Every year, the bar honors its members who have reached 50 years of membership. Last month, these members were honored at a special luncheon at the Tualatin Country Club in Tualatin. We asked the members of Class of 1955 what advice they would like to pass along to today’s new lawyers. Here is some of what they had to say:
"Insist on professionalism and civility. Support the independence of the judiciary." — Hon. Richard D. Barber
"Work
hard. Be honest even if it hurts you. Your word is
your honor."
— Frank E. Bocci
"As Winston Churchill always remarked in the depths of war: KBO-keep buggering on." — Eldon F. Caley
"To the class of 2005 I would suggest that it conduct the standards of the legal profession in an ethical manner at all times." — George R. Duncan, Jr.
"Be particularly careful and diligent when you do something in the legal world for the first time." — Dale M. Harlan
"Legal work you reject may be the best underpinning of a good practice. Do not serve the vindictive, the overly greedy or the unreliable. Furthermore, wherever possible, ask your client to do certain things on the case. A busy client is a less bothersome client." — Dale M. Harlan
"Under-promise but over-perform.’ That was my motto. I had a ‘UPOP’ placard on my desk." — Dale M. Harlan
"Beware the client who is more interested in telling you what a bad lawyer or doctor he has had. Sometimes, there is some truth in such assertions, but often there is a danger signal for you in the client’s complaints against other professionals." — Dale M. Harlan
"Try to find a good mentor. I had two good ones, both circuit judges in Clackamas County: Judge Ralph Holman and Judge Phil Hammond. Often, older attorneys are glad to advise and counsel you." — Dale M. Harlan
"A legal career is for much more than making money. The taxpayers and citizens are entitled to expect us to be informed, and at times to be leaders in our community, state and nation." — Dale M. Harlan
"Treat and serve your clients as you would hope to be if you were the one sitting in the client’s chair." — Dale M. Harlan
"The only pearl of wisdom is the return to believing that we have a collegial profession, not a cut-throat business." — William D. McDonald
"Join
one or more sections of the bar in areas of the law
you’re interested in. This is a great way to learn
the ropes and build community."
— Noreen K.
McGraw
"It’s probably stating the obvious, but avoid burnout. There are many other important things in life other than the law. — Bonnie J. Mentzer
"Take the problems of your clients seriously, but try not to be too serious about yourself." — The Hon. James A. Redden
"Like people, be courteous and remember that the practice of law is a profession, not primarily a business." — Campbell Richardson