Farewell to an Icon: Judge George P. Kazen

It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to one of Laredo’s finest legal minds and a pillar in the legal community, Judge George P. Kazen. Well respected by all who met him and a legend throughout the federal judiciary, Judge Kazen taught all of us fortunate enough to have practiced in his Court that we were in the company of one of the best legal scholars to ever preside in any federal courtroom.  

I was assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office in Laredo in October, 1980 and soon learned about his judicial demeanor and temperament. He was my life-long mentor who always helped all young lawyers develop into the best advocates they could be. Judge Kazen was meticulous in court, and his legal abilities were renowned in all legal circles. He always showed patience, open mindedness, firmness and humility. 

He and his wife Barbara were always involved in the Laredo community; helping many civic organizations that provided aid to the poor and the hungry. He showed courage and integrity in all of his rulings even though they were not always popular. His total respect for the law and the U.S. Constitution always shone through. 

His command of language from the bench and in his written opinions showed his brilliant reasoning at all times. His character and ethics were beyond reproach all his life. He treated all young prosecutors and defense lawyers with respect and made them want to get better for every case and every trial. 

No one worked harder in preparing for cases than Judge Kazen. Not too many judges get federal courthouses named after them while still living. He had a dry wit and a steely stare that could reduce any ill-prepared litigant to tears. He was the consummate lawyer’s lawyer and all federal judge’s Judge. 

All of us fortunate enough to have practiced before him left the courtroom wanting to be better human beings. He now joins his beloved Barbara and challenges all of us to take up the torch he passed on. Thank you very much, Your Honor.