Noted North Dakota jurist to semi-retire

Judge Ralph Erickson, a member of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, has announced that he will take senior status (essentially judicial semi-retirement). 

A North Dakota Judicial Legend

A native North Dakotan and graduate of the University of Jamestown and UND Law School, Erickson practiced law with the respected Ohnstad Twichell Law Firm in West Fargo, North Dakota, and in solo practice there, before his appointment as a North Dakota District Court Judge in the 1990’s.  

He chambered in Hillsboro and Fargo before being appointed as a federal judge by President George W. Bush in 2003.  

Judge Erickson served as chief judge in the U.S. District Court in Fargo from 2009 to 2016.

He was appointed to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals by President Trump during his first term and has served in this capacity since.  The Court’s chambers are in St. Louis, MO and it also conducts hearings in St. Paul, MN.

The story, in itself, is an impressive one but it takes on a personal note for this writer.  You see, Ralph Erickson has been a friend for decades.  In fact, it is he who originally convinced me to run for the Legislature in our state.

Seeing him enter semi retirement marks the end of a stellar, distinguished judicial career and, in many respects, the end of an era.  

Those who know him and those who have worked with him have been continually impressed not only by his unquestioned judicial competence and temperament but also by his amazing intellect and grasp of the law. In an age when courts and judicial decisions are not held in the high regard that they historically have been, replacing him will be a difficult task, to say the least.

Our state and nation have been well served by Judge Ralph Erickson and will continue to be, in his senior status, which will take effect when the US Senate confirms his successor.  His regular service on the Appeals Court will be missed.

Godspeed, Judge Ralph Erickson, and thank you for your service!