By Karen Cole • 4th Circuit Judge For each lawyer and each judge, a life in the law produces a constant and remarkably diverse array of unforgettable moments. Some moments are tragic, some deeply satisfying, some awe-inspiring and some riotously and unexpectedly funny. As I contemplate retirement from the law after 40 years, I recall vividly some of each type. Let me begin with the humorous moments. At a dissolution of marriage hearing years ago, the attorneys advised me that their clients had resolved all property distribution issues with one exception: They were unable to agree on who should get a valuable zebra rug. No appraiser was going to testify.