As I ride off into the sunset, I would like to thank the members of the OCBA for giving me the privilege to serve as a board member and, ultimately, as its president. It seems so long ago that I joined the board after a couple of unsuccessful runs for the position. And even longer that I was sworn in to the practice of law by the late Honorable Hilda Gage on my father's motion. Serving as OCBA president was not on my radar in 1995, but it has been one of the greatest accomplishments of my career, thanks to all of you.
The OCBA and the courts of Oakland County are where I grew up as a lawyer. I learned how to lawyer, both in the courtroom and outside of it. Judges took time to gently (and not so gently) give me their thoughts on my performance. Opposing counsel time and again took time to share their thoughts on "good practice" and the "right way" of doing things. And my colleagues at the prosecutor's office (many of whom are now judges) did their best to keep me humble.*
Unlike physicians, there is no residency period for attorneys. But in essence the OCBA and the courts here provided me with just that. I was given opportunities to learn, opportunities to lead and opportunities to succeed. And I am deeply indebted to all of those who made it possible for me to do so. As I leave the OCBA's management team, my message to the membership is that we should all pitch in and do the same for the new generations of lawyers: give them opportunities to learn, lead and succeed. And to the new generations of lawyers, I offer the humble suggestion that the OCBA is the place for you to do so (as it was for me) if you make the commitment not just to membership, but to real participation.
I can assure you the OCBA is in good hands with the executive board members I served with this year who will continue to serve you. All of them are well-known to the OCBA membership. Incoming President Jim Parks is one of the most decent people I know. The level of his legal acumen is only exceeded by the size of his heart. President Elect Dan Quick, an outstanding commercial litigator and subject matter expert, is truly committed to maintaining the true soul and moral compass of this institution. Vice President Keefe Brooks' insight time and again proved his value as the executive board's eminence grise. Finally, while unable to serve as president due to her role in the judiciary, the Honorable Maureen McGinnis's wisdom (and countless hours of personal time) resulted in updates and changes that will positively impact the OCBA for many years to come. And Jennifer Roosenberg kept the ship sailing smoothly in the right direction. When we were all together in a room, I was never the smartest person, but fortunately I recognized the smart ideas that came from each of them.
I look forward to returning to being a member and enjoying all the OCBA offers. As a member, I am eager to see the continued developments that are currently in the planning stages at the board level. While I concede I am looking forward to being a past president (emphasis on "past"), I will continue to do what I have asked of all of you: participate. Because the future of the OCBA is all of ours to make.
-------
* And now, wearing the black robe, they seem to relish it even more.
-------
Gerald J. Gleeson II, of Miller, Canfield, Paddock, & Stone PLC, is the 85th president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
Published: Wed, Jul 25, 2018
