REFLECTIONS

 

As I reflect upon my chosen profession I can't help but marvel at all the opportunities I have been given to help those who I have served through years.

 

I have witnessed some highs and lows in my profession over the last 50+ years as is certainly true in many professions. Having just read 'The Borgias' by Alexandre Dumas & reflecting on the remarks to the I.A.T.L. by Pope John Paul: 'As trial lawyers, you are committed to the resolution of conflicts and the pursuit of justice through legal and rational means. This work is indispensable for the construction of a truly humane and harmonious social order.' I am equally struck by the highs and lows of the Papacy. These afflictions know no boundaries because of the extremes of avarice and goodness of mankind.

 

We should look with pride upon the contributions of 24 lawyers to the Declaration of Independence and 34 lawyers to the U.S. Constitution as we consider with sadness how we have shot ourselves in the foot with advertising.

 

On a more personal note, my first reaction upon completion of this story was that: 'I don't f****** believe that I did all these things.'

 

Then, upon reflection, I remembered many of the events recounted here as being difficult and I was often quite pleasantly surprised by the results. I am not sure how I was able to persuade everyone to go along my projects, but they must've made sense at the time. I believe it helped that they were altruistic in nature.

 

I have suffered a great deal of pain in my life starting with betrayal by Diane and the loss of my two children and concluding with the betrayal by my lawyers. The early screwings I took from the insurance company lawyers and the trial judges heaped additional scars on my psyche. I believe that all of these experiences de-sensitized me. This has no doubt been beneficial to me as a 'Trial Warrior', but has been very difficult for those who love me and share my personal life.

 

But, as Frank sang, 'I did it my way.'

 

I am fortunate to have two sons who could not have made me more proud.

 

I am further blessed to have found a woman who could handle the bad along with the good. Laura says that I have mellowed somewhat since retiring and she hopes to see more of it.

 

N.B. It helps to marry a saint.

 

P.S. I will conclude this compendium with a poem I had printed and hung in all of my lawyers offices:

 

THE MAN IN THE GLASS

 

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself

And see what that man has to say.

 

For it isn't your Father or Mother or wife

Whose judgment upon you must pass.

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

 

Some people may call you a straight shooting chum

And call you a wonderful guy,

but the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

 

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest

For he's with you clear to the end,

And you have passed your most dangerous test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

 

You may face the whole world down the pathway of life

And get pats on the back when you pass,

But your final reward will be heartache and strife

If you've cheated the man in the glass.