In the world of class actions, Judge Richard Posner left an indelible mark.

Posner, 78, who retired abruptly this past week after three decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, authored some of the most-cited class action rulings.

He was particularly vigilant when it came to awarding fees to plaintiffs attorneys—a subject over which he made some of his most-famous remarks. He once called a settlement over glucosamine supplements a “selfish deal” between class counsel and the defendant.” He tossed a settlement over Pella windows for being “ scandalous.” And he called a settlement on behalf of Walgreens shareholders “no better than a racket.”