Douglas County Chief Judge Robert Fairchild to retire

TOPEKA—Douglas County District Court Chief Judge Robert Fairchild will retire September 9 after 20 years on the bench in the 7th judicial district.

"It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as district judge for the 7th judicial district," Fairchild said. "I am grateful to the people of Douglas County for their support and trust, and it has been a joy to serve with dedicated, caring judges throughout my tenure on the bench. I am especially grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends."

Fairchild was appointed district judge in 1996 and chief judge in 2002. Before he became a judge, he had a private law practice in Lawrence for 23 years. He graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law and has served as an adjunct professor for the school, regularly teaching alternative dispute resolution. He also taught a criminal law section in 2005.

After he retires, Fairchild will accept a role as senior judge with the Kansas judicial branch, which will allow him to work on an as-needed basis in district and appellate courts.

"I look forward to the new challenges that will face me as a senior judge," Fairchild said. "I also look forward to spending more time with my family."

Fairchild is a member of the Commission on Judicial Qualifications, the body charged with helping the Supreme Court exercise its authority in judicial disciplinary matters. He is a past member of Kansas Supreme Court's Advisory Council on Dispute Resolution from 1999 to 2006 and served six years as chair. He also is a former member of the Kansas Board of Examiners of Court Reporters and the Supreme Court Education Committee.