Pat LePley my former partner and forever friend is horse crazy. He grew up loving horses and would tell me stories of riding and mucking up after them when he was young. Back when we practiced together, not only did he own and race them, he was appointed by the Governor as the Racing Commissioner along with all the aggravations that brought.
Read MoreThere is a point of critical mass I reach around 2:00 today. I don't want to go to another meeting. I've promised I'll attend one more at 4:00. It is not the best of meetings (i.e. boring and nonsubstantive), and I scoot out early intent on tuning out as quickly as possible. I like getting to know people and doing the cerebral dancing that is required at AAJ convention. But I need to change things up. So off I go, taking a right out of the hotel entrance like I've done everyday, headphones in, tennis shoes on.
Read MoreMy sister has given me a deliciously beautiful pair of shoes that are too big for her. They are gray and sparkly - totally not "business attire" - and therefore entirely appropriate for me to wear today. Problem is, the left shoe is too big for me too! So I'm walking around the vast convention center, heel flapping, trying to look totally cool. The biggest initial problem this causes is that I can't hustle from room to room fast enough to watch the overlapping programs that I'm interested in. I make up for it by saying hi to everyone I pass which hopefully keeps them looking at my smile and not my flapping footwear.
Read MoreWell, I'm supposed to speak tomorrow morning on an insurance bad faith issue. My buddy Pat actually wrote my paper for me because I was in trial at the time it was due. On the sidewalk last night we talk about what I'm going to say. Heck I have not a clue. Pat's the program moderator which means he's not officially speaking.
Read MoreToday I go to the traumatic brain injury seminar. We're putting on a mock trial. I get there at the begining (a rare occurrence) but even more amazing, I don't leave until 5:30 pm. Unprecedented attendance for me. Initially I stay because my role is to do the closing argument so I need to know what the facts and arguments are. I have little expectation but Gary Pillersdorf does the plaintiff opening and you already know how much I love him. He is very transparent, perhaps a tad too flippant and New Yawkawrish for these west coast jurors. I do catch them smiling at him, because he is so darling.
Read MoreWe go to the opening reception of AAJ at the aquarium and there's only one thing I need to see - the Leviathan. I remember the first time I saw this tropical fish, I was just fascinated (and a little scared). Since then every time I go to Vancouver, I want to go for a visit. It is a giant tropical fish that looks prehistoric. There's a mad crush of people squeezed into the space and I have to search for my fish.
Read MoreI'm rushing past a sign, when I double back. Michael Freeman is going to be speaking. I pull out my phone and dial him. Woo hoo we are able to get together for lunch right away.
I take him to the smorgasborg in Leader's Forum. Hey - if my firm is going to pay the extra funds needed to support AAJ - well, I'm going to eat for free whenever possible. Plus the food here is really fresh and good.
Read MoreGary Pillersdorf is speaking and his body is jerking around crazily up on the podium. At least I think it is, because I can see one arm up in the air gesticulating and his head is bopping around.
Gary is an attorney from New York. He has gray hair carefully parted from the left side and has probably had the same hair cut for his entire adult life - which is pretty darned long. His glasses cover crinkly, kind, lively eyes.
Read MoreI'm late for the Women's Leadership event ... because I didn't feel like getting up any earlier. I go because I want to show support, the topics aren't really of too much interest for me since I am now such an old attorney (oh I am just such an impatient person - a true vice). I really arrive at the perfect time - because it is lunch! I find the room, sit in the nearest seat, look to my right and how perfect. I've seated myself next to Janice Kim.
Read MoreI'm speaking today at a seminar for AAJ in Chicago. I've been watching the speakers and have a co-presenter, Tony. They are all whip smart and articulate. But there is one behavior pattern they share. They are so stern faced. So serious. They believe in what they are saying. They want to communicate their position, their passion. Their words are spoken emphatically and with precision. The audience mirrors back the gravity of the occasion.
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