rocter Hug Jr., who captained the 9th Circuit through congressional storms that threatened to break up the largest appellate court in the nation, announced Friday he was taking senior status.
Hug, who stepped down as chief judge last year, was widely praised during his five years as chief judge for preserving the integrity of the circuit through quiet dedication and relentless persistence.
"He made people want to do what he was urging them to do," said University of Pittsburgh School of Law professor Arthur Hellman, who has written two books on the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
Hug, 70, is the third longest-tenured circuit judge in the nation, having been appointed to the 9th Circuit by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. His senior status will become effective Jan. 1.
Stepping down will cost him some of the privileges of active judges, including the ability to serve on en banc, or 11-judge, panels.
"I am pleased that we were able to prevent any kind of circuit split or modification to the way the 9th Circuit operates," Hug said in a statement.
Even as he announced his decision, Hug seemed to still be fighting the fight.
"Our current organization and operation is the most effective way of keeping the law consistent in the western states," the statement read.
Hug, who sits in Reno and comes from a well-known family there, will reduce his caseload to about half.
Hellman said Hug's character contributed to his efforts to preserve the circuit.
"He's really a statesman ... a very nice person, and I think that helps when you're dealing with lawyers who are used to judges who are 'judgey,' to use a word," Hellman said.
Indeed, even as Hug announced he was stepping down, he was praising his colleagues.
"I think one of the most satisfying things was that we remained a collegial circuit, that we worked well together, both judges and staff."
Chief Judge Mary Schroeder, who presented Hug with a peace pipe for his efforts to quell criticism of the circuit as she assumed the gavel from him, said he will be missed as an active judge.
"But we know he will continue as a senior judge to be a mentor to us all," Schroeder said.
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., called Hug a "man of unquestionable character and integrity."
