The Honorable Ernest C. Torres in Residence

The Honorable Ernest C. Torres is the “Distinguished Judge in Residence” at Roger Williams University School of Law for the month of March.  Judge Torres recently announced his retirement from the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island after serving as Chief Judge from 1999-2006.  He has dedicated his professional life to public service and has distinguished himself as a state and federal judge. 

During his residence, Judge Torres can be seen chatting with students over coffee, conducting class on the Supreme Court and theories of constitutional interpretation, serving as a guest judge in a practice round for the Admiralty Moot Court team, and giving students the inside scoop of how to win coveted federal clerkships.  He also engaged with law faculty at a speaker series featuring Georgetown Professor Abbe Smith, author of “Case of a Lifetime: A Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Story.” The month long residency will conclude with an honorary luncheon for Judge Torres with deans and faculty. 

Judge Torres graduated from New Bedford High School, Dartmouth College, and Duke University School of Law.  He began his legal career in 1968, and served as town council president and member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.  In 1980, he was appointed to the Rhode Island Superior Court, where he served as an associate justice for five years.

After three years in the private sector, in 1988 Judge Torres returned to the bench when he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.  In 1999 he was named Chief Judge of that court, taking over responsibility for the court’s administration. In his sixteen years on that court, he has presided over complex and high-profile cases.  Judges, lawyers, litigants, and others report that he was up to the task, noting in particular his intellect, his work ethic, his even temper, and, perhaps most importantly, his desire to do justice.  On the occasion of his announcement that he would step down as Chief Judge and take senior status, Judge Torres said he hoped his legacy would be “fairness.” Indeed, it will.

We are honored to have Judge Torres serving as our “Distinguished Judge in Residence” providing our students with valuable knowledge and a perspective from the bench.