Written By: Anna Litteer
As legal professionals, we are called to help others and make principled decisions that not only affect individual lives but also shape society as a whole. Judge David Peebles carried this sentiment through his retirement last month from the Northern District Court of New York, where he served as a Magistrate Judge for over twenty years. Graciously agreeing to sit down with us, Judge Peebles reflected on his time at Syracuse College of Law and his subsequent legal journey.
Judge Peebles was born and raised in the Syracuse area, eventually moving to New Jersey in eighth grade with his family. Recognizing his talent for math and science, he made the decision to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.
Post-grad, Judge Peebles decided to pursue a career in law–a choice that would ultimately bring him full circle back to Syracuse. He knew he wanted to raise a family in a place he loved, and Syracuse was the ideal place. Beyond the personal draw, he found the law’s blend of logic, human connection, and challenge compelling. He explained that while he enjoyed the problem-solving of engineering, he couldn’t picture himself “stuck in a cube” all day. At first, he even dismissed patent law–an irony he now appreciates, given how deeply he came to enjoy patent cases later in his judicial career.
Judge Peebles began his legal career during the summer leading up to his 3L year, interning at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. After graduation, Judge Peebles returned to the Office as an Assistant District Attorney, earning the role after distinguishing himself during his initial internship. Afterwards, he joined Hancock Estabrook, LLP, where he handled a wide range of federal litigation–from environmental law to civil rights matters. While at Hancock, he became a partner, chaired the Labor and Employment division, and served on the firm’s Executive Committee. Over time, his curiosity and technical background drew him toward intellectual property work, leading him to develop and ultimately chair the firm’s IP department. Looking back, he credits much of his career growth to happenstance and opportunity. He even joked that his success was influenced by the physical location of his desk, as he was often the first to be asked for help or handed a new case.
Upon his appointment to the federal bench, Judge Peebles noted that most people are intimidated by federal court, though he isn’t quite sure why. “At least in federal court,” he noted, “the rules are written down.” It was during his time on the bench that he deepened his appreciation for intellectual property, particularly patent law. Judge Peebles even arranged to take on all patent cases from another judge, a move his clerk called him crazy for, but one he thoroughly enjoyed.
Insisting he got more than his fair share of cases while on the bench, Judge Peebles left a lasting impact on his community. Some of his favorite moments were at naturalization ceremonies, which often welcomed more than a hundred people celebrating and waving American flags. Between these ceremonies and officiating weddings, Judge Peebles cherished
the opportunity to bring joy to those in the community–especially when he officiated nearly all his children’s weddings.
Judge Peebles also reflected fondly on his time at the law school and the professors who shaped his path. He recalls, for example, how Professor Lewin wrote him a recommendation letter without hesitation–a gesture of kindness that left a lasting impression. If he could do it all over again, Judge Peebles said he would spend more time getting involved in activities that prepare students for practice, such as the trial team and clinics.
Recognizing the strength of Syracuse Law’s trial advocacy program, Judge Peebles emphasized that students should take advantage of courses like Trial Practice and participate in the Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honor Society. He believes such experiences not only teach courtroom advocacy, but also instill the professionalism, respect, and confidence every lawyer should bring to the courtroom. Whether it is in ethics, demeanor, or dress, Judge Peebles discussed the importance of conduct across the profession. His advice is rooted in the hopes that today’s students will use these opportunities to enter practice with the skill and civility the profession demands.
Continuing his own involvement with the Syracuse Law community, Judge Peebles served as a judge in moot court and had nearly eighty interns from the College of Law in his tenure on the bench–including several Editors-in-Chief of the Syracuse Law Review and Professor Danielle Wild. Judge Peebles noted he truly enjoyed working with his interns over the years, but his greatest joy was watching them “go out and choose their own path.”
Another value close to Judge Peebles’ heart is civic education. During his time on the bench, he frequently welcomed local students to the court through educational programs that provided young children access to the legal system, sponsoring their understanding of what he described as one of the greatest and most vital components of American democracy. Judge Peebles firmly believes that fostering civic understanding early on strengthens the next generation’s appreciation for justice and public service.
In offering one final piece of advice for aspiring lawyers, Judge Peebles insisted on one point: find a hobby. Hobbies and other interests are essential to coping with the stress of law school and legal practice. For him, that outlet was music. A gifted trumpeter, he previously performed with the Atlanta Symphony and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Over the years, he has found joy in moments where law and music intersect, from playing the trumpet at a former paralegal’s wedding to playing Taps for many years at the Onondaga County Bar Association for deceased judges. He was also repeatedly challenged to pull out his trumpet from behind the bench at a naturalization ceremony for the National Anthem. So, at one of his last ones, he did.
Judge Peebles’ journey from aerospace engineer to federal magistrate judge reflects the very best of what it means to be a Syracuse Law alumnus. He reminds current and future lawyers that success in the profession isn’t about perfection, but about integrity and compassion. As he transitions into official retirement, Judge Peebles continues to embody the values that define the College of Law–proving the law, much like music, is most powerful when practiced with discipline and heart.