This is tough to write. I honestly thought I’d never have to say goodbye to Justice Hobbs. He always seemed invincible and full of unlimited energy. His professional accomplishments are many and great. Because others have already written about his achievements, I am focusing on what he meant to me both personally and professionally.
I first met Justice Hobbs when I was 25 and in my third year of law school. I got to know him through the Water Law Review at the University of Denver. For whatever reason, I was completely against doing a clerkship, but Justice Hobbs convinced me to interview with him. It was and still is my best interview experience. He welcomed me into his office, and we talked for at least an hour, which ended with his famous courthouse map tour and a clerkship offer.
From that day forward, he always treated me as an equal and he always took my call, even 15 years after my clerkship. My ideas were important to him, and my many questions were always answered. I very much enjoyed my clerkship and learned so much about how to treat people in the justice system. Justice Hobbs would often remind me that every case, no matter how seemingly unimportant, has real people involved with real problems who need a solution from the court. He would always strive to write clear opinions and to achieve consensus with the other Justices.
While clerking, Justice Hobbs asked me to help him start the pro bono recognition program for law firms and attorneys, which still exists today. He also included me in other community outreach, such as meeting with high school students, giving tours of the courthouse, and meeting his former clerks. By involving me in the community at the start of my legal career, I saw and appreciated the value of educating and mentoring others.
Following my clerkship, I went into private practice. Justice Hobbs and I would make it a point to meet once a month for lunch. He served as a friend, mentor, career sounding board, and sometimes, a reality check on my goals. I had the honor of Justice Hobbs officiating my wedding in 2011, but I did limit the numbers of poems he could read!
Five years ago, I was appointed to serve as the water referee for the Colorado River Basin and a magistrate judge. Justice Hobbs could not have been more excited for me. Even though I moved to the western slope of Colorado, we talked even more, and he loved to help me puzzle through water law issues. On the bench, I tried to model his wisdom, thorough legal analysis, and his treatment of everyone in the courtroom as important.
For three years, Justice Hobbs and I taught a class together at the University of Denver focused on water court practice. From that experience, I learned even more from him. His true passion for Colorado water law was remarkable and inspirational. He was equally passionate about educating students on the importance of water. I am truly grateful and honored that I could collaborate with him to teach the next generation of water lawyers.
I recently started a new professional journey, and I am so sad that I can’t tell him all about it. I know he would have great advice, perspective, and of course, humor. As I write this, I think of how Justice Hobbs’s kindness and respect for me when I was 25–long before I had proven anything to anyone–has made all the difference to me, both personally and professionally. I hope he knows how much he meant to me.
I wish I was a poet, so I could write a beautiful poem honoring Justice Hobbs. But I am not, so the best tribute I can think of is to follow his example and treat people with respect in all circumstances, enjoy the mountains and rivers of Colorado, and in his words – to keep my mouth shut, ears open, and get some good work done.
Because I can hear him laughing as I write this sentence, I’ll conclude with La Fiesta wisdom from Justice Hobbs – “there is nothing wrong with orange cheese and black coffee for lunch!”
