Charlotte, NC -- A Charlotte lawyer who's becoming a federal judge got a big sendoff Tuesday afternoon.

Bob Conrad's friends gathered in uptown Charlotte to wish him well as he leaves private practice to sit on the bench of the westen district of North Carolina, which includes Charlotte.

Conrad is a former U.S. attorney who prosecuted cases in the western district.

President Bush nominated him for the judgeship two years ago.

Conrad said Tuesday evening that his experience as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer will help him see cases from both sides.