Introduction

• Author: Kenneth P. Nolan
• Pages: ix-xi

Contents

ix

The law is a wonderful profession. It is also demanding and stress-

ful, with much hard work. Many times I wanted to quit and return to

teaching high school with weekends and summers free. But after 35

years I still enjoy it. It’s exasperating at times, always challenging, and

requires a multitude of talents—speaking, writing, researching, ana-

lyzing, advocating, and dealing with people—some good, many hor-

rible. It is stimulating and rewarding. I recommend it.

I have handled all types of litigation—from small claims court to

megamillion-dollar lawsuits. I have tried a wide variety of cases: auto,

slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, aviation, products, construction,

and contract disputes—in state and federal court. I’ve litigated through-

out the country—Cleveland, Chicago, Miami, Buffalo, Lexington, New

York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Ohio. I’ve written appellate briefs

and argued appeals. I’ve won and I’ve lost. I’ve made plenty of mis-

takes. I still do. We all do, even the famous ones—the ones knighted

by the media or by themselves as Super Lawyers.

Over the years I’ve written about my experiences in Litigation Jour-

nal, published by the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Asso-

ciation. My inspiration was never some mysterious muse, but ordinary

people, those I grew up with and lived with on those hard, wonderful

Brooklyn streets. Where getting knocked down or losing was celebrated

as character building. Where games were played dodging cars or in

barren concrete schoolyards. Where homes, schools, and churches were

crowded and everyone knew everyone. It certainly was excellent prepa-

ration for interacting with lawyers, judges, clerks, and clients. Not be-

ing raised in a leafy suburb was a blessing, I suppose.

A few years after I started at Speiser Krause, Paul Rheingold, a

superb lawyer, suggested I submit my name to Litigation, since they

were searching for editors with journalism experience, which I had

from working at The New York Times. I started as an associate editor in

1982 and have been with Litigation and the Section of Litigation ever

since. I now write the “Sidebar” column and am a senior editor.

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Introduction