OUR VIEW: Judge Wanger's leap into counsel's seat too rapid
Oliver Wanger, the retired judge who for decades ably served the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, has every right to earn a living by availing some fortunate law firm of his considerable legal expertise. He has every right to tap his vast and specific knowledge of California water laws and economics. But did he have to sign on to represent the same water agency that had benefited from his favorable ruling barely eight weeks before? The move has an odor.
Wanger, who retired Sept. 30, was named in a Nov. 22 court filing as an attorney representing Westlands Water District, which provides farm irrigation water across much of the San Joaquin Valley. Wanger ruled in favor of Westlands in mid-September and now, as the name-brand partner in a Fresno law firm not previously known for litigating water issues, he is suddenly serving as counsel to Westlands. Former judges aren't supposed represent parties in cases in which they themselves once presided, and Wanger is not doing so. But the issues in the current litigation are similar.
Over the years, Wanger has ruled both for water districts and environmental groups. He tells The Sacramento Bee he would have considered representing any party that hired him, and perhaps he would have. That doesn't detract from the fact that his judicial robes are still swaying on the hanger in his closet. If only for appearances, a longer vacation from the courtroom would have been advisable.
