Thank You: From Student to Professor

Lawrence Herman

Larry,

This is a long overdue thank you for all you taught me and the immeasurable impact you have had on my life. Several months ago, I retired as a trial lawyer from Buckingham, Doolittle (career synopsis: 4 years in US Army JAGC trying criminal cases; 30 years at Thompson Hine; 6 years at Buckingham). Currently, I serve as a mediator, arbitrator, and legal ethics consultant, and teach pre-trial practice and ADR at Case Western Reserve University Law School.

You are among a select few mentors who have changed my life markedly for the better. Even though I had done considerable public speaking in undergraduate school, you were the first to suggest that I should consider trial as an area of concentration. I have never forgotten the guidance you furnished so selflessly. I have been successful as a trial lawyer but (thanks to you) even more so as an appellate advocate.

Moot court under your tutelage was a unique privilege. As a classroom teacher, you are second to none (I will never forget the "Little Orphan Annie" final exam in Criminal Justice).

I have channeled your techniques as an adjunct professor the past 11 years. (I truly enjoy teaching). Besides offering the students the benefit of whatever wisdom and experience I have accumulated, I challenge them to aspire to a high standard of professionalism and justice. You instilled that.

I hope you and yours are well and prospering. You deserve all that is good in life.

--Your grateful disciple,

Bill Leahy ’68 (aka Bierce)

Do you have a former Moritz professor, staff member, or classmate who you would like to thank? If so, e-mail your message to Erin Neal, the College’s assistant director of development, at neal.277@osu.edu. We’ll pass the note on for you and consider publishing it in an upcoming edition of SideBar.