Early days -- Young lawyer -- Representing the state before the U.S. and California supreme courts -- To the bench : the municipal court -- Elevation to the Los Angeles Superior Court -- Presiding over the "Hillside strangler" trial, and civil assignments -- The California Court of Appeal -- Associate justice of the California Supreme Court -- Becoming chief justice of California -- Administering California's judicial branch of government -- Presiding over the high court -- Justice system partners -- Working with California governors and the legislature -- The Judicial Council and the administrative office of the courts -- Reforming the judicial system -- Oral argument and judicial opinions -- The marriage cases and other noteworthy opinions -- Comparisons between the California and U.S. supreme courts -- The historic Supreme Court Building and art collection; the decision to retire -- Reflections on past and future challenges facing the courts.