It’s been 10 years since Robert Fairchild was appointed judge in Douglas County District Court.

On Nov. 7, voters will decide whether to retain him.

A graduate of Kansas University law school, Fairchild had a private practice in Lawrence before becoming a judge. He also served as Douglas County counselor and was a pro-tem judge in the district court.

During the past few years, Fairchild has been the court’s chief judge in the Seventh Judicial District. He is responsible for day-to-day operation of the district, which includes more than 80 employees and a court administrator. He also hears civil and criminal cases.

Fairchild is on the advisory council to the Kansas Corporation Commission and is one of 14 people who have applied to fill a vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court that will open when Justice Donald Allegrucci retires in January.

Fairchild has handled several high-profile cases. Perhaps the most widely followed was the case of a Kansas State University professor found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for killing his ex-wife, who lived in Douglas County.