David Robinson, however, has only to swap his navy blue coroner's robes for the black of a District Court judge and relocate to his new office in the same building, just a short walk from his former chambers.
That may be simplifying it ever so slightly, and Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu pointed out the significance of the new job.
"Judges have the potential to make a difference," he said.
"With the privilege and mana that comes with this position, so does awesome responsibility."
Judge Taumaunu highlighted the many years of legal service Judge Robinson had given to Dunedin as well as a long period as an ambulance officer.
Yesterday's ceremony in Dunedin's opulent High Court was attended by a host of judges, coronial staff and many of the city's leading lawyers.
New Zealand Law Society Otago branch president Taryn Gudmanz waxed lyrical about her dealings with Judge Robinson as a coroner, describing him as "polite but firm" with counsel and patient with lay people navigating the system.
She also jested about his love of arcane maritime law, the minutiae of civil aviation and the band Genesis, drawing chuckles from those gathered.
Judge Robinson — last to speak — started by greeting his father, who was watching the ceremony through video link while in hospital.
He paid tribute to his parents and those in the legal profession who had guided and inspired him through his career.
And he even reserved a dig for a former teacher who advised him to apply himself more during his school days.
‘‘Duly noted.’’
Judge Robinson was appointed as a coroner in 2017 after more than a decade as a partner at Gallaway Cook Allan and will sit in the Dunedin District Court.
