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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now1968 was unforgettable. The United States became involved in the Vietnam War, Nixon was elected, Apollo 8 goes to the moon. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination marked 1968 as a monumental year for the fight for civil rights and put Indianapolis on the map as a pillar of peace in the wake of Robert F. Kennedy’s historic speech in our city calling for compassion, love and an end to injustice.
Filled with tragedy, joy, loss and happiness, events of 50 years ago remain clear in the minds of colleagues who’ve been fortunate enough to have practiced law since then. We had the chance to sit down with a few of them to gain insight to just some of the many things that have changed. Read on and register now to celebrate their accomplishments at the IndyBar Practice Milestone Reception on May 10 at indybar.org/events!
See more online! Unfortunately, we weren’t able to fit all our interviews in this article. To see responses from Pen Cosby, Hon. Brent Dickson, John Hess, Robert Koeller, Craig Pinkus and James Voyles, go to indybar.org/2018milestone.
Gerald Cowan
Can you recall one particularly funny or interesting moment from your career in law?
One particularly interesting moment was when a gentleman came to me requesting that I represent him in connection with the settlement of the estate of a friend. I agreed and upon further contact with him, he indicated that not only was the man deceased but his sister had been deceased for years and her bones were in one bedroom and his aunt had been deceased for some time also and her bones were in another bedroom.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?
My greatest achievement has been being elected by my peers to be included in the Best Lawyers in America under several categories, including wills, trusts and estates and sports law.
What has changed most over the last 50 years?
The automation and computerization of the practice of law. Another change is the ability to work from home or even on vacation through the use of email and cell phones. Due to practicing law in this fashion, quality is not sacrificed yet savings take place with respect to overall overhead, which is true for a sole practitioner, such as myself.
Edward Harris
Can you recall one particularly funny or interesting moment from your career in law?
I represented a man whose main goal in life was to remove the stain of a dishonorable discharge from the Army. As he explained very emotionally, he snapped while on leave for reasons he still cannot explain, never returned to his unit, and was court-martialed. Following the hearing, the head of the board addressed Mr. Jackson directly, in words I remember essentially verbatim: “Sgt. Jackson, on behalf of the United States of America, we want to thank you for your exemplary service to your country. Your discharge will be upgraded from dishonorable to honorable. God bless you.” My client and I did a lot of crying.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?
I have tried to provide high quality and caring legal service on a consistent basis. To the extent I have succeeded, I consider that my best achievement.
What has changed most over the last 50 years?
Factors outside the profession affecting the delivery of legal services have forced law firms to shift from a collegial model to much more of a corporate model.
Alex Rogers
Can you recall one particularly funny or interesting moment from your career in law?
During my early law career, I enjoyed and had fun participating as a play/actor in bar association skits and performances produced and directed by Judge Joe Myers.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?
The satisfaction of being able to assist people resolve their various legal problems and issues.
What has changed most over the last 50 years?
The advancements in technology have completely changed the practice of law. The culture and bar environment was far different in the late 60s and 70s. The practice of law was more leisurely and much more congenial. You knew most fellow lawyers. The old dining room operated by the bar association above the Keith’s Theater on Pennsylvania Street and later in the basement of the Indiana National Bank Tower seemed to foster this congeniality, friendships, good relationships and great times.•
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