Born: June 29, 1937

Appointed: Nov. 2, 1982

Previous work of note: Alameda County Superior Court, probate commissioner, 1973-82

Law degree: Golden Gate University School of Law (1969)

Whimsy and caprice, says David Lee, led him to abandon his initial plans to teach and instead pursue a career in law that would eventually land him on the Alameda County Superior Court.