I want to thank the men and women of the federal judiciary and especially my former colleagues on the Tenth Circuit with whom I worked closely for many years. Your work makes real the promises of our Constitution in the daily lives of millions of Americans and many of you inspired the reflections found in this book by your example.
I am grateful, too, for those who have supported my family and me through it all. Summit peaks are precarious spots and they are usually reached only after long and trying times through uncertain wilderness. But Louise and I have been graced with many guides and counselors, family and friends, law clerks and colleagues who have been there for us at every step. I do not know if I will ever have the words to convey the full measure of my thanks for your friendship and awe for your strength. I can only say that each of you has a place in my heart and Louise’s, and always will.
I want to thank my students and former law clerks, too, for challenging, refining, and contributing to many of the ideas that appear in this book. Louise and I are so proud of you and grateful for your presence in our lives. Our law clerk family includes Mike Davis, Jessica Greenstone, Jamil Jaffer, Heather Kirby Lyions, Patrick Price, Mark Champoux, Ian Kellogg, Tim Meyer, Allison Jones Rushing, Theresa Wardon Benz, Jane Nitze, Matt Owen, Jonathan Papik, Leah Bressack, Josh Goodbaum, Michael McGinley, Lucas Walker, Katherine Crawford Yarger, Ben Strawn, Eric Tung, Stephen Yelderman, Tess Hand Bender, Dwight Carswell, Paul Dubbeling, Jason Murray, Sean Jackowitz, Jessica Livingston, Josh Parker, Jeff Quilici, Matthew Glover, Michael Kenneally, Leigh Llewelyn, Marissa Miller, Jerry Cedrone, David Feder, Hamilton Jordan, Jr., Collin White, Alex Harris, Stefan Hasselblad, Jordan Moran, Allison Turbiville, Joe Celentino, Nathan Jack, Michael Qin, Dan Rauch, Ethan Davis, Alexander Kazam, Paul Mezzina, and Tobi Young.
Without Jane Nitze and David Feder, my collaborators, former clerks, and friends, this book simply would not have been possible. I am deeply grateful that they took time off before starting their new jobs to help assemble, develop, and refine the materials here. Their vision, insight, and enthusiasm always makes working with them a joy.
Twenty years later and I am indebted once more to Jessica Bartlow for her amazing editorial help and great friendship. Now, as well, I owe a happy new debt to Arielle Goldberg and Frances Lataif for their eagle eyes. Many of the pieces here I wrote with the help of my former judicial assistant, Holly Cody, who was and remains a cherished friend to me and mentor to my clerks.
Steve Benz, Ethan Davis, Jamil Jaffer, Greg Katsas, Alex Kazam, Ray Kethledge, Chris Mammen, Paul Mezzina, Tim Meyer, Jeff Quilici, Jeff Sutton, Grace and Michael Trent, Eric Tung, Tim Tymkovich, Steve Yelderman, and Tobi Young generously commented on pieces or the whole of early drafts. I am grateful not only for the many improvements they suggested but for the friendship their thoughtfulness represented. Mary Reynics and Tina Constable at Crown made the process of putting this book together fun and I am indebted for their wise advice along the way.
Finally, to Louise, Emma, and Belinda: Your love and support at life’s peaks and through its wildernesses means more to me than I am able to express. You are the great blessings of my life.