Hundreds gather to honor, celebrate Justice David during retirement ceremony

On a not-so-typical Tuesday afternoon, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David sat fully robed in his designated seat on the high bench for one last time.

After nearly 30 years as a judicial branch leader, David stepped down from his post  — but not before the Indiana legal community could properly say goodbye.

The Indiana Supreme Court buzzed with life as swarms of friends, family and colleagues spanning the decades of David’s career filed into the courtroom to celebrate and honor the longtime justice.

The event, which drew a crowd of roughly 300 people, marked the end of David’s 12-year run with the high court. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2010 by former Gov. Mitch Daniels and was previously an elected trial court judge in Boone County, where he served for more than 15 years.

David, 65, announced his retirement plans last November after his wife, Catheryne Pully, an attorney and a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves, was called to active duty.

Cheery conversation bounced off the high ceiling before the justices were gaveled in and sat down. Chief Justice Loretta Rush began by saying that in preparation for her remarks, she had rewatched David’s initial swearing in ceremony.

“Like so many things, Mitch Daniels was spot on about Justice David. You are one of the finest,” Rush said.

The chief justice described David as having worn the robe well in his years of judicial service, acknowledging that he understands the triumphs and challenges of being a trial court judge.

Indiana Judges Association president and Wayne Superior Court Judge Darrin Dolehanty recalled a time when David served as Boone County judge and encouraged other trial court judges to get involved, make connections in their communities and embrace initiatives to make the profession stronger.

“Through his career he has been no hypocrite. He follows this advice, this challenge, that he makes to all of us everyday,” Dolehanty said. “As a result, he leaves the bench, having made our attorneys and our judges and our state that much better.”

On behalf of the Indiana State Bar Association, Executive Director Joe Skeel and President Clay Miller thanked David for his blend of warmth and accessibility offered in his commitment to Indiana lawyers. They cited his integral role in implementing the Leadership Development Academy and his involvement in the ISBA’s “Open Conversations: Racism and Racial Injustice.”

One of David’s former law clerks, Justin Forkner, gave a compelling tribute to David as being a profound mentor and legal advisor to himself and countless others.

“You made us all better. You taught us and you led us by example. You showed us that what we do takes time and effort,” said Forkner, the high court’s chief administrative officer.

“You didn’t come this far to come this far,” he continued. “You still have trails to blaze, mountains to climb and miles to go. But as you do, please keep your eyes front and forward. Don’t look back and don’t worry because your legacy is not those eight words. Your legacy is what those eight words embodied in your deeds and in those fortunate enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.”

After saluting Forker, David wiped tears from his eyes.

Additional speakers included Pully and all four of the sitting justices.

Justice Christopher Goff said that trying to encapsulate his thoughts of David was challenging, but that he is ultimately “better than advertised.”

“I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve with Steve David on the Indiana Supreme Court for the past five years but I am much more humbled to realize that Steve is one of the best friends I’ve ever had,” Goff said.

Justice Geoffrey Slaughter said that he will miss his friend and colleague, citing David’s “never quit” attitude and his unofficial trademark, “the rule of law, always.”

“He’s not just a first-rate judge or colleague, he’s a first-rate human being,” Slaughter said.

Justice Mark Massa cleared his throat with emotion when he reflected on his friend and colleague of 10-plus years. Massa said that David lives his life with the sacrificial values of an officer, which he brought to the high court.

“He has always kept the five of us, the court as an institution, the legal system across Indiana, foremost in mind as something to be nurtured and protected and we are all the better for it,” Massa said.

Rush closed out the remarks about her close friend by creating a list of the top 10 things the court has learned from David. She cited his effort, his sense of humor, his unseen acts of kindness to everyone, his willingness to serve and his mental strength.

“This has been a long goodbye. And there are countless times when he’s asked me, what else can I do? His works for the administration of justice lives on,” Rush said. “You have been my right-hand man and I can’t thank you enough. God speed to you, Steve David.”

Embarrassed and humbled, David said that he didn’t get to where he is on his own. He thanked numbers of people in his life and career for their impact and encouragement.

“I’ve had a great run for the last 12 years,” David said. “I’ve done my best because I have worked with and for the very best.”

Justice Derek Molter, David’s replacement, will be sworn in during a private ceremony on Sept. 1.

For more coverage on David’s retirement and Molter’s ascent to the high bench, read the Sept. 14 issue of Indiana Lawyer.