it was obvious now why a U.S. Attorney was sitting and listening. There are other cities in the “show me the money” line such as Los Angeles.

Guess what? this all came to light during a DIVORCE proceeding! Salim Karimi v Jannki Mithawaila…I often reflect on the old song by Johnnie Taylor, “ Cheaper to Keep Her”. Please, Mr. Karimi as you sit in India safely and out of reach of the authorities here in the United States, get a chance play that song, it is on the internet. How many men and few women wish that they had never said those fateful words, “get out.”

Well Karimi’s wife is represented by Larry Ginsburg, who did a stellar job of making my friend David Pasternak, the court-appointed receiver, feel like a pinata. The point that was being screamed (however quietly) was that Mr. Ginsburg wanted his client to have access to the $44,000,000 that Pasternak the receiver had in his accounts, as well as $600,000 in bullion. Larry Ginsburg was relentless and knew the law and was on target most of the time (Ginsburg did a great job in presenting his case as his client was moving around trying to avoid the inevitable). And a great deal more in property and business enterprises. Not to be outdone, the city governments of Glendale and Los Angeles wanted it released, too. My thought was this, upon that money being released it will be in India in nano-seconds, or some other country less friendly to the U.S. and its concerns.

Mr. Karimi too had lawyes sitting and “urping” like seals on big multi-colored balls wanting the same thing Mr. Ginsburg wanted, how often do you ever see this, NEVER! Seals flapping for dollars instead of fish. “Mr. Pasterank, release that money and now.” The pieces are now fitting together, Thomas Mesereau, criminal defense lawyer is representing Salim Karimi. His wife it is reported was being hidden away by bodyguards…Note: Sweetie you cannot hide from the Feds, bodyguards or not you will be bagged if the desire strikes that very well-dressed lady sitting in Dept. 88 (also I thought I saw at least one FBI agent in the audience). Judge Gordon makes it very clear that he is not going to be letting Mr. Pasternak continue as the divorce is off, good, now maybe everyone will stop taking swipes at Pasternak. Judge Gordon also made it clear that there would be procedures to follow and loose ends to tie up before he ordered Mr. Pasternak to do anything. It came out in court that numerous lawsuits were filed against Mr. Pasternak in the performance of his duties. Judge Scott Gordon in his very special way made it clear, very clear I thought, that Pasternak the receiver could be sued only if Judge Gordon said it was “OK” to sue him. Pasternak laid it all out, “no general ledgers,“ the other word David used was “Extraordinary” in reference to what Mr. Karimi and Co. had done. Another funny comment made by someone in court was that Mr. Karimi’s relatives were destroying records…”Noooooooo“…Once again, typical behavior of innocent people.

David Pasternak never lost focus and made it clear that Salim Karimi was not sitting in the poorhouse as he made off with $25,000,000 to his native India. It was also made very clear that a great deal of criminal activity had taken place (Mesereau) & (U.S. Attorney). Millions of dollars given to do good ended up in the hands of people not worthy of the trust that went with that assignment. It was also revealed very little if any taxes were paid! No real surprises in this story or the legal proceedings that will surely follow, and the best part, Mr. Salim Karimi was on a large screen, “Live” from India…funny, is it not, that he chose to stay in India and deal with these issues. How do people like Karimi & Co. get away with all of this money and make it seem so easy, and then use those very same funds to defend themselves and their lifestyles.

Mr. Karimi the interesting thing is this, as I recall my time in India as a young man, if you in fact did any or part of what you are being accused of here in the United States, had you done this very same behavior in your “mother country” you would need a grunt pole to wipe your ass, as your hands would have been amputated, God Bless America! Especially Glendale and Los Angeles. right Mr.Karimi?

After a very long vacation from the Stanley Mosk, I returned to my favorite stomping grounds and who do I run into but a face and a name from the past! Jackie Earl Haley, the kid star from a million years ago, he was born in 1961 but why does it seem like, “Years.” Simple he as been around since a cute little kid with shaggy hair and blue eyes…cute is gone but still a great actor and from were I was standing he seemed like a real nice guy. Soft spoken and very low key, he has a real sense of calm about him as does his former love of his life, it is all very calm. You see, it is possible to be reasonable.

