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June 26, 2009

Ruminations of an Old Geezer

One of the few pleasures of being an old attorney is reminiscing about the characters that were members of the Bar during our younger days. Some of them were cantankerous; some were pompous; some were willing to help a younger attorney and some were just great role models.

One that I will always remember was Stanley U. Robinson, Jr. Stanley was not a friend or a partner – I knew him only by reputation and by seeing him on High Street.

My most vivid memories of Mr. Robinson are from the Viet Nam War period. In those days my office overlooked the state capitol grounds and from that vantage point, I could see a poignant drama that unfolded each week. Rain or shine, in hot weather or cold, Stanley and other peace advocates gathered in front of the capitol to protest the war.

Sometimes they held lighted candles as they slowly and quietly read the names of the current casualties. They never responded to the insults or comments of passersby.

Stanley stood there every week. I never knew his religious affiliation, although I assumed he was a Quaker since he represented many conscientious objectors before the Central Ohio draft boards. Belief manifests itself in many ways but, to me, Stanley Robinson represented the ultimate in “standing up for your beliefs.”

Editors’ note: We always look forward to readers’ remarks and contributions, so it is a pleasure to publish this essay recalling a lasting impression of a steadfast advocate. Let this be an invitation to senior lawyers (and all others) to send us your stories.

~ written by Lloyd E. Fisher, Jr.