Acknowledgments

• Author: Kevin R. Culhane
• Pages: 7-7

F-7

Acknowledgments

It has now been over 22 years since the First Edition of Model Interrogatories was published. The book has been

supplemented annually, and with each new effort I have benefited from the able help and sometimes not too subtle

encouragement of Melinda Matthews. I would once again like to thank her for her tireless efforts in word processing

each annual supplement.

In preparing the Supplement on the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act, I was inspired by the activities

of certain women whom I admire. The chapter began as an effort to honor Jeanne, who, without fanfare or recom-

pense, works to soften the world faced by children with disabilities. It continued as a tribute to Jennifer, who literally

emerged from the darkness to claim the light. It was also intended as a salute to Kaitlin, who once used her exception-

al athletic skills to engage a single autistic boy. Finally, it was inspired by my goddaughter Katie, who always had to

trade two steps for one. She has remained of good cheer throughout and—to borrow an overused sports analogy—she

always brought the heat.

This book is dedicated to two men who had a profound effect upon the course of my life. The first is the late

Gordon D. Schaber, after whom the courthouse in which I sit is named. He served as a teacher, mentor, confidante

and advisor on more occasions than memory can recall. During the last years of his life he was burdened with lofty

“Counselor” and “Emeritus” titles, but was always regarded, by those of us who first saw the law through his eyes,

simply as “The Dean.” Like so many others, I consider myself fortunate to have counted this elegant man as a friend.

The second is my friend and law partner for a quarter century, the late Hartley T. Hansen. Although Hartley was

recognized as one of America’s finest attorneys, he always maintained his sense of humor and commitment to sim-

ple justice for his clients. Though stricken with an unexpected and unrelenting disease, he maintained his essential

humanity to the end. As I told him only minutes before he departed this life, I shall miss him every day.

K.R.C.

Sacramento, California

September 2009