Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Judge Bruce COHEN

Specific Comments or Advice for Litigants

Specific Requirements or Preferences

[UPDATED October 14, 2019]  
 
 
 
Background Information:  
 
I earned a B.A. in Psychology in 1978 from the University of Arizona and my J.D. from Arizona State University in 1981. I became a member of the Arizona Bar in 1981 and spent 24 years in practice, primarily as a family law attorney. I am proud of that work and have great respect for members of the family bar.  
 
I was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court Bench in 2005, serving my first six years assigned to Family Court. I then was assigned to the Criminal Department for four years and followed that with three years on a Juvenile assignment. I served one year with the Civil Department and in June of 2019, I became the Presiding Judge for the Family Department.  
 
Philosophical Approach  
 
I have profound respect for the court as an institution as well as for the professionals who appear in this court. I strive to show that respect to all who appear before me and ask for the same from the professionals. It is my firm belief that when any of us as professionals show a lack of respect to the institution or each other, we undermine the authority of the court and the rule of law in the eyes of those we serve.  
 
I also strongly maintain that everyone involved in the judicial system plays a key role, from judicial officer to counsel to court staff to clerk to court reporter, etc. Court staff and personnel are entitled to a similar level of respect as is due to any judicial officer or professional appearing before the court.  
 
Litigants deserve the best effort from us all. It is critical that at all times we recognize that what we do impacts their lives. As the professionals engaged in serving them, we must be consistent in showing respect and ensuring that they are heard.