It was the day that David Nelson had dreamt about for literally a decade. When he had first been told that his name would be on the list of candidates proposed by the panel, he had been cautiously optimistic. When he learned he had been selected, he was overjoyed. When he learned he was approved unanimously after only perfunctory interrogation he became speechless.
Now, however, as he slipped on his “vetements de decideur,” his heart beat with the calm regularity of a man assuming his destined role. From this day forward, it would be David Nelson’s job to punish those who crossed the line, to help the innocent pursue their goals without interference from those who would strike them down. He realized the responsibility that he now held as “the law.” He already felt the weight on his shoulders that came from the knowledge that his rulings could change events and destinies, and perhaps determine who might take home millions of dollars. He renewed the promise to himself, long ago made, that he would judge firmly, fairly, and with authority. He remembered his decade-long promise that he would voice his rulings, when his time came, with a clear voice, to send his message not only to those who may be present, but to all of those who might hear his words across our nation.
Those who had come to watch, were asked to rise and did so dutifully. Nelson’s eyes scanned the faces of those easiest within view, and revelled in the raw patriotism that radiated from them. David then glanced around and eyed the first set of combatants who would stake their claims before him. As he did so, David Nelson remembered the day he had graduated law shool. He remembered his first day as a law clerk for the federal judge. He remembered his first day at each of the three firms for whom he had toiled. He also remembered his parents whose “love of the game” had propelled him even as he realized it was so much more than that, and thought of his wife and two children, still at home in Pennsicola, Fla.
The representatives of each side approached, as David Nelson eyed his lucky coin one last time. He had once dreamed of being a trial judge. His reveries had then migrated to bolder aspirations, imagining himself as an appeals court jurist. Those thoughts were long behind him now, however. On this magical day, David Nelson began the job for which he had been born. He looked into the eyes of the men before him, introduced himself quickly, and then issued his first, official, pronouncement. “Call it in the air.”And with those words, David Nelson, attorney at law, began his new job as a referree in the National Football League. He could not have been happier.
© 2011 under analysis llc. Under analysis is a nationally syndicated column of the Levison Group. Charles Kramer is a principal of the St Louis Missouri based law firm, RiezmanBerger, PC. Comments or criticisms regarding this column may be sent to the Levision Group c/o this paper,or direct by email to comments@levisongroup.com.