[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Why I do it. (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 3/23/2010 6:03:35 PM EDT
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Why not work for a big firm? That will take some explaining... I started off wanting to go into prosecution actually. I had worked for a congressman and did both constituent relations and legislative research and drafting in Jim Ramstad's office. Jim knew how to be a congressman. He really made sure that his constituents were cared for and represented well. He never faced a serious challenge in any election year once he took office. He was on Ways and Means and the subcommittees of over-site and health. Working there I learned a lot about health care and politics. Jim counseled me in my decision to go to law school. I saw prosecution as a fast track into politics. I knew the system, I knew how the House worked, and I had learned from the very best in the nation how to get and stay elected. I was full of ambition. So I moved to Georgia to go to Emory University School of Law. I was selected to work in the Cobb DA's office. There I completed both an appellate internship and an internship in the trial division. Two full years in the office working long hours and trying cases just like I had always dreamed of! I was utterly miserable. I was good at what I did; but one day I had a hearing were a defendant was going to be revoked in his probation. The officer screwed up, the case was about to be thrown out. I swept up there and saved it. The judge thought it over long and hard and finally came down on my side. That man was sent back to prison based on my argument. My supervisor had even taken the officer aside and told the cop that he screwed up and there was no way the judge would rule with us. My argument revoked the defendant's probation. My research provided enough doubt as to the shady nature of the search that the judge allowed it in and changed the course of that man's life. Back at the office it was all high fives and congratulations, but I felt horrible. I asked my friend and mentor, "How can throwing a man's life away be a win?" He told me something I never forgot, "Some people are called to prosecution, some people are called to save the little guy. Doug, quit fighting your calling." I took a job with the Floyd County Public Defender, everyone I went to school with was shocked and amazed. (I had great insurance there). I was a little scared about the prospect of having to go to see clients IN JAIL. It was daunting working FOR drug dealers, but when I tried my first case all of that went away. It was a Tuesday afternoon. I walked into Lee's office and told him, "Look I'm ready to start doing trials." Looking back, it's hard to imagine how brash a 22 year old was going to the boss of the entire circuit and asking to do trials. I was gutsy back then. My boss pulled out a file and said, "OK. Try this." I grabbed it and scurried back to my office. (My office was smaller then the trunk of a crown vic, by the way). It was an aggravated assault case. 20 year felony. It started Wednesday morning at 9am. I had only about 15 hours to prepare. I went home early and prepped the case with my wife. She's always helped me focus. Everything I'm able to accomplish is entirely because of her. I tried the case. There were two eye witnesses, and "over whelming evidence" in the words of the prosecution. I won. Back at the office it was all high fives and congratulations, but this time the kid went home. This time he had a second chance. I felt good about what I had done. Every time I saw him at the applebees where he worked as a cook, I was reminded of his second chance. That is why I went into criminal defense. I wanted to help people. I could have stayed at the public defender's office until I was ready to retire (or at least vested:p). but as I sat in court all day every day I saw so many people who needed better representation especially on gun issues. I had a long talk about it with both my boss and the person in charge of intake deciding who could and could not use my services. I was trapped. I could not devote any time to lobbying, to pro bono courtroom work, to doing NFA trusts or the like because it would detract from my commitment to the public defenders office. Just as my friend who became a DA had to chose between being a DA or being in guns, I had to chose between being a public defender or a "gun lawyer". I chose the latter. Look at Ed Stone. He works for a big firm. He makes fantastic money. He has great insurance. The world is that man's oyster. Yet, when he wants to represent a gun owner possessing a pistol and charged with a SBR, he has to call me. Why? His big firm doesn't do that work. And he can't implicate his entire firm by representing someone in a case they don't handle. So, Why do I work for myself? Why do I put up with the non-paying clients and the endless collections, and having to do trivial office management? Why not just go to a large firm where I'd make more money, have less work, and focus on the fun parts? I do it for you. To make sure there is someone here for the little guys. To make sure all our rights are championed by someone whose heart is for the gun owner. Now, I am... happy. 
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Well damn. That sure trumps my "I work for myself so I can work with other small business owners who can't afford current IT 'consultants' rates" crapola. Well, and I end up friends with a lot of my clients. But what I LOVE is that I get to spend time with my new little family.
I like what you do Doug. ETA: Doing it this way can cause you to make less money but I like I said I have been spending more time with my wife and munchkin. |
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At this point I fully intend to hunt you down like a dog... 
