Judge Masters and Richard M. Weiss Win Professionalism Awards
by admin
The Willson American Inn of Court presented professionalism awards to Judge Ellen Masters and Polk County Clerk of Court Richard M. Weiss at its annual awards dinner tonight in Lakeland. Congratulations!
Judge Chris Altenbernd of the Second District Court of Appeals gave a speech on professionalism that included a moving (true) story involving a young white attorney who stood up for the rights of a black defendant, who was not his client, in 1970 in a small town in Mississippi. Just a few courageous uninvited words to the judge meant the difference between the defendant paying a $50 fine or spending a year in jail. The young attorney, who’s identity is unknown, inspired Judge Altenbernd to became a lawyer. Judge Altenbernd’s intent was to remind us that the practice of law is about people and their personal stories. By remembering and telling our own personal stories, and that of our clients, we can rejuvenate our sense of direction and the inspiration that led us to become lawyers.
Judge Altenbernd was openly and sincerely overcome with emotion when telling this 40-year-old story. My own stories are as emotional to me. I have clients and cases that hit me hard every time I think about them. It’s nice for such a distinguished source to confirm that these stories and emotions are as important to him as to me in staying motivated and energetic about my profession. I truly enjoyed getting up to go to work this morning, and I am looking forward to tomorrow.
