So said an American icon, Mark Twain, that, “Praise is well, compliment is well, but affection – that is the last and most precious reward that any (person) can win, whether by character or achievement.”

To be inducted to the bench, Tamara T. Mosby was showered with all three during her robing ceremony. The first to stand at the podium and speak on the inductee’s behalf was Omaha Attorney Jessica West, who, with an elated smile, argued to attendees that Tamara was exceptionally qualified and humble, a woman who enjoys talking about legal issues as well as being a dedicated mother. Clearly moved by Tamara’s influence, she pressed that the new judge’s experience as an Assistant District Attorney in New York, corporate litigation, as well as being a public defender in Omaha, made her the right choice for the role.

Ms. West spoke with conviction and joy, ever evident in her eyes, while her own smile was mirrored back to her by family, friends, and coworkers in the audience.

“Tamara, your intellect and depth of character will make you a great judge. It is your joy that makes you a unique person to fill the vacancy. Your appointment honors our justice system.”

When Ms. West finished her speech that had so warmed the room, a doctor from New Orleans, Dr. Montegut, rose to stand proudly behind the podium. He opened his speech by admitting that he was the ex-husband of the inductee, which by itself spoke to his continued affection and respect for Tamara Mosby, even after their parting. With kind and gentle laughter, Dr. Montegut said that, “She has never been afraid to go after what she wants," and with a twinkle of a memory in his eye, went on to say it was she who pursued him and even initiated their first kiss.

Of all that had transpired between them, he wanted the audience to know that Tamara isn't afraid to admit what she doesn't know, and that of all the women in his life, she is the most brilliant and qualified to bear the mantle of a judge.

Following Dr. Montegut, Tamara’s friend Attorney Charmaine Brooks from New York stepped up to the podium and spoke with a smile that likely was also a reflection of memory, on how during their first evening together preparing, Tamara had stayed up all night learning every angle and bit of information that she needed to know for a case they were working. Come morning, she was completely prepared. While recalling the past, Ms. Brooks noted that Tamara was always “smooth and charming" and that they would run marathons and even triathlons together. “I didn’t know how to swim,” she added while laughing softly, and then waved away such an issue by adding that Tamara used to be a lifeguard.

Whether the three speakers realized it or not, they were all painters who were working on the same canvas. A friend, a coworker, an intimate life partner, all adding different colors to try and get others to understand just the caliber of person that Tamara T. Mosby is. The painting was not yet complete, though, as her recent boss, the Douglas County Public Defender Tom Riley, was next to speak on Tamara’s behalf.

With the ease of a man long accustomed to giving speeches in front of others, he moved into her qualifications: “Tamara worked in pretty much every part of our office for seven years," and it was clear to him early on that she would be a huge asset to the office. "Tamara is a terrific trial lawyer. I’ve learned a lot from her. She was always blunt and able to recognize pros and cons.” Tom briefly lamented losing her to the judgeship, that she would be missed in her role, but that he knew that she was qualified for the job.

With earnestness, he ended his speech with, “It has been an honor to work with you, and it will continue to be."

The investiture continued with its ever heartfelt theme during the ensuing Oath of Office, when Tamara’s daughter, Brooklyn, joined her in the center of the chamber. The ceremony was administered by the Honorable Derek Vaughn.

Surrounded in the chamber by a banner of smiling people, on June 6th, in the year 2025, the powers, authority, and title of judge was granted to the now Honorable Tamara T. Mosby in the Douglas County Court. Brooklyn helped her mother put on her new and symbolic, yet imposing, robe.

All together, those who spoke on the inductee’s behalf seemed, through the tenor of their voices, to not just be imparting praise, but affection for the Honorable Tamara Mosby. Their shared painting of the character of the new judge was not complete, however, until the judge herself took the stand and laid out her own case.

“I started my career with a firm understanding of justice, or so I thought.” Throughout her career, she saw too many people who were in court and were mentally unwell, or in poverty, whose life circumstances might have been different had they gotten help. With vigor, the judge spoke about how punishments didn’t always fix what they should have fixed. “Circumstances don't forgive behavior, but it does make me pause.” Resolutions aren’t always perfect, but they should be just.

With humility, she thanked Tom Riley, God, and then proceeded to thank, with all the earnestness in her heart, a nearly unending list of people who had affected her life. It was entirely admirable that she remembered them all, ending with thanking her daughter for teaching her patience. Turning to Brooklyn, the Honorable Tamara Mosby beamed a most warm smile,

“Loving you has been my heart’s joy.”

Turning back to the well-wishers and onlookers,

“I wrap up this chapter of my life standing on the shoulders of giants.” She spoke of her loving mother and late father, who were her biggest champions.

“I commit to uphold the law with integrity and honesty for all people and the principles of justice.”

Austin Petak is an aspiring novelist and freelance journalist who loves seeking stories and the quiet passions of the soul. If you are interested in reaching out to him to cover a story, you may find him at austinpetak@gmail.com.