Judge Overfield sworn in, robed

Thursday, Nov. 8, was an emotional day for Bobbi Overfield, as she was joined by colleagues, friends and family – many who were a surprise for her – during her official robing as District Judge of the Fifth Judicial District. Overfield officially began in the position in October, selected by the Judicial Nominating Committee (JNC) to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robert Skar.

The number of attendees spilled out into the hallway from the Hot Springs District Courtroom, with the most prominent table occupied by Justices of the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Michael K. Davis, who later would administer the official oath to Overfield, noted her appointment was because of her stellar career and personal characteristics that make for a good judge.

Weston Graham, president of the Wyoming State Bar, expressed congratulations on behalf of himself, his staff and the more than 3,000 attorneys licensed in Wyoming that he represents. The robing ceremony was special for Graham, as he considers Overfield his friend. "Regardless of whether I was president or not, I would be here. I would be in the audience, I'd just be in a different seat is all," he said, adding it was a day for Overfield's family as well.

Graham recalled meeting Overfield about 10 years ago when getting ready to graduate law school and looking for a job. He saw an opening here and got the job, working with Overfield and Mike Mesenger. "She gave me my first job offer out of law school, and I'll never forget that," he said, joking it may have been the most questionable decision she made.

Graham further described Overfield as a lawyer at "the top of her game," and noted she will do an amazing job as a judge for the Fifth Judicial District. "She has an unparalleled work ethic, her issue analysis is sound and her reasoning is thoughtful and always deliberate; it also carries compassion. Above all that, she's a good person and she's a person that wants to do the right thing."

Messenger joked there needed to be no more congratulations to Overfield, as he wanted some sympathy. His own congratulations went to the attorneys of the Wyoming State Bar, the judges and citizens of Wyoming and the judiciary of the state "because you're going to have a great judge." Speaking to the history of judges in the Fifth Judicial District, Messenger said there have been some fine judges, and he's happy to see that tradition continue.

"You have before you now," Messenger said, "a judge who is kind, considerate and compassionate. A judge from the trenches who's experienced the highs of victory yet could remain humble, and the disappointments of defeat yet not be bitter. She will be a judge who will listen to you, a judge who understands the arguments you're making and why you must make them. She'll understand the trials and tribulations the clients are going through . . . and she'll merge those facts she learns with the law she studies to come up with a rational and fair decision."

Former District Judge Robert Skar presented a gift to Overfield. Prior to his presentation, Skar noted he's from the "old school," a time when judges might have had a little bottle of alcohol tucked away in lower desk drawer. As Overfield unwrapped the gift, to be sure she and several others thought it might be such a bottle; instead, it was a personal gavel and block for her to use.

Skar also addresses Overfield's family, advising she is now in a position that will keep her busy and doing a lot of hard work. Because of this, he advised, she may blow up at them.

Governor Matt Mead said the robing ceremony is not only an opportunity to congratulate the new judge but to reflect on the justice system in Wyoming. He noted Overfield has been a true Wyoming rural attorney, which was important in his decision, and the somewhat unique experience of having been a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. She has also served as a circuit court magistrate and court commissioner. In his interview with her, Mead knew she was hardworking, ethical and well grounded with family first and law second.

"As with all candidates," Mead said, "when they leave the interview I tell them to keep their phones on because I would be calling. In this case I think I was going to call quickly because for the two [candidates] not selected there was an opportunity for the circuit court judgeship. I told Bobbi that and she told me that's all well and good 'but I may be going hunting this weekend with my father and my daughter.' I thought, 'This is a lady that really has her priorities straight.'"

Mead said he knows Overfield will treat all who come before her with fairness and will be guided by law and the facts in her decisions.

Justice Keith Kautz welcomed Overfield to the "team," using the term to refer to judiciary system in the state. "It takes all of us, at every level, to provide equal justice under the law to every person in Wyoming." He further added the black robes won by everyone at every level of the judiciary is like a "team uniform" to show they don't follow partisan colors and are all engaged in equal justice for every person.

The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government, Kautz said, and we all depend on judges like Overfield to foster confidence in the government, and the Court is absolutely confident she will fill this role.

In emotional comments, Overfield said she was blessed to have everyone in attendance, though the courtroom wasn't big enough to hold them all, and in particular Governor Mead because of the importance he has put on the judiciary during his term. She pointed out Mead has appointed nearly half of the judiciary in his time.

"We're very lucky in Wyoming to have the system that we have," Overfield said. "That it is non-partisan, that there is a merit-based system, that we don't have to put up billboards to get elected." She feels grateful to live in a place that has a system to protect the rights of people, to be part of a community of people that truly care about each other and to be able to contribute and make that community a better place.

She appreciates the faith put in her by the governor, JNC, and those who support her. She will especially miss working with Messenger, and asked those attending to please give him plenty of sympathy. The attorneys in our area work hard, care about their clients and want to do the best they can. Going from private practice she hopes to be caring, compassionate, diligent in applying the law and understanding of where people are coming from.

Speaking to Judge Skar, she said, "I have some big shoes to fill and I hope I can do that," then added with a smile, "I hope I will never fill your robe."