NWR: a word about lawyers

Florida Jim

Florida Jim

Florida Jim
I walked my dogs today the three blocks it takes me to get to my alma mater, Stetson Law School. Commencement was underway and I spoke with several of the graduates that I see from time to time when I use the facilities.

As in any occupation, there are good ones and bad ones. I met some of each over the twenty some years I practiced and I still meet a few when I visit my daughter at her law office.

But I remember one, above all the others.
He was my roommate in school, the best man at my wedding and a friend for over forty years. Idealistic is, I believe, the correct term of description and one idea stood out for him: the state should not kill.

Dick handles murder cases exclusively; those that could lead to the death penalty. He is often appointed to those cases, makes very little money and for over thirty years has tried to convince twelve people on a panel that the death penalty should not be imposed.

Virtually all of his clients are guilty. He understands that going in.
But he takes their cases and does his job and then, with all the passion that is in him, tries to convince juries that the state should not impose a death sentence.

Many people disagree with his stance. Many are equally passionate.
But very few have devoted their lives and their fortunes to the pursuit of a single principal.

He lives in a humble home. He does not have wealth or privilege.
And he is one of the finest men and best lawyers I have ever known.

May these kids find that kind of idealism to guide them in their chosen profession.

Best, Jim
 
Jim,

The next time you see this friend, send him the best wishes of a stranger: me. If there were angels, he would be fighting on their side. As it is, I guess he'll have to live with the satisfaction of knowing he is devoting himself to right as he sees the right.
 
My nephew is finishing graduate school and just announced he's not interested in corporate law or obscene paychecks and is going to pursue a career as a public defender.

I get weepy every time I think about it.

There really are good people out there.
 
Your post regarding your friend was one of the first things I read this morning and it started my day off with a very positive feeling. Everybody have a nice weekend.
 
Wonderful post, Jim. He is doing good work. Reminds me of stories I've heard about Will Campbell, the Baptist preacher and civil rights activist, who was rumored to stand outside the fence at Stark in silent protest to executions.

My wife attended Stetson Law and received both a remarkable education in law and litigation and a calling to use that education in public service. It's a very fine school.
 
Very good NPR Fresh Air interview a few weeks ago with a gent whose professional profile is similar to the one you sketch above, Jim. He was impressive and his mission compelling. The emotional side of what he does sounds extremely tough.

Listened to a Scott Thurow interview some years back, as well, explaining how he came to be anti-death penalty, in which he described the extreme pertinacity with which prosecutors, once committed, may pursue a death penalty case, even when newly discovered evidence plainly contradicts the original indictment. The selection of states' attorney generals by popular election seems to introduce an element of conflict of interest into the process.
 
Lovely post, Jim. It's always good to be reminded of those many individuals who've never abandoned their ideals and continue to pursue those goals that they deem important. I've been providing kudos to a childhood friend of mine who got a civil engineering degree at Stanford in '82 with the explicit goal of building solar-powered homes. His first job out of college was with a big SF architecture firm and over the years he rose to a VP position. Two years ago he resigned to start his own business... building LEED-certified, solar-powered buildings! Better late than never, I say.

Mark Lipton
 
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