Forty years ago today, as a young attorney working a downtown Los Angeles civil litigation firm, I turned in my resignation, walked the few blocks to the Hall of Administration, and took the oath of office as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. During the next five-plus years (until my first appointment to the bench by California Governor George Deukmejian in 1990), I had the honor of working alongside some of the finest, toughest, and most ethical lawyers I have ever encountered. My supervisors were the best in the business: Walt Lewis, (future Judge) Terry Green, the late Beverly Campbell—all great prosecutors who taught me that our mission was to strike hard but strike fair. Thanks to their trust in me, I prosecuted gang murderers, rapists, serial child molesters, bank robbers, and every other type of violent felon. It was quite a ride, and my years as a DDA were among my most exciting professionally. The lessons learned from them served me well in later years and continue to do so. It remains a privilege to be counted as an alumnus among their ranks.
Here I am on that long-ago day with then-District Attorney Ira Reiner as he presented me with my badge. I remain very grateful to him for giving me the chance to serve.