In a remarkable courtroom drama, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman partner Mark Krotoski faced severe criticism from Judge Cristina D. Silva of the District of Nevada for his conduct during an antitrust trial. The incident that sparked the judge's ire involved misleading statements regarding the whereabouts of an expert witness, which Krotoski claimed was traveling, but who was actually running errands on the specified date.

Judge Silva described Krotoski's explanation as a clear misrepresentation, stating, "Krotoski’s representation that the witness was ‘traveling’ was a lie." This was not an isolated incident, according to Silva, who pointed out a pattern of unprofessional behavior including delays in court proceedings and evasive responses during the trial.

Krotoski defended himself in a written response, expressing his shock and sadness over the judge's order to show cause. He denied any intention to mislead the court and attributed the incident to a "poor choice of words." However, he struggled to reconcile his extensive legal background, including two clerkships and a notable career at the Department of Justice, with the behavior observed in court.

Judge Silva was not convinced by Krotoski’s explanations. She speculated that the root of Krotoski's actions was a deep-seated sense of entitlement. Silva defined entitlement, referring to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, as the belief in deserving certain privileges, which in this case, manifested in Krotoski’s handling of the expert witness's availability.

The stern rebuke from the bench highlights a troubling disregard for courtroom protocol and ethics, raising questions about the impact of personal beliefs on professional conduct. This case serves as a stark reminder of the judiciary's role in maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings and the consequences of failing to uphold these standards.

Readers interested in the detailed judicial rebuke can access Judge Silva's full admonition through the court documents linked below.

[Download Judge Silva's Full Admonition](https://abovethelaw.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/09/KrotoskiAdmon.pdf)

The episode underscores the ongoing challenges within the legal profession regarding the balance of power, responsibility, and accountability, emphasizing that even seasoned lawyers are not above the law.