Cliff Rieders on "Great Mentors"
(Reprinted from Pennsylvania Lawyer with permission of the author.)
A veteran lawyer shares his thoughts on the people who have helped, guided and influenced his life and career in the law — and the qualities they have in common
By Cliff Rieders
"Rabban Gamliel used to say: ‘Appoint a teacher for yourself, and remove yourself from uncertainty.’ ” This phrase from Pirkay Avot, the last chapter in the Talmud, has been quoted through the centuries. The saying has come down morphed to us as suggesting that one ought to secure for himself a great mentor. The Talmud is the interpretive work to the Hebrew Bible and offers much current wisdom.
It is not enough merely to learn from a mentor but rather to garner some degree of comfort or certainty in connection with one’s path in life.
I have been blessed with many great mentors in my life who have influenced my legal career, and some of them are more obvious than others.
Parents
Any son or daughter who wrote an article about mentors and did not mention his or her parents would immediately be subject to Freudian analysis. How could one talk about what one has learned in life without noting his or her parents? I was fortunate enough to have secured parents who were similar in terms of their morals and ethics but very different in their approach to people. My mother always counseled learning by listening and extreme thoughtfulness towards others. My father had an aggressive streak, was proud of being opinionated and worked diligently for the causes he believed in. This distinct combination of colors on the palette of experience provided choices to create differing hues with which to paint the portrait of life.
Both of my parents struggled to get through college during the Great Depression. My mother still brags about spending her formative years growing up on a farm in upstate New York. My father was equally enamored to grow up in what he liked to call “Harlem,” which was really New York City’s Upper West Side and, later on, Washington Heights.
A strong sense of duty to occupation, fidelity to values and a never-quit attitude is what my parents brought to the table. My mother worked from the time she was 15, and she never stopped. She worked in the family business and in the community, and she ran her brother’s engineering company when he died prematurely. What my mother served to me was a strong sense that success is more related to effort than to gender, color, religion, nationality, brains or any other attribute.
William J. Trecott Jr.
Bill was the dockmaster at Stepping Stone Park in Great Neck, N.Y., where I worked as a Coast Guard-licensed launch boat operator. Bill had been captain of an LST landing ship during World War II in North Africa, they tell me, where he lost an eye. He taught me how to swear. I learned some swearing from my father and the truck drivers who worked for him, but nothing like what I learned from Bill. In the law, it is important to know how to swear every once in a while, especially if the judge or your opponent really gets on your nerves. I also learned from William J. Trecott Jr. how to fix a packing gland on an inboard engine, the proper way to dock a launch in a crosswind and that “machinery” could refer to the female anatomy as well as the parts of a World War II vintage diesel engine. I think of Bill every once in a while when someone makes me really angry.
Henry Rothblatt
My first job in a law office was for the New York City law firm of Rothblatt, Rothblatt, Seijas and Peskin. Steve Peskin eventually went on to become president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Henry Rothblatt was the first real character in the law that I met. He was not the last, but he made a lifelong impression. Henry was a well-respected criminal lawyer who enjoyed representing military people and wound up representing the four Miami men who were accused of breaking into the Watergate. As soon as Henry Rothblatt found out the men were pleading guilty because they were receiving hush money, Henry refused to represent them again; he would not even represent them in their guilty plea. Henry’s contribution was never to compromise with the truth. He was a quirky, driven man dedicated to excellence in preparing his cases for trial. When the books on Watergate were written, Rothblatt was probably the only lawyer who came out unscathed.
Judge Malcolm Muir
Judge Muir’s exactitude for clear writing and expeditiousness influenced everyone around him and must have tied into some character trait of mine. A short piece, like this, would not be long enough to explain the remarkable influence of Malcolm Muir, but a few small examples will suffice. I am the only person I know who reuses Post-it pads and 3-by-5 cards. It would shock many to know how long the paste lasts on the back of Post-it pads.
Whenever I have a difficult legal problem come up, the question always pops into my mind, “What is the right thing to do?” I cannot attribute that to Judge Muir alone, since my parental and religious training also direct me to that question, but Judge Muir certainly reinforced the importance of the do-the-right-thing approach to the law. Judge Muir’s sense of orderliness, somewhat difficult to adjust to as a young, impetuous lawyer, actually does lead to better results and even higher ethical qualities. Judge Muir never, to my recollection, used a profanity, rarely talked badly about another person unless it was absolutely necessary and could not be dissuaded from working diligently on difficult tasks.
Muir, like all great mentors, provided guidance by example. A turning point in my life was when I attempted to quit my job because I thought Judge Muir was not pleased sufficiently with my work. Muir seemed to be shocked by my sensitivity and simply deposited my resignation letter in his burning Franklin stove without ever reading it. A short but telling lecture on the need to have a thicker skin and not display “rejected suitor syndrome” was of inestimable value.
Judge Clinton W. Smith
Judge Smith was the partner who convinced me to stay in Williamsport after one of the partners in the firm from whom I received my insurance defense work left. “You would be much better as a plaintiff ’s lawyer anyway,” Clint Smith told me.
