In a surprising turn of events, Philip Gutierrez, the judge who recently made headlines by transferring a whopping $14.1 billion from the plaintiffs to the NFL in the Sunday Ticket trial, has announced his retirement. According to a letter written to President Joe Biden in January 2024, Gutierrez disclosed his plan to retire from regular active service on October 15, 2024, while expressing his intention to continue rendering substantial judicial service as a senior judge.

Having served as an L.A. County Superior Court judge from 1997 to 2007 and later appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush, Gutierrez's retirement marks the end of a long and distinguished career in the judiciary. His appointment to the federal bench was attributed to his track record aligning with the Republican ideology, which tends to disfavor public or private regulation of big business.

Gutierrez, who turns 65 just two days before his retirement, will be entitled to his full current salary in retirement, as per the rules. Nationwide, senior-status judges like Gutierrez handle approximately 15 percent of the total workload of the federal courts that they voluntarily take on, given that they receive their full salary regardless.

Throughout his career, Gutierrez has gained recognition for his legal expertise and impartiality as demonstrated through his recent ruling in the Sunday Ticket trial. Although his retirement will surely leave a void in the judicial system, it also opens up opportunities for new judges to step in and continue the important work of administering justice in the federal courts.

As the date of Gutierrez's retirement approaches, discussions will likely begin regarding the appointment of a suitable successor to fill his esteemed position. This transition will play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless continuation of court proceedings and upholding the principles of justice.

For now, the legal fraternity and stakeholders in the Sunday Ticket trial bid farewell to Judge Philip Gutierrez, acknowledging his impactful contributions to the field of law and his forthcoming service as a senior judge.