Raymond Dearie. 1 of 4 FISA judges approving Carter Page surveillance. I spent everyday for a year w/ him as his law clerk. I care deeply about civil liberties & protection against govt intrusion. When Justice Roberts appointed him, I felt immense relief. He’s no rubber stamp. 
Yes, he was appointed by Reagan. But he’s no partisan. Yes, he was the former US Attorney (top federal prosecutor) in New York. But as this public defender can tell you, he was uniquely protective of defendant’s rights. Every one got a fair shake. He was *careful. To a fault.
If you look him up on judge rating websites, the consensus is in line w/ reality: An incredibly good man. A fair jurist. Smart & knowledgeable about the law. One “flaw” - takes too long to render decisions. I saw why firsthand. He always wanted to make sure he got the law right.
While clerking for him, before he had to take time off temporarily due to illness, he presided over the majority of one of the few terror trials on US soil. US v. Medunjanin. Subway bomb plot. The defendant got the fairest trial imaginable, was convicted, his decisions all upheld
He took no pleasure in the deprivation of liberty. On “sentencing days,” he’d lock his door for hours. Indeed, the only time his door in chambers was ever closed. He took the obligation of sending someone away really seriously. He felt it. Doesn’t matter what you were accused of.
He was the Chief Judge of the US district court for the Eastern District of New York. He was the judges judge. Every judge, no matter their background, would filter trough the office at all times. He is beloved. He’s a friend. He’s a father to many. He feels like family to me.
When I interviewed for the position, I came prepared to talk about my career, judicial philosophy, decision-making, & opinions he had written. We covered most of that, but I still remember the first question he asked me when we sat down. “Tell me about your family.”
Now, he is family. Knows my family. Weve remained in close touch. Recently went to event honoring him w/ the naming of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse atrium. Hundreds of people in tears about their admiration & respect for him. Surrounded by those who knew him best.
The allegations from Trump about FISA have long burned me up. I’m sure it has him too (though he is incredibly tight lipped about his FISA service). I didn’t know till yesterday he was 1 of 4 who approved the Page surveillance. Trump now talking about “looking into” the judges.
Here’s what I say: Look into Judge Dearie. You’ll find nothing but kindness, compassion, seriousness, care, professionalism, brilliance, devotion to family & law in equal measure, fairness, obligation, nonpartisanship, and Love over the course of his long life & respected career.
And in the case of approving surveillance of Carter Page, I know he applied the same care, allegiance to the constitution, fairness, and deliberation he put into every decision big or small I ever saw him make.
