I’ve never really agreed with those that say the primary purpose of the President's Column is to provide inspiration to the members, just as I've never agreed with those that say the primary purpose of the magazine is to make the Bar Association look good. I've always thought the purpose of a column—whether it be the president's or anybody else's—is to express an opinion, just as I've always thought the primary purpose of a magazine—whether it be ours or anybody else's—is to inform the reader.

This is not to say there is anything wrong with inspirational messages or making the Bar look good; it is, after all, largely what we do here. And I don't have a problem with that. But as a long term proposition, that can't be a publication's overriding principal. At the end of the day, it has to be about something more; it has to be about accuracy, since that's the only reason people pick up the darn thing and read it in the first place. A column on the Bill of Rights or a feature on someone's lifelong commitment to community service doesn't do anybody any good if the author and/or publication is not perceived as credible.

Even before my term in office began, I knew one of the more daunting aspects of the job, at least for me, would be the writing of this column. It wasn't so much the blank piece of paper that worried me so much, although that didn't help, as it was the expectation that I “have a take and not suck.” In fulfilling that obligation, I may not have always been particularly inspiring, but at the very least I hope that I have been informative.

I suppose it's customary at the end of the year to thank all of those who made it all possible which, of course, is impossible to do. But if I had to thank anyone for their contributions to the Bar this year it would have to be the Bar Council. There are, of course, certain individuals who stand out. But everyone's circumstances are different, and thus everyone who sits on Bar Council contributes in their own unique way. The accomplishments of the individual are important, but the job of governance doesn't get done without the combined efforts of the entire Council. And for that I thank them. It has been an honor and a privilege serving not only the members of the association, but all of the dedicated and hardworking members of the Bar Council.

In closing, I only have one favor to ask. Always leave the court in as good a mood as you found it. The next poor slob who might have to appear could be me.

November/December 2006