Smith was the first to stand up when he thought another lawyer was not using funds in the appropriate way. He was instrumental in changing discriminatory policies at a local private club. He was more than the amazing rainmaker who helped the careers of the young lawyers; he had a consummate sense of decency.
Clint also had another unusual characteristic for lawyers. The would-be judge knew how to listen and knew how to listen with long periods of silence. In fact, Clint’s willingness and ability to listen became somewhat legendary. Too many lawyers talk more than they listen. Clinton Smith was proof that listening carefully before acting made for a better result and fairer judging.
Rabbi Norman Singer
Rabbi Singer, deceased for approximately 15 years, may not have been a lawyer, but he thought like a lawyer. Of course, anyone who spends his life studying Torah and Talmud is going to think like a lawyer since the interpretive works to the Jewish Bible comprise legal decisions. In fact, the entire process of Biblical development in Judaism is a legal process whereby fair conclusions are reached after consideration of much evidence. That evidence comprises experiences in life. Singer was more than a rabbi, however. He was a friend and a true mentor.
When I passed through the stage of my life where I wanted to learn more about the wisdom of our sages (a stage I am still partially in), Rabbi Singer always had a book to recommend. If a rabbi is also supposed to be a teacher, then Rabbi Singer was a teacher.
Rabbi Singer loved lawyers and was fond of saying that “G-d is your law partner.” Obviously Rabbi Singer did not know all of my law partners! Rabbi Singer’s respect for the law was consistent with his respect for Jewish religious law as both a protector and promoter of justice while at the same time serving as a bulwark of orderliness. When the Torah spoke of a judge not showing favoritism to someone who is rich or undue sympathy to the poor, a standard was being set that Rabbi Singer understood is still more of a vision than a reality.
My Wife and Friends
This short piece would become full of saccharin-sweet drippiness if I said what I really thought about my wife, so I will merely say that she is a wonderful partner and friend who has also taught the skills of temperament and calm and the value of hard work. My father always advised me to find a Jewish farm girl. There are not many of those, but he found one and I found another. We were two lucky guys, that’s for sure.
There is no question that my law firm would not be what it is today were it not for Kim’s outstanding ability as the managing partner. She has had to evict partners from the firm, hire and fire staff, build her own excellent staff, manage money, address internal problems, bring us into the computer age and make sure that everyone behaved themselves. Fifteen or 20 years ago she made the acquaintance of an industrial psychologist, whom she has since brought into the office on numerous occasions when there were problems, perceived problems or even possible prospective problems. That direct and aggressive approach has not only avoided breakups common in law firms but has helped to create a glue that has been surprisingly persistent. Kim has raised fabulous children and makes bloom everything she touches, although she cannot keep a plant alive for more than about two days. Well, OK, no one is perfect.
Jack Humphrey
Jack is probably more responsible for my coming to Williamsport than anyone else. When professor Roy Shotland suggested I interview with Judge Muir, I was only too delighted to see what a lovely country life could be like. Little did I know that I would be subject to the gifts of John Maxim Humphrey. While other law clerk interviewees were taken to the Ross Club in Williamsport, Jack Humphrey took me to the New Brass Rail, where a hamburger and a beer was $2.50. I knew I was going to like this guy. Initially, Humphrey struck me as the consummate strong, silent type. With the evolution of time and friendship, we eventually became law partners and the closest of friends. What Jack had to teach is what great men and women should always teach others: Hold your temper, listen to others and be careful about having a judgmental nature.
Jack and I have spent many years talking and debating matters political, spiritual and personal. There probably is no better listener than Jack, with the possible exception of my wife. Notice all the great mentors are good listeners! Being a good listener is obviously a sign of greatness. For those who want to mentor others, a few hours with Jack Humphrey would be an invaluable lesson. Naturally, Jack has become the respected, clear-headed, direct and diplomatic voice of the firm. I have often thought that Jack Humphrey easily could have gone on to a life on the bench, in politics or other areas where he would have achieved great public recognition. He chose not to do that but rather to build a life, a family, a practice, in north central Pennsylvania. At one time I thought that Jack’s efforts here were partially wasted, but I eventually came to realize that the real contribution to life comes in small, perceptible steps on a one-on-one basis with other people. That is Jack’s mentoring skill as well.
My Kids
My kids have been mentors to me as well. Sound strange? The Pirkay Avot also says that “while I have learned much from my teachers, even more from my colleagues, I have learned the most from my students.” There is some remarkable truth about that statement. While acting as a parent, I have tried very hard to learn from my children.
From my oldest daughter, Sasha, a lawyer in a personal injury law firm in New York City, I learned that sparing no effort will enable one to overcome almost any obstacle. Sasha has worked as hard as anyone I know to be in touch with herself, her world and her life. She has gone from being a child of divorce, at times confused and angry, to a great young woman whose advice is always beneficial.
