Judge Ryan D. Nelson and Judge Danielle J. Forrest participated in a legal forum and a pre-forum luncheon while visiting campus on Valentine's Day.
Nelson spoke about finding a way to serve and making a difference where it counts, in whatever level one is called to serve. He said contrary to what others might say, the world needs more lawyers who are ethically and morally based and who use their knowledge to benefit society.
Forest talked about her desire to live a meaningful life lead her to study law and become a judge.
According to The Federalist Society website, Nelson “was confirmed to the Ninth Circuit in October 2018 as the youngest circuit judge to serve from Idaho.” Nelson, who is from Idaho Falls, graduated from BYU in Provo Law School, says the website. He previously served in all three branches of the federal government in Washington D.C. and served during President Clinton’s impeachment trial.
Balletopedia’s website states Forrest was nominated by President Donald Trump to the Court of Appeals in 2019. She earned her law degree from the University of Idaho College of Law, according to the site, and served as a law clerk, professor, partner and associate for Larkins Vacura Kayser LLP in Portland, Oregon.
Hearing from the judges: Legal forum
Forrest talked about the importance of the basis of people’s faith, which she said is knowing every individual has an equal treatment under the law.
She quoted Mark Twain, who said, “The two most important days” in a person’s life include the day they are born and the day they “find out why.”
At a very young age, Forrest said she knew she wanted to live a meaningful and remarkable life and this goal eventually led her to pursuit in law.
Students asked the judges questions about their lifestyle and careers, including how federal judges are chosen. Forrest said it’s all about being in the right place at the right time and knowing specific people.
Pre-forum luncheon with the judges
The Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative and Prelaw Society hosted a luncheon for Nelson and Forrest in the Heber Grant Building before the forum.
Both groups explained the projects and activities they are conducting and asked the two federal judges questions about their careers and stories.
Both judges said they always wanted to be judges. Forrest said being appointed during President Trump’s presidency was a combination of “Right time. Right place. Lightning striking.”
Nelson said the most enjoyable part of his job is having the opportunity to talk to students, the community and lawyers about the importance of the rule of law and the constitution.
Schuyler Chamberlain, a senior political science major from California is one of the vice presidents of the Prelaw Society. He said hearing from the federal judges in such an informal and personal setting was a “rare opportunity.”
He added he enjoyed hearing their perspectives about the law and their career and interacting with them helped strengthen his confidence in the law and the judicial system.
Forrest said she loves being a judge and taking an unbiased approach to the law “is a privilege.” She added she believes it’s an honor to be a judge as she has the opportunity to be an example of how the judiciary system can work.
Both judges talked about the importance of being open and curious in future career paths. For example, Nelson explained he began his college career in pre-med but decided to study law after completing his mission for the Church.
Forrest said listening to God is uniquely important in deciding which path is best.