Oliver W. Wanger, the often larger-than-life federal judge who has presided over some of this region's most high-profile cases, is stepping down after two decades.
Wanger, 70, is taking the rare step of leaving the bench and returning to private practice. His last day at Fresno's federal courthouse is Sept. 30, a Friday. The following Monday, he'll hang out his shingle as a partner at the newly created firm of Wanger Jones Helsley.
"I am going to be a lawyer," Wanger said. "I'm going back to the other side of the bench."
Wanger said he's frustrated by the Fresno court's growing caseload and Congress's unwillingness to add judges here.
Wanger – who sent his resignation letter Wednesday to Anthony W. Ishii, the chief judge for California's eastern federal judicial district – plans to be much more than a trial lawyer.
The notorious workaholic still plans to offer his services as a defense attorney, but he also plans to teach, advise trial lawyers and local governments, and be an expert witness. He also will hear civil cases as a private judge.
Workaholic is an understatement! Do I remember correctly that Judge Wanger once heard more jury trials in a year than any other federal judge in the country? Anyone know if that is right?