Former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes was fond of observing that “no man is a hero to his valet.” In short, Holmes recognized that when a young person (like a law clerk) routinely interacts with an older public figure (like a judge), he or she comes to see the flawed humanity and foibles under the robe. While I agree with the general applicability of Holmes’ maxim, I am forced to dissent in the case of Judge Glen E. Conrad—who was admired and loved by a generation of law clerks. And in support of my dissent, I would like to briefly share some observations about the life and career of a man that I was lucky to call a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.