59 RI Bar J., No. 8, Pg. 17. Lunch with Legends: Trailblazers, Trendsetters and Treasures of the Rhode Island Bar.

• Author: Matthew R. Plain, Esq. and Elizabeth R. Merritt, Esq.

Rhode Island Bar Journal

Volume 59.

59 RI Bar J., No. 8, Pg. 17.

Lunch with Legends: Trailblazers, Trendsetters and Treasures of the Rhode Island Bar

Rhode Island Bar Journal59 RI Bar J., No. 8, Pg. 17September / October 2011Lunch with Legends: Trailblazers, Trendsetters and Treasures of the Rhode Island BarMatthew R. Plain, Esq. and Elizabeth R. Merritt, Esq.Taylor Duane Barton and Gilman, LLP, Providence

We had lunch with Joe Kelly to gain insight into one of the longest, and arguably one of the most successful legal careers of any active member of the Rhode Island Bar. Upon graduating from LaSalle Academy in 1943, Joe Kelly served in the Navy during World War II. When he returned from service, he enrolled in Providence College. After a couple of years at Providence College (and after a friend had told him that lawyers get the summer off when the courts are closed), he studied law at Northeastern.

Mr. Kelly entered practice in 1951 and continues to practice today. His passion for the practice is palpable. He's quick witted, with an engaging smile and a guileless interest in people. He describes lawyers as being "a little bit cracked," but admits he likes being around them. He's had a myriad of colorful experiences. He told us that once, he, along with fellow lawyer, Ray LaFazia, obtained a verdict against a backhoe manufacturer with inadequate insurance, bought the company and sued its insurer for coverage. They ultimately settled the case. Excerpts from our conversation with the legend follow:

What's your most memorable experience from practicing law?

I remember one time this [other lawyer] gave me a case, and it had to go to trial right awayI tried [it] for about six or seven days, and then the case settled. I went back to the office, and I sat down and I said, 'I have no idea why that case settled. I have no idea if it's a good settlement. I have no idea why I settled it. I have no idea if my client is happy. The only thing I know is that I settled because I wanted to get the hell out of the courtroom.' But I said to myself, 'From this day forward, ain't no son of a bitch gonna run me out of the courtroom. They can step on me, they can insult me, they can laugh at me, they can hold me up to ridicule, but they ain't gonna run me outta the courtroom.' And they ain't never done it since!

Who's been your toughest opponent?

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