I was the first on my father's side of the family to earn a college degree. I've done hot-tar roofing, hauled hay, mopped floors, done electrical work, dug ditches, cleaned commodes, delivered pizzas, worked in a factory, and been a security guard. I worked my way through school during which effort I dropped out several times to work. I've seen how the poor are treated. I've seen and personally en
countered bad treatment by police, court clerks, city and county agencies, car dealers, debt collection agencies, welfare departments, school districts; I know all about it. That is not to say that every public agency deserves criticism. I have represented some fine law enforcement officers and other public employees. I have favorite clerks, policemen, teachers and school employees, public employees who take their jobs and the word "public" seriously; these people are the ones who help make things work most of the time without a whole lot of favoritism and bull and I appreciate them. My bottom line is fair treatment. The law is supposed to apply to everybody, and to protect everybody, without regard to color, where you came from, what you're wearing, or how much money or stuff you have. Three of my rules are these: 1) Whatever it is you are dealing with, do it in writing and always sign, date, and keep a copy; 2) If you have to lie to win your case, then you are not supposed to win; 3) I will agree to terms of payment for legal services that take into account the ability to pay including reduced hourly rates, payment plans, and barter and trade; but unless it is understood from the outset that a case is to be a freebie I will expect to be paid as agreed.
