Miles Lord
The Maverick Judge Who Brought Corporate America to Justice
$42.83
- Paperback
400 pages
- Release Date
28 July 2026
Summary
The life of a crusading federal judge who stood up and fought for “the little guy”
This is the story of Miles Lord (1919–2016), who rose from humble beginnings on Minnesota’s Iron Range to become one of the most colorful and powerful judges in the country, described as “an unabashed Prairie populist” and “a live-wire slayer of corporate behemoths.” He cut a wide swath through history on his path to the bench: coming of age alongside a cadre of young Midwestern social-…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781517902322 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1517902320 |
| Author: | Roberta Walburn |
| Publisher: | University of Minnesota Press |
| Imprint: | University of Minnesota Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 400 |
| Release Date: | 28 July 2026 |
| Weight: | 567g |
| Dimensions: | 38mm x 152mm x 229mm |

Critics Review
“An intimate, compelling portrait of a courageous and exceptional man who believed in justice and never backed down.“—Jonathan Harr, author of A Civil Action
“Miles Lord set a new standard for judicial courage by speaking truth to power and fighting for the rights of the downtrodden. He shook up the system – and we’re all in his debt for that.“—Walter Mondale
“This long-overdue biography of Miles Lord, the Iron Ranger Hubert Humphrey lauded as ‘a people’s judge,’ puts his legacy in context as it recalls his work fighting corruption and pollution, standing up for women and gender equity in sports, and looking out for ‘the little guy.’ This is storytelling – and high drama – at its best.“—John Bessler, University of Baltimore School of Law and author of The Birth of American Law
“Every student of history and lover of justice should read this book. Judge Lord’s biography could have no better author than his clerk, Roberta Walburn who is also a champion of justice and has fought corporate malfeasance her entire career.“—Linda Lipsen, chief executive officer, American Association for Justice
“Roberta Walburn has written a brilliant biography for our time. The personal behind-the-bench insights superbly illuminate Miles Lord’s legendary moral backbone, and constantly remind us of the urgent need for courageous judges prepared to confront corporate greed and coverup, as government oversight is curtailed.“—Peter Pringle, author of Big Tobacco at the Bar of Justice
“A book that’s hard to put down, providing insight not only into Lord’s colorful life, but into the heyday of Minnesota liberal politics, the legal machinations of corporations and the inside workings of the judicial system.“—Star Tribune
“A rollicking and spirited biography.“—U.S. District Judge John Tunheim, Law360
“Walburn weaves the Dalkon Shield drama into the larger story of the life of Lord.“—Twin Cities Pioneer Press
“Absorbing and page-turning.“—MinnPost
“This biography memorializes a legacy of defending rights regardless of the rule book. Miles Lord’s ideology rings true, now especially, as a reminder to Americans to look out for the voices of all people.“—Minnesota Monthly
“This well-constructed and detailed work will especially appeal to those with a legal background.“—Library Journal
“Walburn’s biography keeps the legacy alive.“—Minnesota Good Age
“A fitting, fascinating remembrance of a judge willing to stake his reputation on the powerless, rather than on the powerful.“—Minnesota Brown
“An engaging insider’s look at the powerful federal judge who boldly mixed social gospel and reformist sentiments.“—CHOICE
”Miles Lord is an enjoyable book written to honor a true individualist who broke the mold.“—Trial Magazine
“Walburn’s admiration for Lord is genuine and heartfelt. The book is well worth reading for its vivid portrayal of a singular crusading judge - a nearly extinct form of public servant.“—Minnesota Alumni
“Fascinating side stories flow through Walburn’s lucid prose.“—National Catholic Reporter
Roberta Walburn
Roberta Walburn is an attorney based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has been named one of the most influential members of the legal profession in state history and recognized by the University of Minnesota for “shaping the legal landscape for the benefit of society.” Previously, she worked as a reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Buffalo (N.Y.) Evening News and as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, as well as serving as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Miles Lord.
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.



