PRESIDENT’S PAGE
James I. Stealey, President
The WV State Bar

"Lessons In Life"

"The secret of genius is to carry the
     spirit of childhood into maturity." - THOMAS H. HUXLEY

"Now that it's all over, what did you really do yesterday
     that was worth mentioning?" - COLEMAN COX

I thought practicing law was hectic and stressful, that is, until I agreed to serve as Commissioner of the Worthington Little League Baseball Program in Parkersburg. Well, I found out what real stress was all about, and quickly. I have learned many valuable lessons serving as a baseball commissioner - about kids, about adults, especially parents, and about life. It has not always been easy or pleasant. Yet, I believe I am a better person for it.
The most important lesson I have learned is that no one in his or her right mind should ever agree to serve as a baseball commissioner; yet no one should ever pass up such an opportunity, or a similar one, if it comes along. This apparently contradictory statement is, to me, easily reconciled. Sure, it is hard work running a Little League Program, and it takes a great deal of my time - time I could be spending at home, at the office, or on the golf course. I probably spend at least twenty hours a week or more at the ballfield during the season. For example, on Memorial Day, I mowed grass from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The next day, I left the office around 1:00 p.m, spent five hours mowing grass, trimming, dragging the infields and lining the bases, watched my son, Patrick, play ball, then stayed afterward until after dark to help pick up trash and put away the equipment. On Wednesday and Thursday, it was back to the field, from 5:00 p.m. until after dark, watching my sons' games and working. I missed Friday's game only because of the State Bar Officers' Retreat.
Even though the time commitment is substantial, I still feel a special sense of accomplishment and pride which comes from believing that I'm doing something important for my community. Whether it's patting one of "my kids" on the back when he strikes out and telling him its okay, resolving a dispute on or off the field, or just sitting back on a tractor and admiring newly cut outfield grass, the feeling that I'm really doing something positive is what makes it all worthwhile.
So, what, you may ask, does Little League Baseball have to do with the practice of law? A fair question. If you read my speech at the Annual Banquet, which appeared in last month's magazine, you know that I intend to emphasize, during my year as President, the goals of re-examining our priorities, and focusing on family, community service and professionalism. I'd like to think that my experience as Little League Baseball Commissioner has helped me to accomplish those goals in my own life. I have learned a lot from just watching people, especially the children. They have rejuvenated me. Their enthusiasm is quite contagious.
I was distressed to learn from the recent survey of State Bar Members that nearly two-thirds of us spend less than ten hours a month in community service work. That's only about two hours per week. What frustrates me is that lawyers have unique qualifications to serve our communities, and to improve our public image in the process. We're a smart bunch. We know how to organize to get things done. People naturally look up to us. If we're willing to step up to the plate, we can surely experience the satisfaction of helping others, whether it be by working with a sports program, a charitable organization, a school, or in some other community activity. In the process, we can come to realize, if we haven't already, that life consists of much more than spending time in the office and racking up billable hours. Most importantly, while helping others, we will prosper, and flourish, and feel better about ourselves. Maybe that will translate into a new and improved image of lawyers in the eyes of the public. But we must be willing to give freely of our time, and make our contributions really count.
So, if you get the chance, I urge you to devote some time to a community cause, whatever it might be. For example, consider spending some time helping kids. Then carry their spirit and their enthusiasm with you every day. Make your yesterdays count for something. Make your yesterdays something worth remembering. In doing so, you will not only be helping yourself, but you will be doing your profession, and all of your colleagues, a big favor as well.