Mr. Haley was there with his attorney, Terry Levich Ross, of the firm Silberberg & Ross, this is a lawyer. There is something that is very likable about her, she is firm and keeps a stern look most of the time. Try talking to her and you will find a softer underside…hmm, a little like myself. Don’t get me wrong, she will tell you from the jump to go
‘F*&K’ yourself and won’t skip a beat doing it (her partner Fred is another story for another time, LMAO….should we say a little intense?). You won’t find Miss Ross showing up with an entourage to work her cases in court, she is one tough cookie and holds her own…This issue of showing up with the firm’s entourage is a billing game, you do realize someone is going to be paying for the one doing the talking and the three on their blackberries. You won’t see Mr. Koenig or Miss Ross pulling this stunt, two competent lawyers who are going to be standing on their own.

On the other side representing Windy O’Reilly, Mr. Haley’s ex, is none other than Attorney Joseph P. Koenig, with one of the premier firms in the city, Trope and Trope. Joseph always has an air of confidence and for a good reason, he too is relentless and to watch Miss Ross and Mr. Koenig was a little like watching two cobras. Koenig has a friendly air about him but don’t assume you are going to step on him, he too has a great command of the English language. The feeling is that neither trust the other (lawyers), that is perfect for the world of divorce…no one can trust anyone! Mr. Koenig too is on his own and is watching and waiting as is Miss. Ross. Watching and waiting for what you ask, well Mr. Haley and Ms. O’Reilly are sitting and talking and the two are so at peace that I am convinced that they could repeat their vows. The two spoke for what seemed like hours and never once raised their voices. It was refreshing, two reasonable people talking over very personal issues and two highly competent lawyers watching and waiting…in the end, “Hugs, kisses and pats on the back. ” I had to step back and assure myself that I was on the 8th floor at the Stanley Mosk and that this is DIVORCE court.

We should all wish, Mr. Haley and Ms. O’Reilly all the best and they should both be grateful that they had two of the best lawyers in So. Cal. keeping it all together.

Well from Judge Marmaro’s court, Dept. 83, I strolled into one of my favorite courtrooms, that of Judge Thomas Trent Lewis, Department 79. Judge Lewis has been sitting on the bench since 2006 and talk about a stride, he has what I consider a “stroll.” One thing for sure is that Judge Lewis knows his stuff and has the answers to most questions presented to him and when he doesn’t, he finds it and fast. As I am sitting and enjoying my few minutes I hear, “Sir you need to throw out your gum,” this coming from a women sitting a few feet from me…I think she is a clerk, whatever. I am now chewing privately (note: New York – Boston the courts are so big I often sat in the back and ate a meatball sub and no one cared, now I have helpful Hanna telling me about gum).

This was a great moment. Judge Lewis is having to deal with not the “Persian Two-Step” but what I understood to be the “Bulgarian Two-Step “…a few different steps, the ex-hubby in this case has not cooperated with anything in FIVE YEARS! “All the records were stolen,” there is not a single document to date. For sure the theft of records is big business. I bet if there was a cash refund of some sort all those records would be found. Talk about blowing off the laws of divorce. There is a receiver involved — our friend David Pasternak, Esq., and there is a line of credit. Judge Lewis makes it clear that he is going to make orders to use that line of credit AND DID! $149,000 to pay the lawyers, and throws an additional $7500 at Trope and Trope for a “rule violation”…LMAO, see the judge did not forget! Judge Lewis is not letting this case go and wanted to be sure that the two lawyers, Robert Fairfield and Brian P. Lepak, Esq. of Trope and Trope had the funds to continue. Judge Lewis was not going to allow the Bulgarian Prince to smoke his wife and counsel out.

Also on the horizon is the sale of real estate, here is a clue to the Bulgarian Prince, he better reset his course of action. Get real and start playing nice or this judge is going to order the receiver to begin selling assets to make his point. Second point of view is to wake up and cooperate, I think Judge Lewis knows exactly what you are doing. The other issue is that Mr. Lepak’s client was sitting next to him, she cares! Sitting next to Mr. Fairfield was dead air, no client, why you ask? His client does not care and thinks he is being smart…my dear prince you better begin to show up!

