In federal litigation, the "who" is often more important than the "what." Every federal judge has a unique "judicial thumbprint"—a specific way they handle discovery, a predictable speed at which they clear their docket, and a historical grant rate for motions to dismiss.

Walking into a courtroom without a federal judge lookup is like playing chess without knowing how your opponent moves. In 2026, top-tier litigators no longer rely on courthouse rumors; they use judge analytics to build data-driven strategies.

What are Judicial Analytics?

Judicial analytics transform millions of PACER data points into actionable insights. Instead of reading 500 past orders, you get a bird's-eye view of a judge's tendencies across three critical categories:

1. Motion Grant Rates

Do they actually grant Motions to Dismiss (MTD) or Summary Judgment (MSJ)?

The Insight: If your judge has a low grant rate for MTDs in civil rights cases, you might advise your client to skip the expensive motion and move straight to discovery.

2. Ruling Speed (Time-to-Disposition)

How long does a case sit on their desk?

The Insight: Some judges are known for "The Rocket Docket," while others have "pocket vetoes" where motions languish for 12+ months. Analytics help you set realistic client expectations for trial dates.

3. Disclosure and Recusal Risks

Under the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, judges are required to report stock trades.

The Insight: Analytics can cross-reference a judge's financial disclosures with the parties in your case, flagging potential conflicts or recusal grounds before they become an issue.

Case Study: Judge William Alsup (N.D. Cal.)

If you are filing in the Northern District of California, you need to know Judge William Alsup. Known for his technical prowess (he famously taught himself Java code for the Oracle v. Google case), his analytics reveal a judge who values precision and speed.

Why Alsup is a "Litigator's Judge":

Directness: His analytics show a high rate of sua sponte orders. He doesn't wait for parties to act if he sees a procedural flaw.
Ruling Style: Recent data highlights his skepticism toward "mass firings" and administrative overreach, as seen in his recent blocks of OPM layoffs.

Pro Tip: When appearing before Alsup, skip the "extraneous wording." His analytics show a preference for "categorical statements" over multi-page legal citations.

Why Research Before You File?

1. Venue Selection (Forum Shopping)

If you have the option to file in multiple districts, judge analytics allow you to compare the "favorable" nature of various benches. You can look up which judge is most likely to entertain your specific cause of action.

2. Settlement Leverage

If the data shows the presiding judge rarely grants summary judgment to defendants, you have significantly more leverage in settlement negotiations. The defendant knows they are likely headed for a costly jury trial.

3. Tailoring Your Briefs

Does the judge lean heavily on 9th Circuit precedent or do they frequently cite their own past rulings? Analytics can show you which "persuasive authorities" actually work on their specific bench.

Stop Guessing. Start Searching.

PACER tells you what happened in the past. AskLexi Judge Analytics tell you what is likely to happen next.

Whether you're a solo practitioner or at a Big Law firm, having a comprehensive federal judge lookup tool is the difference between being prepared and being blindsided.

Explore AskLexi Judge Analytics and research any federal judge's track record.