Kaila is a freshman in college. She has shown a latent interest in politics, which she must have inherited from her grandparents, who were active Republicans in New York State. Kaila’s charm is so effusive that it is difficult to say no to her, even when she is being totally unreasonable. Kaila’s mentoring consists of persistence and self-confidence. Hillel wrote: “If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” That was a favorite line of Israel’s first woman prime minister, Golda Meir. That should and doubtless will become Kaila’s mantra as well. She has come to understand balance in life and self-confidence. Kaila’s political skills combined with her personality will take her far.
Joshua Herbert, named after my father, is a great mentor every day. I am not just talking about golf, where he exceeds most adults and children that I know. Joshua’s discipline is inspiring. He does not throw golf clubs or stomp around when he should. More important, Joshua is that good guy whom everyone respects. When Kaila had to write a paper about the person she most respected in the world, much to everyone’s shock she wrote about the younger brother she loves to fight with. Joshua was not afraid to stand up for being Jewish at a time and in a community where he was the only Jewish kid in the school and frequently put up with anti-Semitic slurs. Kaila stayed in the same school system through high school, and she greatly admires her brother’s tenacity and strength of character. She was right, and he was a mentor to her when she needed it. I will continue speaking to Joshua even if he does become a pediatrician, as he promises.
Staff
Apropos to learning the most from one’s students, I have learned a great deal from the many fine staff people I have worked with over the years. The most important lesson is that fogies who complain about the new young’ns coming up the ladder are simply full of baloney. I see no difference between the new people entering the workforce and the people I worked with two and three decades ago. The competency, drive and integrity of the new generation are at least equal to the old. The bottom line is that people are people and respect for all will yield remarkable results.
I was told by my hardworking secretary, after she read the first eight “great mentors,” that I had to say something about my staff. The lesson here is that if you do not listen to your staff, you will get nothing done and earn no money, and life will become a hardship. Always listen to your staff! Even if they are wrong, always listen to your staff. You will be surprised how often your staff is not wrong but, when you think about it, actually correct. Good staff, encouraged by you, will look up the rules and the case law and work hard to show you that they know a lot. Take those challenges in stride and be proud of them.
Encourage your employees to get more education, pay for it when you can and never be shy with a well-deserved compliment. Criticize sparingly; make sure it is done in private, professionally and with good cause. Even though Pennsylvania is an at-will state, have some horse sense about discipline and make sure it is always progressive unless disaster requires an emergency response. It is amazing how many problems can be avoided with just a little bit of thoughtfulness. Kim has a favorite saying: “Attitude is everything.” I used to think that was a bit of an overstatement, but time has proven her right about this.
My Opponents
Usually left out of articles on great mentors are one’s opponents. Applying listening skills and patience to dealing with opponents will reveal a gold mine of benefits. It is amazing how much other people know, even those who are your opponents in the law and disagree with you. There are some people I just hate to listen to, whom I find philosophically repulsive and whose looks I do not even like. However, I have found that virtually all of these people have something to say that I never thought of, are just as smart as I am and usually are much better looking.
Some other lawyers really do have social problems, and perhaps there was some subconscious sadism that drove them into the law. That is a rare exception, indeed, and most of my opponents have truly been intelligent and decent, and many times they simply have a different point of view. We live and breathe in an advocacy system where most people want to get along, make a living, raise kids, play golf every once in a while and just do their own thing, whatever that is. The same skills that make lawyers great mentors also make for relatively easy relationships with opponents: good listening skills and patience.
I am fond of saying to young lawyers, especially those who do trial work, that if you do not like the position of the other side, that is what the courts are there for. Nobody should be angry at another lawyer because an agreement cannot be reached. Agreements cannot always be reached, but civility is possible more often than not. I have tried a few cases with one or two objections after a week in the courtroom. Experienced lawyers who know and respect one another can get an awful lot done with a minimal amount of gray hair and high blood pressure. It helps to be in good physical health, have wonderful genes and to bike, jog and eat well. Having said all of that, if you do not have those particular attributes, at least be courteous to your opponent. It usually will pay off.
I have learned a tremendous amount from some excellent opponents and even from some lawyers who are not very good. Even bad work has impressed me in terms of knowing what to avoid. I have seen some bad behavior in the courtroom and said to myself, “Man, I don’t ever want to go there.” Likewise, I have seen some fine gentlemen and ladies performing tremendous services for their clients by being immaculately prepared, professional in their approach, fair-minded and expedient.
Years ago I read a study that one of the biggest complaints that laymen have about lawyers is how long everything seems to take. Lawyers who know how to get things done are good mentors to others, set a fine example and tend to do very well financially. Get the job done and you will be far ahead of your opponent.
Conclusion
So what do we learn from great mentors in and around the law?
• Patience
• Good listening skills
• Preparation
• Diligence
• Civility
• Good genes or good lifestyle
• Thoughtfulness
• Courtesy
• Self-control
• Humor
We can all have a lot more fun in the law and a very self-satisfying career if we remember that we are all human beings toiling behind the same plow.
