Page 97 - ACTL_Win23

an excellent working relationship with the insurance carri- ers he represented, but that relationship has been displaced with an adversarial relationship between the insurance car- riers and the defense attorneys. These are tensions that did not exist earlier. Burr points out that in early years, the lawyer would advance the costs until the case was over. At
the end of the case, Burr would determine what he thought was a fair amount to charge, plus the costs he had advanced. The only pushback he ever got from an insurance company was that he had not billed enough.
As Burr approaches 94 years old, he continues to work ev- ery day at the Udall Law Firm. He admits he is in the office seven to eight hours per day, although he probably works two to three hours. In recent years, Burr’s practice focuses on mediation. When lawyers call Burr and ask who is a good mediator, Burr humorously responds, “Me.” Burr be- lieves that what he brings to a mediation is a good feel for what the range of settlement should be.
While training the lawyers in his firm, Burr tells them to forget about picking up a Dictaphone, typing emails, or texting the opposing lawyer. They should instead, get on the phone and have a phone conference with the lawyer on the other side and things will get done faster.
Burr’s advice to any young lawyer is: Try as many cases as they can, always do pro bono work, and be 100% honest.
Having an honest reputation pays off. Early in his career, Burr saw an attorney, Rogers, on the street. Burr needed an extension. Rogers said OK. Nevertheless, Rogers filed a motion arguing the missed deadline. Burr recounted to the Judge the conversation he had with Rogers on the street. The Judge turned to Mr. Rogers and asked if that was true. Rogers responded, “I don’t recall, but if Burr says I did, I must have agreed.”
Burr was inducted into the College in 1979. Burr didn’t think he was qualified when he was nominated, but was honored. Burr has been an active member of the College, especially the Arizona State Committee. He points out that the positive things the College has brought to him are getting to know people of great integrity and great talent. In his opinion, the College represents the best of the best. When looking at any nomination, he looks for #1 - Integ- rity, #2 - Ability to try cases, and #3 - Collegiality.
In a 2018 interview with the University of Arizona Library, Burr was asked about precedent setting cases he had tried, and said, “I don’t think I ever did. Nothing out of the or- dinary. I just represent who walks in the door.” He added
“My most important case is the case I am trying.”
We should all be proud of our Fellow Burr Udall who has been an active trial lawyer for nearly eight decades!
Ronald H. McLean Fargo, ND
WINTER 2023
JOURNAL 96
In 2005, Burr was recognized for distinguished service to the profession and to the people of Arizona by the Arizona State Bar. He is one of only two lawyers so honored, the other being Sandra Day O’Connor.