Good Judgment. Wise Counsel. Aggressive Representation.

Never Lose Perspective

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2018 | Criminal Law, Title IX |

I’ve been representing students for 22 years. Students are future employees. They are on their career path, just really early. So when I represent them, to make sure their lives are not ruined by their own mistakes or the wrongful conduct of others, I view it as very similar to the work I do for adult employees in careers.

But since they are either children or at the higher ed level, typically young adults, they are vulnerable. As I write this, I am reminded of that vulnerability. I am at a hockey game fundraiser for teen suicide in honor of an Ann Arbor boy who took his life last spring. I knew that boy from the time he grew up. He was not bullied. He was not a loner.

These types of losses are inexplicable. I applaud the strength of these good parents for allowing the community to learn from and become more resilient to the evil spirit that took the life of their child. I don’t mean evil spirit in a religious sense. I mean the loss of hope combined with impulsivity that all humans can feel. This boy came from a good home; had good friends: attended a good church. No one would have reasonably thought he lacked the human connection to get past a rotten day.

We need to look out for one another and treat each other with decency and kindness, even when we are tired and wounded. Even when we battle for our own dignity, it is not a fight to the death. We all share a communal space, and life, even the lives of those who harm us, is precious.

I work very hard never to lose perspective.

Keep up your own hope, and have faith in tomorrow.