Julius: You were…
Uber driver: A federal judge, Judge Itzelitz.
Julius: Oh my god. I have an appeal in front of you.
Uber driver: Three years ago, right?
Julius: Yes. You ruled against me. What happened?
Uber driver: You mean why am I an Uber driver?
Julius: Yes… Memo 618.
Uber driver: I was in the middle of an appeal, a pharmaceutical case, fairly easy, opioids. I was about to rule against them when I got the memo. Pretty clear they wanted me to rule the other way, but I wasn’t going to do it.
Julius: They, meaning who?
Uber driver: No idea. Then in two weeks another judge filed a complaint of misconduct with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Said I took bribes, a dozen witnesses, all lying, but there was evidence. I was given the chance to walk away without a scandal but also without a pension, so I signed, I took it; they had me. I stood by my ideals and here I am. $45,000 per year, pre-tax. That’s working 60 hours a week. Tips are good. Sometimes I can go out to dinner with my wife. If I had to do it over again… whatever memo they send you, do it.