AUBURN — Robert Clifford sits in a modern office behind a renovated courtroom in Lewiston’s 8th District Court, his black robe stowed safely in a carrying case by the door.

His own office is located across the river, in the historically preserved Androscoggin County Superior Court building.

But Clifford doesn’t spend much time there. Since stepping down at the end of August from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court after 23 years of service, Clifford has opted for “active-retired” status. That means he shuttles from city to city, courthouse to courthouse, filling in where needed, borrowing other judges’ offices as he goes.

Although semi-retired, he’s busier than ever.

At 72, Clifford decided it was time for a change. As a high-court judge, he spent most of his time reading briefs. Now Clifford is back on the bench, most of the time, where he spent seven years previously as a superior court justice. And he likes it that way.

Three days after his retirement, he was back in court presiding over
Oxford County Superior Court. A total knee replacement in October briefly sidelined him.

“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “I’ve always liked the trial judge position.” He’s a bit slower than the regular trial judges, noting that there’s more paperwork involved than he remembers. But he’s getting back up to speed.

A court officer pokes his head in the room. “Your last case was dismissed,” he tells Clifford.

“So, we’re all done? Thanks Andy. See you Thursday.”

— Christopher Williams, Staff Writer

Retired Maine Supreme Court Justice Robert Clifford speaks during the Great Falls Forum at the Lewiston Public Library on Thursday.