At one point Mr. Lepak tells Judge Lewis, “you are playing right into his hands”…Brian, I am not a lawyer, just a guy who bumps around and tries to take care of my kids, but I think that this judge is not playing and understands exactly what he is doing. Judge Lewis looked at both lawyers and in a way you’d have to be present to hear, stated, “I am not swaying from my tentative.“ Someone better go and find those “For Sale” signs!

Once again I began my week at the Stanley Mosk and another morning of divorce marathons, and I was not disappointed. My first stop was Judge Marc Marmaro, sworn as a Judge of the Superior Court on August 5, 2010. Judge Marmaro was appointed by none other than Governor Schwarzenegger.

Judge Marmaro was one of the founding partners of Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro and worked more than 28 years with his firm. I had the privilege of working with Judge Marmaro on a case a few years ago through local divorce firm.

This is not the first time I have sat in Judge Marmaro’s court, Department 83. I stop by on an occasion and watch and listen. As is always the case it takes some time for someone recently appointed to hit their stride. One thing for sure, Judge Marmaro looks the part — you know, that aged look of wisdom. Now there are plenty who have that other look as well, the look of stupidity, this is seldom the case when it comes to judges. The road to a judgeship is nothing short of a bitch! One thing for sure, they are not doing this for the money. What I am seeing is some, not all, come from these big firms and have already banked a small fortune. And this is the crown for some who had an incredible career in law and turn there interest to being a judge. Don’t get me wrong, this is great, and I speak with a sense of admiration for people like Judge Marmaro.

His tone from the bench is of control, but at the same time he is giving those in front of him room to try and explain why they find themselves in front of him. One of the words of wisdom — and a red flag — was when he told the group sitting at the table in front of him, “I think that their is clarity in what I expect “. Another comment Judge Marmaro made was interesting, “I expect orders to be complied with.” Well Judge, I have been hanging around the world of divorce a very long time, and one thing I see over and over is how few obey court orders. And not only do they not obey court orders, I seldom see any real clout from the bench toward those who ignore court orders.

We at DesperateExes.com are going to be enjoying this new Judge and wish him well and welcome to Department 83.

Well , I have been a little anxious to visit Dept. 65 since my friend, Judge Amy Pellman transferred to “children’s court.” Upon entering it did seem odd not to see Judge Pellman, instead I saw Shelley Winters…this new judge looks like one of my favorite actresses of all time. Not to make light of what Judge Christine Byrd has achieved, this bench officer was with Irell & Manella from 1996 till being appointed to the bench by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Judge Byrd has done it all, Asst. U.S. Attorney, criminal divisionwhen I say “done it all,” I should have said “seen it all.” A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, where she earned a JD, and a BA from Stanford University.

One obvious question comes to my mind — how did she like the pay cut? As a partner of a firm as prestigious and powerful as Irell & Manella, this had to have been a big pay cut, huge, gargantuan. On the other hand, what is a title of “Judge” worth in today’s world? Certainly being recognized as a judge has prestige attached to it, perhaps not as it once did in our society, still one that is respected. And in this case are there bigger plans for Judge Byrd….we will see. Growing up in Boston I can remember the judges had special low number plates on their Cadillacs and Lincolns and could park anyplace his or her honor felt like…..and they did! Ahhh the East Coast.

Today I sat in the audience and listened to Judge Byrd making decisions fast, and from what I could hear and see, her honor was right on target. Her comments are direct and decisive and still she seems friendly. I have heard some say that she “does not read,” well listen up folks, she knew her stuff today. Plus to make a comment like that is ridiculous, much of a judge’s time is spent reading.

On one side we had Susan E. Wiesner, founder of Susan E. Wiesner A Law Corporation, sitting second chair was Adam N. Schanz, Esq,. and Sawan Mansour, Esq. providing back up at the rail. On the other side we had Manley Freid, Esq. and Cori B. Steinberg, Esq. Both of these law firms are representing some real real rich people, very rich…big real estate holdings in Beverly Hills…is that middle eastern music I am hearing?

