Administrative Assistants' Day

            I am taking a break from examining ways to lose a custody case in order to discuss Administrative Assistants' Day, which is tomorrow, April 23, 2014. I recall this special day used to be called "Secretaries' Day," but that term has become enveloped in a certain political incorrectness for its failure to recognize the scope of the duties undertaken by those to be honored tomorrow.

            I really never have had a true "secretary" – primarily because I haven't needed the traditional services rendered by one so described. Even though I entered the practice long before computers, I was somewhat of an aberration as a lawyer. I never dictated anything; I did my own typing for the most part.

             I learned to type during the summer between my 9^th and 10^th grade years when my father insisted I take a summer school class entitled "Personal Typing for Boys."

            Along with all the papers I brought home at the end of the 1958-59 school year was a flyer about the typing class, which would be limited to boys and taught every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 9:00 for six weeks. Although I was far from enthusiastic about this "opportunity," I couldn't overcome my father's argument that there were three reasons I should take the course.

"First of all," he said, "you intend to go to college and your grades will be better if you type your papers. Second, if you go into a business or profession and your secretary (there's that word) is off, you may need to type your own work. But most important, if you ever get drafted and the army finds out you can type, you will be in an office far from any battles." Who could argue with that?

            I have had a number of true assistants in my work life. When I was Editor-in-Chief of the Ohio State Law Journal, I gained so much from the wonderful woman who served as the keeper of the collective memory of "how it was done." At Capital Law School, it was scheduling student appointments and setting up meetings that required help. At the Courthouse, Sarah and Harriet kept me on task and ran my courtroom. When I first returned to practice, my wife Donna (who is a Certified Legal Assistant) was instrumental in getting the practice up and running.

            But the best, ever, is our current legal assistant, Liz Wood. As we point out to her, she runs this place. If she ever leaves, my retirement will promptly follow. Liz is very smart. She anticipates what needs to be done and does it – flawlessly. She is the only paralegal in an office with three lawyers, and she is always one step ahead. She makes sure I know what tasks must be done and pesters me if I get behind. She is masterful in the way she deals with clients. Her sense of humor is amazing. And she can be just mean enough!

            So, Liz, happy Administrative Assistants' Day. We are sure glad to have you!