Sweet. Like human hunting off the coast of Somolia. You prentend to be a lawyer coming after me and I'll be the sniper in wait.  But the truth is I would only give my position away with bad shots...  // Cool man, glad to know the trade is on. Thanks! 
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Quoted: Not at all. I was there from 95-97 and was just wondering if we there at the same time. Doubtfull we would have crossed paths there as I was in a different program. Quoted: Nice story. I hope I never need your professional services (again)! But, I keep your card around just in case  What year did you graduate from Emory if you don't mind? You're trying to figure out how old I am. It's public information on the bar website. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Nice story. I hope I never need your professional services (again)! But, I keep your card around just in case What year did you graduate from Emory if you don't mind? I like the new avatar.  Thanks! FYI HTF.... Bullitt3401 made the smiley face for me. I looked around, but couldn't find any pics when it was a little less shot up. Got any? im me if you do so this doesn't turn into a total thread hijack |
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I graduated law school in 2004. I graduated the University of Minnesota with a major in history and a major in political science in 2001. I graduated Spring Lake Park High School (go panthers) in 2000. I started full time classes at the U in 1998. I got my degree and double major in 2 years. My last year on campus 2000-2001, I worked full time for the congressman and got my last remaining credits for working there. I gamed the system and skipped high school entirely and made the high school pay for all my college credits and books except for my very last year. Minnesota had a program that allowed for high school students to take a night class at a community college. I used it to get accepted to the largest university and take 21 credits per quarter. I went during the summer too since it was paid for. In a few years, I'll turn thirty. When I turn thirty, I will have been a lawyer for eight years. The only case I've never worked on is a death penalty. Biggest case I've handled alone was multiple life sentence. I have been co-counsel in non death penalty murder. I've represented literally thousands of people at this point. I just moved closed files out of the office. We have 9 bankers boxes of closed criminal cases. Those are just folders of basic info, not discovery, or research, or evidence. Just intake sheets. |
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Quoted: I graduated law school in 2004. I graduated the University of Minnesota with a major in history and a major in political science in 2001. I graduated Spring Lake Park High School (go panthers) in 2000. I started full time classes at the U in 1998. I got my degree and double major in 2 years. My last year on campus 2000-2001, I worked full time for the congressman and got my last remaining credits for working there. I gamed the system and skipped high school entirely and made the high school pay for all my college credits and books except for my very last year. Minnesota had a program that allowed for high school students to take a night class at a community college. I used it to get accepted to the largest university and take 21 credits per quarter. I went during the summer too since it was paid for. In a few years, I'll turn thirty. When I turn thirty, I will have been a lawyer for eight years. The only case I've never worked on is a death penalty. Biggest case I've handled alone was multiple life sentence. I have been co-counsel in non death penalty murder. I've represented literally thousands of people at this point. I just moved closed files out of the office. We have 9 bankers boxes of closed criminal cases. Those are just folders of basic info, not discovery, or research, or evidence. Just intake sheets. That is very impressive!! |
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I let the facial hair throw off the age guestimation damnit.
Doug I knew you were a bright guy but didn't realise it was prodigy level. Some people will never realise the risk/reward of working for yourself, the ability to adjust your schedule to spend time with family, answering to no one. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Cool story, bro. I'm not surprised you're enabled/enhanced/empowered by the new healthcare tax system. I am going to pay about $10,000 a year more in taxes from my single income family to pay for your health insurance. I hope you put it to productive use, though I foresee more all-you-can-eat pizza/BBQ/hamburgler posts from you while I'm paying for your family's healthcare with a gun to my head from the IRS instead of hitting the gym. Enjoy your free healthcare at the expense of your brothers. Relish the welfare, my friend. Embrace it, make it your own. When you send others to rob in your stead it is still theft. My thread got locked already with this shit, take it to GD. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I was fortunate enough to always have my goatee or beard since Jr. High. Everyone always thought I was older, and now that I'm going bald I was told just last week, "You're what... 45?"  Fortunate? Shit, having to shave EVERY day or look like you are trying to be all Miami Vice since you are 13 is not fortunate. This is why I have a beard
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I was fortunate enough to always have my goatee or beard since Jr. High. Everyone always thought I was older, and now that I'm going bald I was told just last week, "You're what... 45?" We had this conversation the other day, I've been treaded the same way since 13 or so and going bald at 17 didn't help. Problem is even with the facial hair factor, I still had you pegged at early to mid thirties. I factored law school into it as well, I didn't realise you skipped high school. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Quoted: Well as the new HTF liberal I should probably start quoting the grateful dead, "Every silver lining has a touch of gray."Quoted: I was fortunate enough to always have my goatee or beard since Jr. High. Everyone always thought I was older, and now that I'm going bald I was told just last week, "You're what... 45?" Fortunate? Shit, having to shave EVERY day or look like you are trying to be all Miami Vice since you are 13 is not fortunate. This is why I have a beard |
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My thread got locked already with this shit, take it to GD. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Just ignore the trolls. They don't have anything better to talk about. The ignore button is also very good for blood pressure.
