Vol. 28, No. 1 #4 (February 2005). FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

• Author: By Mary B. Guthrie

Wyoming Bar Journal

2005.

Vol. 28, No. 1 #4 (February 2005).

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WYOMING LAWYERFebruary 2005/Vol. XXVIII, No. 1FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR . . .By Mary B. Guthrie

Throughout the Christmas season, the sounds of carols usually reinforce the joy and gaiety of the season. Many of us go through our days humming, "Joy to the World" or "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." However, during December I experienced sadness rather than joy, because four special friends died during the month. Consequently, the solemn hymn, "In the Bleak Midwinter," more closely captured my mood.(fn1) All four men were well-liked and well-respected lawyers.(fn2) Their funerals were attended by hundreds of people, including Governor Dave Freudenthal and Chief Justice Bill Hill. At each funeral, I was reminded of advice from my father who used to say that we should lead our lives so that people will want to attend our funerals to celebrate our lives, rather than making sure that we were dead! (fn3)

I am going to take the opportunity in this column to reflect on why my four Cheyenne friends, Arch McClintock, Pete Mulvaney, Larry Lehman and Jim Gusea, were so special and how they made a difference in Wyoming. It is interesting to note that even though they spanned a broad range of ages and legal experiences, all of these fine men possessed common qualities. Here is my attempt to praise great men who enjoyed personal and professional successes.(fn4)

Here are some of the attributes that they had in common: They were dedicated to the law

The law was an important part of their lives, which partly explains why they were so successful. Arch McClintock, who lived to be 93, often expressed the view that he was blessed to be a lawyer. He enjoyed great success as a private practitioner, Wyoming Supreme Court justice and Wyoming's Attorney General, a position that he did not assume until he had retired from the Court.

Larry Lehman enjoyed the distinction of being the only person to serve as a circuit, district and supreme court judge. In his four years as Chief Justice he was responsible for several innovative changes to the judicial system. It was particularly fitting that his services were attended by most of the judges in the state, who wore their black robes in honor of his position.

Pete Mulvaney was the son of a lawyer...