The learner’s permit

Back in the 1960’s a newly-admitted attorney showed up for his first day of work as a lawyer, an associate at a trial law firm.

As he sat down at the desk in his new office that day, he thought of his just-issued law license as a sort of driver’s license. He’d stood in that ceremony, taken an oath and been given an impressive certificate granting him the right to practice law. Now he could take on his clients’ legal matters and manage them down an orderly road to the best conclusion he could manage. Yep, this was special, this was big, after those years of hard work and study, he was IN, he was da man.

But at the end of that first work day he realized that what he’d really been handed was just a learner’s permit.

No fuss, no feathers

Daniel B. Sparr
1931-2006

“He was quiet, not like some district judges. He knew how to do the job without any fuss and feathers or making a big splash. I think that’s good.” — US District Judge Richard Matsch

“He was a dedicated, reliable judge. He believed in the rule of law, in fairness and justice.” –Lewis Babcock, chief judge of the U.S. District Court, Colorado district.

“He was a wonderful colleague. He was smart, practical and nice to work with. On several occasions, he took the time to help me learn the ropes as a judge.” — Colorado Supreme Court Justice Nancy Rice, who served with Judge Sparr as a (state court) Denver District Court Judge.