Vol. 28, No. 3 #3 (June 2005). Wyoming's Newest Judge - the Picture of Contentment.

• Author: By Mary Angell

Wyoming Bar Journal

2005.

Vol. 28, No. 3 #3 (June 2005).

Wyoming's Newest Judge - the Picture of Contentment

WYOMING LAWYERJune 2005/Vol. XXVIII, No. 3Wyoming's Newest Judge - the Picture of ContentmentBy Mary Angell

In his chambers decorated with wildlife photos and fly fishing memorabilia, long-time Cheyenne attorney Peter G. Arnold recently told the Wyoming Lawyer that he couldn't be happier with his appointment to the First Judicial District bench. "U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson said a month or so ago at the American Inns of Court that a state district court judge is the best judge job in the world," he said, "and I agree with him."

Arnold, 59, filled the position on the court created when E. James Burke was appointed to the Wyoming Supreme Court.

"I always did have aspirations to be a judge, but I never really took affirmative steps to become one until late last year," said Arnold. "I had a call from a friend suggesting I apply. My initial reaction was that I was content where I was. I discussed it with my wife Ruth, and she said, "Are you crazy?! You've always wanted to be a judge." "Ruth has been my confidant for 36 years, and I place great value in her opinion."

After graduating from the University of Wyoming School of Law in 1973, Arnold served five years in the U.S. Army. A captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, he was stationed first in Germany, then San Francisco. Arnold said the toughest career decision of his life was to leave the military and go into private practice.

"I was very content in the Army," he said. "I had aligned myself to be career Army - a JAG officer."

But when Arnold was offered a job by Don Riske, whom he had known since college, he accepted. He worked for the Cheyenne firm of Andrews, Andrews and Riske from 1979 until 1982, when he opened his private practice, which he maintained until 1991. At that point, he became partners with Riske, and practiced law under the firm of Riske and Arnold, P.C. until he took the bench several months ago.

"When I received the phone call suggesting I apply for the judgeship, the second thing I did after discussing the opportunity with my family was to go to Don and his wife to get their blessing to apply for the position," he said. "They were both very supportive and enthusiastic - and delighted I was applying."

"We have always either worked...