This article was originally published in Wyoming Lawyer.

Transitions, especially life altering ones, can be challenging. As most of you know, I recently made a momentous transition, leaving the federal bench, my colleagues and court family after 17 years. The opportunity to serve Wyoming and my country as a United States District Judge was an honor which I will cherish always. Although I still loved my work, I had come to the conclusion that I wanted to take a new path in my life.

I’ve been on this new path for over seven months and, thus far, I am enjoying the journey. During this transition I have been blessed with the support and encouragement of many members of this bar. Letters, emails and phone calls from lawyers have buoyed my spirits. Some of you have offered advice and counsel concerning my future endeavors. In a real sense, I am being mentored by many of you. Likely without intention—and certainly without pontificating— members of the bar are spurring me on, challenging me to set new goals.