San Diego will bid farewell to its longest-serving Superior Court judge, the Honorable David M. Gill, as he steps down from over 50 years of judicial service. Judge Gill, who has become a pillar of the San Diego legal community, has announced his retirement effective December 13, coinciding with his 90th birthday. Appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan in 1974, Gill has since presided over several high-profile cases and made a significant impact on the legal system.
According to a release from the San Diego Superior Court, Gill's career is marked by a dedication to the jury system, often beginning his days with a visit to the jury lounge to welcome and thank citizens for their jury service personally. He also managed the longest criminal trial in the court’s history, which lasted 217 days and concluded with a not-guilty verdict after seven hours of deliberations.
“Judge David Gill served our court and the people of San Diego with honor and distinction for over 50 years. He deeply cared about his role as a judge and wore his judicial robe with humility and respect. During his time on the bench Judge Gill handled some of the most complex, difficult and controversial cases,” San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge Maureen F. Hallahan remarked in a statement obtained by the court's announcement.
Prior to his appointment, Gill served in various capacities, including time in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps from 1960-1963 and building a practice in private law before taking up the judicial mantle. For his service, both in and out of the courtroom, he has been recognized with several awards including the William B. Enright Civility & Ethics Award and the “Pillar of the Community Award” from the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Reflecting on his time as a judge, Gill shared with the court, “It’s been said, if you love what you’re doing you’ll never work a day in your life,” and in fitting humor, added, “I’ve never worked a day in my life.” Throughout his tenure, Gill has remained active in the court’s community outreach and other civic organizations. As he anticipates his retirement, Judge Gill envisions peaceful mornings on a park bench, observing the ebb and flow of life around him, much like he observed the intricacies of law and justice from his vantage point on the bench for many years.
