Marketplace Morning Report: "Private Judges for Hire"

Podcast: Marketplace Morning Report
Episode Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Sabri Benishore (in for David Brancaccio)
Featured Guests: Julia Coronado (Macro Policy Perspectives), Jill S. Robbins (Private Judge)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marketplace Morning Report brings actionable updates for the start of the business day, including a recap on Black Friday sales, insights into AI transformation in shopping, and a feature story on the emerging practice of hiring private judges — particularly in family law. The show explores the reasons behind the turn to private, for-hire judges and delves into the implications for equitable justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Black Friday Sales and AI in Retail

(01:14–03:55)

• Black Friday Sales Upbeat, Driven by Online Shopping:
  • Online sales hit a record $11.8 billion, a 9% increase from the previous year (Adobe Analytics).
  • MasterCard data confirmed a 4%+ lift in overall sales via card swipes.
• AI’s Role is Growing Rapidly:
  • Visits to retail sites from AI tools (e.g., chatbots) soared 805% YoY, with higher conversion rates.
• Consumer Sentiment vs. Consumer Behavior:
  • Despite negative sentiment, consumers are still spending, due in part to employment stability.
  • “As long as consumers have jobs they will do some Christmas shopping.” – Julia Coronado (02:37)
• Holiday Sales Outlook:
  • The overall mood is “not a disaster but not a boom.” There’s unpredictability ahead, as spending can swing due to calendar quirks.
• Upcoming Economic Data:
  • Auto sales, business surveys, and ADP private hiring numbers will soon be reported.
  • Official jobs data delayed due to a government shutdown, meaning the Fed must rely on alternate indicators for rate decisions.

2. Feature: Private Judges for Hire

(05:46–09:03)

Introduction to the Role:

• Who Are Private Judges?
  • Judges individuals or businesses can hire when traditional courts are too slow or bogged down.
• Guest: Jill S. Robbins — Private judge for 30+ years, specializing in family law.

Why People Hire Private Judges:

• Efficiency and Cost:
  • Overloaded public courts lead to repeated delays, lengthy waits, and increased preparation costs for each postponed hearing.
  • Hiring a private judge allows for a set hearing date and a more direct process.
  • “The lawyers decide that it’ll be less expensive in the long run, even paying a private judge, because you prepare once you have your date and you go.” – Jill S. Robbins (06:28)

Types of Disputes Heard:

• Family law matters such as:
  • Child custody (ranging from serious to petty)
  • Child support and spousal support
  • Division and evaluation of property

Qualifications and Accessibility:

• No Strict Requirements:
  • Technically, anyone can call themselves a private judge, though business goes overwhelmingly to those with significant legal experience.
  • “Actually, there are no qualifications. So anybody could just decide, oh, I’m going to be a private judge.” – Jill S. Robbins (07:30)

Equity and Access:

• Is Justice for Sale?
  • Sabri raises concerns about equal access, asking if the for-hire justice model conflicts with the principle of equal justice under law.
  • Jill acknowledges the inequity, but shares efforts to increase accessibility:
    • Developed a “modest means procedure” for clients with assets under $3-4 million and combined incomes under $300,000, reducing her fee by 40%.
    • Hopes the practice spreads among peers, but so far, it hasn’t.
  • “I can’t sugarcoat it and tell you that every private judge is going to handle cases on a volunteer basis, which is something I also do.” – Jill S. Robbins (08:13)
  • “What I have done as of last year is created a modest means procedure where...I reduced my fee by 40%.” – Jill S. Robbins (08:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Black Friday Sales:

  • “Not a disaster but not a boom either.” – Julia Coronado (02:32)

• On AI Shopping Trends:

  • “Traffic to retail websites that originated from AI tools like chatbots was up 805% compared to last year...” – Sabri Benishore (01:36)

• On Courts Being Overwhelmed:

  • “One will go to court, prepare for a hearing, only to wait four or five hours and be asked to come back...The lawyers decide that it’ll be less expensive in the long run, even paying a private judge.” – Jill S. Robbins (06:22–06:28)

• On the Lack of Qualifications to Be a Private Judge:

  • “Actually, there are no qualifications. So anybody could just decide, oh, I’m going to be a private judge...” – Jill S. Robbins (07:30)

• On Justice and Inequality:

  • “I can’t sugarcoat it and tell you that every private judge is going to handle cases on a volunteer basis...rates...have gotten completely out of control.” – Jill S. Robbins (08:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Black Friday & AI Shopping: 01:14–03:55
• Economic Data Preview: 03:05–03:55
• Introduction to Private Judges: 05:46
• Who Hires Private Judges & Why: 06:12–06:54
• Types of Cases (Family Law Focus): 06:59–07:21
• Qualifications for Private Judges: 07:21–07:51
• Justice, Equity, and Reduced Fees: 07:51–09:03

Takeaway

This episode pairs quick updates on the state of consumer spending and retail tech with an accessible deep dive into the “private justice” industry. While private judges offer efficient dispute resolution for those who can afford them, the conversation candidly addresses the barriers to equal access and the limited remedies currently offered by practitioners themselves.

The episode's tone is brisk, informative, and tinged with the kind of skepticism and inquiry that typifies Marketplace's business-angled journalism.