Earlier poster was correct, this is not the correct thread for this discussion. |
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Quoted: I'm glad to hear you're still "in touch" with the reason you do what you do. And I appreciate you doing what you do. We need you on our side. Keep up the good fight, Esquire Thank you Kappy. I always get a little smile when you pop up in threads outside of the night crew. |
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Quoted: Quoted: I'm glad to hear you're still "in touch" with the reason you do what you do. And I appreciate you doing what you do. We need you on our side. Keep up the good fight, Esquire Thank you Kappy. I always get a little smile when you pop up in threads outside of the night crew. Are you coming on to me? You've got my number  (I gotta go take a shower now  ) |
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Free welfare? Really? Have you even read the law (I almost said bill)? Where does it say people not poverty-stricken are going to get free health insurance?
I don't think Doug is poverty-stricken - I think he just wants the ability to get health insurance he already PAYS for for his own family. |
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Quoted: Dude I'm poor. Have you seen what I charge these guys? Free welfare? Really? Have you even read the law (I almost said bill)? Where does it say people not poverty-stricken are going to get free health insurance? I don't think Doug is poverty-stricken - I think he just wants the ability to get health insurance he already PAYS for for his own family. |
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Free welfare? Really? Have you even read the law (I almost said bill)? Where does it say people not poverty-stricken are going to get free health insurance? I don't think Doug is poverty-stricken - I think he just wants the ability to get health insurance he already PAYS for for his own family. Earlier poster was correct, this is not the correct thread for this discussion. |
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I wasn't able to grow more than a moustache until I was in college. Now that my beard seems to have kicked in like kudzu, I hate shaving. Now I wish my smooth-faced Cherokee genes had prevailed over my English/Irish genes. I have black hair and a red beard. It looks more brown if I let it grow out longer, but anytime I trim the beard, I'm back to copper red.
It makes me look older for sure. Today when discussing what routine I could do in the gym that wouldn't aggravate my rheumatoid arthritis that seems to have striken me in the past year and made my hands stiffer than a dead dog if I don't take my meds, I had a fitness trainer tell me "well, when you get 35-40, you start getting health problems." I haven't even turned 32 yet. I am used to people thinking I am younger than my actual age. Now, I'm considering shaving this red beard off.
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Impressive story. The world is a better place because you are here and the work you do!
To be honest, I can't see you as a congressman. You are too straight forward and honest. Besides, it's scary thinking of you doing the tap dance in the bathroom at MSP airport (a-la-Sen. Larry Craig). Sounds like you've found you calling, which is cool. The big question for all of us is .............. when are you going to grow a pony tail like all of the big $ defense attorneys? |
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Wow, boy, do I feel like a worthless turd. That aside, thanks, Doug, and don't be a stranger around the store. Only way I could be any stranger is if I grew the pony tail mike wants to see. Funny thing is I was talking to bruce harvey about ponytails just yesterday. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I have to do a pre shave before shaving to keep from looking like Doug everyday. Bah! you wish you looked like Doug every day. And Doug wants to know why he's talking in the third person now... you are already morphing into ............. BOB DOLE |
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Wow, boy, do I feel like a worthless turd. That aside, thanks, Doug, and don't be a stranger around the store. Only way I could be any stranger is if I grew the pony tail mike wants to see. Funny thing is I was talking to bruce harvey about ponytails just yesterday. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I hope you told him he looks ridiculous with that thing. |
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Wow, boy, do I feel like a worthless turd. That aside, thanks, Doug, and don't be a stranger around the store. Only way I could be any stranger is if I grew the pony tail mike wants to see. Funny thing is I was talking to bruce harvey about ponytails just yesterday. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile i trust you will not adopt the crim defense atty "uniform".
resist that urge and you are G2G. |