The two faces of Judge Larson

When judges zip up their black robes and step up to the bench, they usually take their personalities with them.

Hennepin County Judge Toddrick Barnette is implacably Zen but always in charge -- even though he slips quietly up to the bench without having a clerk call out, "All rise!"

Outside the courtroom, he exudes the same relaxed but controlled and commanding presence. Jurors get so comfortable with him they will tease him in open court.

In contrast, one of my reporter colleagues cracks that a certain prickly judge will kick anybody out of the courtroom who commits the unforgivable error of making direct eye contact. The judge maintains the same chilly demeanor off the bench.

But one Hennepin judge's courtroom demeanor is at sharp odds with his out-of-court personality.

In court, Judge Gary Larson is a cold curmudgeon whose ever-present bow tie adds to his imperious rep. But at all other times he is a gregarious softie who tears up over hard-luck cases.

He is keenly aware of the duality.

Larson said he once trailed two lawyers in the skyway as they spoke about him. One told the other that Larson is a "such a great guy when he's back in chambers, but in the courtroom he's an" (insert unprintable word here).

Larson warns lawyers that his gruff demeanor and loud courtroom voice don't mean he's angry. But he's not fond of preening litigators and will puncture a blowhard -- with humor the first time and then a hammer.

Away from work, he volunteers at two homeless shelters and baby-sits his grandchildren. He's been sober 22 years and reaches out to others battling the bottle. When it's treat day at work, he brings an extra batch of gluten-free goodies for a lawyer with stomach problems.

The judge said he once took a course in how to be friendlier in the courtroom. He recalls two suggestions: Look at the defendant and smile once in a while.

Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747