Bench Memos was born. Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been a going concern for a decade. On Tuesday, May 10, 2005, Kathryn Lopez wrote to me, in her economical, almost laconic style:

Later this week we’re going to launch a blog devoted to judicial issues. Figure it will be the place to be on the judge fights etc. would you be interested in being part of it? If so could you shoot me a real short bio and let me know if you want an email address included for you? Thanks!

Less than 48 hours later Bench Memos was up and running, with a first post by Shannen Coffin (who then immediately decamped to The Corner and hasn’t been seen in these precincts since, but he’s welcome back any time!). Ramesh Ponnuru also blogged here that first day, as did I. Ed Whelan showed up on May 14, but as everyone knows, quickly became and continues to be the anchor of Bench Memos, the wise man, the indefatigable one. The roster of bloggers here has included (no offense to those unnamed here) Robby George, Gerry Bradley, Andy McCarthy, Roger Clegg, Jonathan Adler, Carrie Severino, Jonathan Keim, and we’ve lately added Mike Paulsen and Carson Holloway.

Bench Memos was the first “topical” group blog to appear at NRO, the first devoted to one cluster of issues. Only The Corner, where any and every subject is covered, preceded it. Other group blogs have come and some have gone, but Bench Memos goes on. Partly this is due to the aforementioned Ed Whelan, without whom this would be a much quieter place. Partly it is because the Constitution and the rule of law are central concerns of American conservatism, and thus of abiding interest at National Review. Many thanks to Rich Lowry, Kathryn Lopez, and all at NR who have made it possible for Bench Memos to remain what it has been from the start–”the place to be on the judge fights.”