Justice E. James Burke Retiring October 8, 2018

In his 2018 State of the Judiciary speech to the Wyoming Legislature, The Honorable E. James Burke [then Chief Justice] included a quote from Warren Buffet, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”  Chief Justice Burke was referring at the time to the “We the People” program for high school students and the dividends it will provide our communities in the years to come.  Justice Burke will, without a doubt, be considered as someone who planted numerous trees during his career, as evidenced by the many successful programs he created and cultivated.  Even after he retires on October 8, 2018, Wyoming communities will continue to benefit from the efforts he put forth to make our system of justice more understandable and accessible to the citizens of this state.

District Judge Tim Day, in a recent email to Justice Burke, expressed sentiments that many in the judiciary share.  “Although I have not known you for your entire legal career, I was aware of your reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and as an ambassador of the legal profession. Your contributions to such efforts as the People’s Law School and Inns of Court are extraordinary.  As the Chief Justice, I deeply admired your strong but sensitive leadership for all the Wyoming courts.  I have especially prized your efforts to advance equal justice as a Justice and as the Chief.  We simply would not be where we are today without your commitment and influence in that important arena – an arena that too often can be unattended and trivialized.  You have made a huge difference in advancing Equal Justice in Wyoming, a legacy to be proud of, truly.”

Justice Burke’s legacy includes People’s Law School – Founder and “Dean” of the program he established over 20 years ago.  The program provides the public with a better understanding of our legal system and the lawyer’s role.  It has received honors from the Wyoming State Bar, Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association, and the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce; Access to Justice Commission – Initial Chair of the Access to Justice Commission.  With funding from the legislature, the commission created the Wyoming Center for Legal Aid (later renamed Equal Justice Wyoming), which strives to provide legal services to as many low-income individuals as possible; “You Be the Judge” – Another program he helped establish to promote a better public understanding of the legal system; American Inns of Courts – Founding member of the Ewing T. Kerr Chapter of the American Inns of Court and first President of the Inn.  The Inn was founded in Cheyenne in 2004 and is the only AIC Chapter in Wyoming.  Its purpose is to improve the skills and professionalism of Cheyenne attorneys and judges; Courtroom Technology Upgrades – He’s been an integral part of the effort to upgrade technology in the 69 district court and circuit court courtrooms across the state.  This project includes bringing useable and reliable audio and video technology to the trial courtrooms.

Justice Burke’s career as a jurist includes 24 years as an attorney in private practice, three years as a district court judge in Cheyenne, and nearly 14 years as a Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court—four of which he served as Chief Justice.  He has been the recipient of many awards and honors during those years: 2009 Wyoming State Bar President’s Award, 2008 Honorary Order of the Coif, University of Wyoming College of Law, 2008 Thomas G. Gorman Excellence in Professionalism Award, 2005 Wyoming State Bar Leadership Award, and the 1993 Wyoming State Bar Community Service Award “For Demonstrating the Personal Qualities that Characterize the Legal Profession’s High Ideals and Commitment to the Welfare of the Public.”

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 1999 spoke of the responsibilities of the legal profession.  “It must devote itself first to the community it is responsible to serve.  I can imagine no greater duty than fulfilling this obligation.  And I can image no greater pleasure.”  Justice Burke has devoted himself to serving this state for 41 years, a duty that he has upheld with great honor and success, and one that we trust he has enjoyed fulfilling.

In discussing the upcoming retirement, Chief Justice Davis remarked, “Justice Burke has set the bar high for the rest of us in the Wyoming Judiciary, and those who aspire to be.  He has authored hundreds of well-reasoned opinions that will stand the test of time.  He has also led this Court through difficult times as Chief Justice, when his leadership was sorely needed and greatly appreciated.  He has never walked away from a challenge, no matter how daunting.  All of us in the judiciary will miss him terribly.  We wish Justice Burke and his family the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”