Wiesner presents her position to the court and of course Cori B. Steinberg, Esq stands and is at the ready to try and take it apart. Steinberg tries and tries but just seems to be missing the mark this morning. Judge Byrd listens very patiently and Manly Fried is sitting and playing with something on the table…it almost looked like casino chips…it beats tapping his finger. Picking them up and them laying them down, he is obviously annoyed each time Susan Wiesner opens her mouth. This goes on and on and each side is trying to convince Judge Byrd that what she just heard from the mouth of the other is not true. Judge Byrd makes very appropriate corrections to both sides and on it goes…Fried and Steinberg’s attack of Wiesner is becoming deafening. Judge Byrd is seeing this and in my opinion this is not helping Mr. Fried in his attempt to try and bully Wiesner. Susan Wiesner is going forward and addressing each issue the best she can…we will see in the end that Wiesner did pretty good…real good.

Fried decides to try and ice the cake by what appeared to me as slamming Ms. Wiesner in the eyes of the court. Earlier Mr. Fried sat and shook his head as Ms. Wiesner spoke and presented her case, when he had a chance to make comments he would only reference her as “her” or “she”…It was almost as if Mr. Fried actually spoke Ms. Wiesner’s name he may end up with a chicken sitting on his head. Mr Fried decides to address the court and it seems he might just as well have sat and remained quiet. His oration was a mistake…Cori Steinberg, Esq was making more sense and in a much less aggressive manner.

It is this reporter’s opinion that Mr. Fried’s strong dislike of Ms. Wiesner set a tone that became very obvious to the court. And his taking the reins from Steinberg was a huge mistake. Divorce is an aggressive sport and good lawyering is aggressive, but to show little or no respect for opposing counsel does not seem to work well at The Stanley Mosk…my opinion. Again, Judge Byrd may be new to the bench but she is not new to legal shenanigans and theatrics, she heard it all and was well briefed.

In the end Judge Byrd made it as clear as a bell, $150,000 in legal fees and $ 75,000 in accounting fees…all Mr. Fried could do was ask when this was due? The answer was fair and reasonable, 1/2 in 45 days and the other 1/2 thirty days later.
Judge Bryd suggested that some of the rich guy’s cars could be sold and not to any “arm’s length relatives”…it would seem that Judge Byrd was up on “The Persian Two Step.” That was the middle eastern music I was hearing.

Now before you go feeling sorry for Mr. Fried’s client, he owns some huge medical buildings in Beverly Hills and dozens of other properties….rich, real rich. Like it or not it is the system that during the divorce, he or she who has the Do Re Mi has to pay!

Today in Department 65 there was a “boxing” match, Fried vs Wiesner and from where I was sitting, Mr. Fried got a TKO….it was almost as if Mr. Fried had a great plan, Ms. Steinberg, Esq. was in his corner, wiping his brow and patting him on the shoulder. It was all going well until Fried stood up. Wiesner, watching and waiting, and without breaking a sweat got all that she wanted. Someone rang the bell!

After all Judge Byrd was watching and listening too and saw through the silliness of one side stating his client was “a little low on funds”. Ms. Wiesner walked down the hall with her staff, holding an incredible Louis Vuitton hand bag.

They say “the cream rises to the top”…well most of the time, not necessarily true for cops and sheriffs, but in some categories it still is true. There are several people on the bench at Stanley Mosk whom I have a great deal of respect for and I don’t care if they rule for a client of mine or if they don’t, just good people who happen to also be judges.

Judge Amy Pellman is leaving on the 23rd to go to dependency court, not a problem for me, I will just have to travel a little further to visit her. Just like my friend Donna Fields Goldstein, who is over in Burbank, another one of my favorites and that of DesperateExes.com…these are strong, smart women who happen to be judges. For Judge Pellman this is her territory, as I have stated before for this judge it is always about the children and with her exhaustive writing about the subject, it does seem natural that she would be in dependency court. In the last 24 hours I have spoken to several divorce lawyers who are not happy as to Judge Pellman’s departure from family law court and all stated that she knows her stuff and has been great to be in front of. Again I am happy to call Judge Pellman a friend. I have heard her staff is going with her…so you see, she has a following and it is not just us here at DesperateExes.com.

