“I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.”
–Thomas Jefferson
I am always struck by the impressive careers in public service by many of our judges. Unfortunately, as Chief Judge Michel noted in his retirement announcement the other day, the judges of the Federal Circuit have served while apparently not receiving a pay raise in the last twenty years.
One notable example of a distinguished career in public service is the Federal Circuit judge featured on the following recording. It is an oral argument from the 1970’s before the US Supreme Court. Can you name him? [Listen] Hint: Prior to being appointed to the bench, he was the acting Solicitor General of the United States.