Page 55 - ACTL_Win23

And one thing that we have in common, that nearly ev- ery inductee mentioned, was that we all benefited from great mentoring. It’s something just about every inductee mentioned in their submission; a mentor who guided us through the early stages of our career, showing us the finer points of trial practice, and encouraging us to be better lawyers and lawyers of integrity. We wouldn’t be here if not for those hundreds of lawyers who cared enough about us and about the profession to take the time to give us some friendly advice and who were always there to lend a guid- ing hand when we needed it. They made us better lawyers and we carry their legacy with us here tonight.
We almost certainly wouldn’t be here without the love and support of family. Whether it was a parent who inspired us, a sibling who looked out for us, a child who humbled us, or a spouse who loved and supported us, despite our many flaws. We likely would have never accomplished much in our lives if it wasn’t for our family. For me, I am
blessed to share the journey through life with my beautiful wife, Amy Mone. She has always been the perfect sound- ing board for me and I use her as my own personal focus group. Whenever I have a case, I like to lay out the differ- ent facts and ask her, “Well, what do you think about this?” And then she tells me that she thinks the plaintiff has no case. And then I add on another fact, “Well, what do you think about this?” “Well . . .” “What if I told you this and this and this?” Eventually, she may give me a grudg- ing thumbs-up but it’s not often. But you know, it’s better that I know and that she helps me identify the weaker as- pects of my case, legal or otherwise, so that at least I get a preview of what I need to work on, legal or otherwise.
Amy and I are fortunate to be joined tonight by my moth- er, Margaret. As many of you may know, my father was a past president of the College; he passed away in March of 2020. But he and my mother enjoyed so many wonderful friendships here among the Fellows and their spouses and
WINTER 2023 JOURNAL 54