While stopping by Pellman’s court, Dept. 65, who do I see but Melanie Brown aka Mel B aka Scary Spice. She was dressed nicely and even not made up was attractive, and at only 35 years old she still can turn heads. To some wonderment, she has had a few kids and looks great, must be genetics or being rich! It is reported that she gets $50 grand a month just from Eddie Murphy…very nice. Sitting on the other side was the son of Harry Belafonte, Stephen Belafonte. He too is a tall, thin, good-looking young man. This was a quick one, married in Las Vegas in February 2007, re-newed vows in Egypt in November 2008 and sitting in Judge Pellman’s court November 2010…getting divorced! Perhaps someone should come to the realization that marriage is not their “cup of tea.” There are children involved in this mess and it is not the policy of DesperateExes.com to ever discuss the minor children.

Judge Diaz is taking his “cartoons and coloring books” and is leaving, this comes as no surprise to many in the world of L.A. Divorce…it would seem that Judge Diaz was not one that many “in the know” wanted to be in front of. We at DesperateExes.com enjoyed Judge Diaz. In saying that, we could sit and watch and wonder what was going on…perhaps, if we were lawyers, we too would have run in the other direction rather than sit and ferment in Diaz’s court, perhaps it was just his style. Jeff Sklan is one lawyer sorry to see Judge Diaz leaving, “I always loved being in front of him”…we hope he does well over at dependency court. Taking your Bailiff???

Stopped in on Judge Thomas Trent Lewis, and as is always the case, his courtroom is nice, lots of plants and fun prints on the walls. Then there is Judge Lewis, he is always for this writer interesting to listen to and watch. He will always give you a chance as he was with a pro-per up against his former love and her lawyer. Judge Lewis was extremely fair and gave “daddy” a few pointers and if “daddy” takes them he will be once again in his daughter’s life…over all it was a good day at the Mosk!

Between my travels to New York and Mexico, I decided to visit my old stomping grounds, The Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Who do I see upon my arrival on the 8th floor but two of the major partners of Meyer, Olson, Lowy and Meyers, Lisa Helfend Meyer and Felicia Meyers. They were sitting with two rather grumpy looking females and I was not sure what to do, so I did a very quick hello and caught up with them later.

Stopped in a few of the courtrooms and it was the usual Liars Club, former mates for life that are now in the process of turning each others lives inside out. Not only is this miserable for people like me, I can only imagine what goes through the minds of the Judges and other bench officers at having to deal with this crap day in and day out. For the lawyers it is nothing short of hitting the lottery when they get clients with BIG FAT WALLETS…and in the end folks, the only reward is what you get paid…there are seldom any winners in the end, if and when that ever comes. Some of the divorce proceedings last longer that the marriage.

I got to see two lawyers trying to give Judge Scott Gordon an incredible snow job, these two were throwing snow faster than a NorEaster. However, it was about to get real warm, real fast for these two legal beagles. Trying to plow around Gordon’s court is not a good idea folks…he was a street cop way before a judge and some of those memories are still with “his Honor.”

While sitting in front of Judge Diaz’s courtroom, who strolls by but Manley Freid of Fried and Goldsman, another SUPER LAWYER…LMAO, who makes SUPER DOLLARS. Mr. Freid made an interesting comment to Lisa Meyer while seated in the front of Judge Diaz’s court, he asked, “did you bring crayons and cartoons?”…was this in reference to Judge Diaz’s ability to make decisions…we wondered. Now Judge Diaz has a bit of a style that I am not sure everyone gets, so I asked if she or one of her assistants had in fact brought crayons or cartoons…she looked at me and laughed. Mr. Freid also shared with those within earshot that he lost 50 lbs…He told us that he was watching his diet and walking a great deal. I wondered if he might be walking to the bank to make his deposits?

Oh I almost forgot, and who else do I see, my good friend, Sticey Flips (not so much) of the very prestigious law firm of Phillips, Lerner, Lauzon & Jamra. Sticey Flips was wearing what I am sure was a very expensive animal print, like an old cougar type print. There is not a question in my mind that Ms. Flips wears extraordinarily high dollar clothes, she is another very rich divorce lawyer. I was told recently that my name is like, NOT to be mentioned around that firm…I don’t know why she is mad at ME, I don’t buy her clothes…BUT, she always has great shoes.