Saying Goodbye

I saw that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's cadre of more than 100 current and past law clerks will be there when she is in state at the Supreme Court building. I understand why. Being a federal law clerk is an honor and a privilege.

I served as law clerk to two different federal district court judges, appreciated both judges, and valued both terms of service. But it's the first I recall most. Judge R. was a senior (semi-retired) judge by then, in his late 80s, but still active, and I was his only clerk (active judges have 2). Being a law clerk is more than an employee, it's a close working, often intense, relationship that can go beyond the workday, and offers a sort of view of life behind the judicial curtain. There's stress, but there's also laughter and compassion, going both ways.

So it was for me.

And when "my judge" got sick with the condition that eventually killed him, I alternated my working hours between his chambers and the hospital; in his last hours I stayed with him overnight, was assured that things were okay, went home, showered, dressed, and went to his chambers, As soon as I arrived I got a call he had passed away (no cell phones then). I talked with his secretary (of more than 60 years) and made sure she was okay, that our courtroom deputy was with her, then went to help take care of final details. Later his secretary and I went through 40 years' worth of his papers, and closed things out.

At his funeral I mourned the passing of a good man and a consummate professional, and knew I had shared something special, that would never come again.