Young Lawyers Section

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." Oscar Wilde

I have enjoyed my time on the Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar. I did, however, think about resigning about a month ago just so I wouldn't have to write these monthly articles. Obviously, I didn't.
I sat down to write this first article on an evening in late February. I was at a total loss of how to even start my twelve month sojourn. My black lab kept nuzzling my hand for attention and continued to distract me enough that I procrastinated for another four weeks. Dog is indeed man's best friend. Finally, I decided that I would start with one of the best memories I have of law school - Contracts, I, Professor Bowman, first day of law school. Professor Bowman began his class with a short moving speech. Although I can't really remember the words, the feeling of pride and purpose he instilled that day about our profession has never gone away. His speech focused on the nobility and honor of being a lawyer, of our worth as a profession, our value to society and our upcoming challenge as human beings. He made me feel fortunate for having chosen this profession (I consider that to be pretty amazing since I only went to law school so that I wouldn't have to graduate). I wish I had recorded that speech to listen to it on days when I cannot figure out why in the world I am doing this or someone just has to tell me another lawyer joke. If you did not have Professor Bowman, it's your loss; but I am sure you can sneak into the first class of the fall session. It's my understanding that he still gives the speech. My point is that I think many young lawyers often forget how noble and valuable this profession can and should be. The power of negative thinking pervades the American psyche particularly when it comes to the legal profession. Many lawyers help perpetuate the negative attitude toward lawyers by attitude, action and performance. But, for every lawyer who perpetuates the stereo-type, I have met a dozen lawyers of whom we as a bar should be proud (In fact, I have a committee full of them). Unfortunately, the "bad" lawyers usually get the attention. ("Remember Ted Bundy - he went to law school," my girlfriend said with particular curiosity, seeming to imply law school is a prerequisite to serial killing.) When I was fresh out of law school, I remember being in situations where I hesitated telling people my profession. I got tired of the jokes and one-liners. However, I have finally come to realize that lawyers, as a profession, need not worry too much about our image. The American public loves lawyers even if they do not want to admit it. Look at the top ten list of television shows: Law and Order, Anorexic McBeal and the Practice. Just ask a young parent what they want their kids to be when they grow up: "doctor or lawyer," is almost always the answer. If lawyers are so bad, why would you hope your offspring would enter the profession. Finally, all of my friends stumble over each other to tell me a new lawyer joke, yet I am the first one they call when they have a problem. It seems everyone hates lawyers except their own. My dog likes lawyers, at least she has never said anything to the contrary. Yes! Only eleven articles left to go.
The following are the young lawyers in my committee and I am proud to be associated with them:
Michael A. Davenport - Chairperson-Elect - Charleston
Donald P. Cookman - Secretary - Romey
Todd A. Twyman - Past Chairperson - Charleston
Jennifer Keadle - Wheeling - District 1
Whitney Clegg - New Martinsville - District 2
Dan Fowler - Parkersburg - District 3
John Grafton - Winfield - District 4
Benu Rellan - Huntington - District 5
Michael Sparks - Williamson - District 6
Scott Briscoe - Madison - District 7
Cortland Putbrese - Charleston - District 8
Staci Thornsbury - Charleston - District 8
Heather Deskins - Beckley - District 9
Catherine Wallace - Princeton - District 10
Stacy Archer - Buckhannon - District 12
Roslyn Clark-Payne - Beckley - African-American Representative