I draw my inspiration to seek Justice on behalf of my clients from many different sources. I draw inspiration from my Jewish Religion and Heritage, I draw inspiration from Clarence Darrow, the famous Chicago trial lawyer who handled many seminal cases in his age, in the early part of the Twentieth Century, I draw inspiration from epic literature as well as fantasy literature, I draw inspiration from movies, and, probably, most of all, I draw inspiration from my family, as well as sports, and everyday life.
What is a ‘Warrior for Justice’?
A Warrior for Justice is someone who displays the fortitude, tenacity, smarts, diligence, and compassion necessary to represent people in need, people needing a break, people needing some help as they navigate the winding and dangerous path of the civil justice system or the criminal justice system. A warrior for justice is someone who gives a damn, who has heart, and is willing to stand up for their client, to defend them in a court of law, zealously, within the bounds of the law. I am proud to call myself a warrior for justice, someone who revels in pursuing Justice for each one of my clients, no matter how big or little their case may be.
Who was Clarence Darrow?
Clarence Darrow was a famous Chicago trial lawyer who handled many seminal cases in his age, in the early part of the Twentieth Century. Starting out as an attorney for the larger and powerful Railroad corporations, Darrow eventually left that lucrative work to pursue his passion, which was in handling cases for the oppressed, the unpopular, trade unionists, labor activists, IWW members, including Big Bill Haywood, political radicals, including Eugene V. Debs, minorities, and a host of other folk, common folk everyday folk, who needed a great trial lawyer to defend them in a court of law. Darrow became more than a legend, more than an icon, he became synonymous with the notion of providing an aggressive defense to those persons accused of crimes, of standing up for the constitutional and civil rights of ordinary Americans long before it became fashionable or popular to do so, and of establishing an incredibly high bar for the art of trial advocacy. Darrow was the consummate trial lawyer. He was a trial lawyer’s trial lawyer. His eloquent closing arguments, which could go on for hours and hours, are amazing pieces of oratory, in themselves, full of raw emotion, power, and intellect that he was famous for. But, Darrow was also a renaissance person. He was much more than just a famous trial lawyer. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Darrow was a prolific writer who wrote about a wide variety of topics. He also was someone who enjoyed meeting and talking with folks who were some of the leading artists, intellectuals, and writers of his age. He thoroughly enjoyed debating with other intellectuals on a wide array of topics.
Famous Quotes
Gandalf: For me, Gandalf, played by Sir Ian McKellen, is possibly the most quintessential screen character to embody love, compassion, wisdom, and yet, when necessary, a warrior mentality. He is steadfast and resolute, like a rock in the middle of a mighty river that cannot be moved. He has an deep appreciation for the normal folk of middle earth, and even though he has great power, he does not hold himself out to be any better than any other person or creature of Middle-Earth.
Gandalf, in fact, he draws strength from all the common people, the “small-folk” of middle earth, especially hobbits, for whom he very fond of. A great example of this is displayed in The Hobbit. When asked by Lady Galadriel why he has brought Bilbo, a hobbit of the shire, along on the Dwarve’s quest to regain their long last homeland in the Misty Mountains, ruled by the evil dragon, Smaug, Gandalf replies to her in the following way:
“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”
Youtube Link to this passage in the movie:
During the Fellowship of the Ring, the first book and movie of the Lord of the Rings (“LOTR”), Gandalf talks to Frodo about the fact that Bilbo did not slay Gollum, that he had pity and compassion for Gollum, which, really, is the underpinning of justice, to have understanding, compassion, and mercy for one’s fellow person in the world, when he said the following:
Frodo: “It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance.” Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.”
Youtube Link to this passage in the movie:
During the same, above passage in the Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo has a moment of self-doubt. In a poignant exchange with Gandalf, he questions why he has been saddled with the burden of having to deal with the Ring of Power. Gandalf responds directly to his fears in a very kind, yet insightful and wise manner, when he states as follows:
Frodo: “I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
Youtube Link to this passage in the movie:
King Theoden: As with Gandalf, King Theoden, played by Bernard Hill, represents a completely regal character, confidant in his position and ability as the King of the Rohirrim, the horse people, who ride not once, but twice, to glory, against the Dark Forces of Sauron in the Lord of the Rings. Aside from Richard Harris, and other great screen actors, for me, he represents the best qualities of being a King, a Lord, on the Big Screen. He is decisive, clear, authoritative, and yet compassionate and concerned for all the people in his realm. He is Justice personified in a Kingly jacket! One of my favorite quotes from King Theoden is just before the army of the Rohirrim ride down to attack Sauron’s Army of the Orcs at Minas Tirith, the White City, in one of the great battle scenes of all time in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, when he said the following to his troops:
“Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, Shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!”
Youtube Link to this passage in the movie:
Aragorn: Like Gandalf and King Theoden, Aragorn, played by Viggo Mortensen, is a larger than life character, who represents the best in a Warrior King. Though he has yet to assume the crown, Aragorn is absolutely dedicated to his friends and their quest and would, willingly, lay down his life, if he had to, for them. He is courageous beyond belief, loyal, savvy, and yet respectful of all he comes into contact with. He has a compassionate and tender side, too, which comes out from time to time. But, it is in his capacity as a leader of the Army of the West, made up of the troops of Gondor and horsemen of Rohan, that he exemplifies the best he has to offer when he said the following, just before attacking Suaron’s forces which had massed and surrounded his army, just outside the Black Gate of Mordor:
“Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight!! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!!!”
Youtube Link to this passage in the movie:
The Chestnut King, a key character in N.D. Wilson’s third book of the 100 Cupboards Series, a great child fantasy series, which is aptly entitled, “The Chestnut King,” plays a crucial role in helping Henry, the lead character, take on the evil witch, Nimiane, who plans to turn the whole world into Darkness under her rule. Henry has sought out the help of the Chestnut King, a mystical, fairy king who rules over the Faeren, yet who has withdrawn from the world, to seek his help in destroying Nimiane. The Chestnut King, King Nudd, decides to make a bargain with Henry which, in effect, puts Henry in charge of his legion of faeren. As Henry prepares to lead them to war against Nimiane, King Nudd gives his charge to his fairy troops when he said the following:
“No! Let evil hear the pounding of our feet! Let evil hear our drumming and our chanting songs of war. Let evil fear us! Let evil flee! In any world, may dark things know our names and fear. May their vile skins creep and shiver at every mention of the faeren. Let the night flee before the dawn and darkness crowd into the shadows. We march to war!”